Dear sister in Islam, thanks for your question. It shows you want a clear view of the teachings of Islam. Allah commands Muslims to refer to people of knowledge to get themselves well-acquainted with the teachings of Islam as well as all aspects of life. As for your question, it should be clear that Hijab is meant to elevate the status of the Muslim woman by preserving her dignity and honor.

When someone has a jewel or any precious item one always treats it with great respect and protects it against any loss. One may even build a special place to keep it or place it in a vault for security. Perhaps one may even hire a guard to insure that it will not be stolen. These things are most obvious to all of us and nothing here seems strange at all.

By the way, someone may say, 'Why do we compare women to jewels and pearls? Doesn't this sound as describing women as objects or mere possessions in this world?'

In reply to that, I say: Comparing women to jewels and pearls doesn't mean that women are mere objects or worldly possessions. The intended item or object here is what the woman possesses, as mentioned by Allah in His Book. Allah is ordering us to tell the believing woman to lower her gaze and to protect her, guard her private parts and protect her chastity. She is being well advised by her father, brother, husband, son and all of us, to cover herself.

Somehow we have been deluded into thinking that women exhibiting their beauty in front of others and men encouraging this is warranted. Many large corporations protect their shareholders from losses while at the same time producing cosmetics, jewelry and clothing that do exactly the opposite for our ladies. Money and vain desires are the primary reasons for this type of exploitation in the world today.

Consider this:

1. Shouldn't we be asking the question: 'Why are women exposed in public so men see them in ways they would not see them even in the privacy of their own homes?"

2. Another problem today is, society is so far away from basic concepts of moral and correct behavior that was originally ordered by the Almighty Lord of the Universe. As each year passes, we see more and more deviation away from the high standards once considered normal for proper attire and public behavior.

3. Look at the fashion designers, cosmetic companies and women's magazines making huge fortunes selling poor beguiled women on the idea of presenting themselves like they were to be displayed in a market for others to look them over and then decide how they "rate."

So actually, Islam has been preserving the correct and proper dress code, not only for ladies, but for men as well.

Additionally, defining the proper attire for the sexes, Islam also carefully instructs both men and women on how to behave toward each other. For instance, the Qur’an tells us in surah An-Nur in verses 30 and 31 exactly how to act in the presence of the opposite sex:

“Tell the believing men to LOWER THEIR GAZE…” And then “Tell the believing women to LOWER THEIR GAZE….”

So, immediately we understand that it is more than just the clothing that is desired. It is the proper respect and behavior of the two sexes toward each other at all times. Keep in mind that Islam is not just another religion. Islam (Total Surrender, Submission, Obedience, Sincerity and Peace with Allah) is for all people, in all places and in all times.

Thanks for your good question and may Allah guide us all to the truth, Amen.
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