"O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves part of their outer garments (jilbab). That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful,” Surah Al-Ahzab, Verse 59.

If I could pinpoint one verse that truly captures the purpose of the hijab (or jilbab for some), it’s definitely this verse from Surah Al-Ahzab. When you reflect on it, it beautifully explains the essence of wearing it: to remain unseen, shielded from wandering eyes, and to protect women from harm.

While the world may continue to label the hijab as 'oppression,' we, as Muslim women, find empowerment, comfort, and peace in covering ourselves. The hijab isn’t just a piece of cloth. It’s a form of protection, both physical and spiritual, allowing us to move through the world without being reduced to appearances. 

In Islam, a woman’s worth is never about how much of herself she shows to the world. She is not a commodity to be judged by passing eyes. Allah SWT has already bestowed upon her dignity and respect. Whether the world acknowledges it or not.

But every woman’s journey with Allah SWT is uniquely her own. For some, wearing the hijab comes with ease, and its purpose is clear from the start. For others, even if the hijab is already part of their life, they may still be trying to grasp its deeper meaning, struggling to understand the purpose behind wearing it, or finding peace and balance between prioritizing the deen and the pressures of society around them.

This struggle can be intensified when you’re surrounded by individuals who do not support your connection to the commandment of Allah SWT. In such moments, the insidious whispers of Shaytan may emerge, suggesting thoughts like, “You’d look better without it” or “You can’t enjoy life if you wear it.” 

But dear sisters, in a world where being half-dressed is often mistaken for 'empowerment,' the hijab offers true freedom. It allows us to reclaim our narrative, embrace our faith, and walk through life with confidence, without fearing judgment for how we look. It brings us back to the verse from Surah Al-Ahzab; the hijab is meant to act as a shield. 

It keeps us covered and protected from the harmful, prying eyes of the world, from societal pressures, and unrealistic beauty standards. It frees us from the need to conform to fleeting trends, helping us center our identity on our values and our faith.

The hijab doesn’t diminish a woman’s beauty, it refines it. True beauty isn’t defined by what society demands we display, but by the honor of what Allah SWT has created. Think of the rarest jewels. They aren’t scattered around for everyone to see. They’re carefully hidden, waiting to be discovered by those who truly deserve them. In the same way, a woman’s true worth isn’t determined by what she reveals, but by the honor Allah SWT has already granted her.

And let’s be honest, wearing the hijab doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life! You can absolutely have fun, but always with balance, grace, and modesty. The Prophet SAW said, “Modesty brings nothing but good.” And as the wise have said, “From modesty comes dignity. From modesty comes tranquility.”

In a world where fashion trends and beauty standards come and go; leaving us chasing after things that don’t fulfill us, the hijab is a timeless reminder to live with intention. It teaches us that this dunya is fleeting, and that true fulfillment comes from pleasing Allah SWT, not from chasing empty trends.

So, the next time you’re struggling to understand the purpose of hijab, remember that you're wearing a verse from the Quran. It’s a daily affirmation of your connection to Allah SWT and the values that guide your life. By wearing it, you’re following the command of Al-Khaliq, the Creator. And His validation is the only one that truly matters.

The hijab is our chosen armor, and so, we echo the verse from Surah Al-Baqarah, “We hear and we obey. (Grant us) Your forgiveness, our Lord. And to You is the final return.” Surah Al-Baqah, Verse 285.