This Hijab deals with our social interactions as well as our mental state. Since many men tend to disregard this type of Hijab, each Muslim male should pay particular attention to his social dealings as well as his own thoughts to make sure he is not breaching the barrier of this Hijab.A young Muslim boy was discussing how he didn’t like a particular television show. When I asked him why he didn’t like it, he responded with something to the extent of, “Because so-and-so (who acts in the show) is ___”, using a word which is unfortunately used very freely these days, even by the youngest of our generation. This prompted me to ask, “Do you know what that means?” He replied, “Yes. It’s when a guy likes guys!”
A few seconds later, a second, even younger, Muslim boy said a sentence in which he used the same word. The first young Muslim boy then scolded him, “Don’t say that word!” I said to him, “Hold on a second. You just used that word yourself. Why are you telling him not to?” He responded, “He’s too young to use that word… It’s not right.”
I then said to him, “Age shouldn’t be the issue. Either it’s appropriate or it’s inappropriate to use that word. If you think it’s inappropriate for him, then you should start by not using that word yourself. Even if it is not Haram (forbidden) to use that word, sometimes things which are not Haram are still inappropriate, and as Muslims we should stay away from inappropriate words, actions, and even thoughts.”
The point of this story is to direct the reader’s attention to the importance of an issue which many Muslims tend to overlook. The use of a particular word or sentence in an inappropriate way is an example of violating Hijab.
Hijab, yes! But not the physical clothing type of Hijab. Rather, the type of Hijab which should never be removed, not even when one is alone and simply thinking to him-/herself. This Hijab deals with our social interactions as well as our mental state. Since many men tend to disregard this type of Hijab, each Muslim male should pay particular attention to his social dealings as well as his own thoughts to make sure he is not breaching the barrier of this Hijab.
When guys talk about whatever we talk about, do we worry about the content of the topics we choose to discuss? Are they appropriate?
Dear Muslim Brother, would you be comfortable speaking to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) about that topic which you are discussing?
Going even further, when we actually do choose to talk about a particular topic, what types of examples do we use in our discussions? Do they contain references to concepts which may trigger ill thoughts in the general listener’s mind?
When we react to the words of people, what are our physical gestures like? Do they give off a feeling of disrespect or disregard to the opposing side? If someone says something that we don’t like, do we cringe and display a face of disgust?
Do we pay attention to where our gazes wander off in the directions which they were not created to be directed in?
If the answer is yes, then we have probably chosen to do something inappropriate or forbidden. If the choice finds its way to the level of our actions, then we may have breached the social level of Hijab. But the very fact that ill thoughts can settle in our mind means that we have certainly breached the mental Hijab.
Dear reader, take note of the questions aforementioned and reflect on the likes of them. Indeed, it can be argued that the most important level of Hijab is the mental level, for only if that level of Hijab is violated can the other levels fall through the cracks.
With contemplation, one can realize the weaknesses of his/her fortress. Checking the foundation – the mental Hijab – may very well be the test of all tests.
