How the Prophet Treated Women Without Hijab and What We Can Learn From His Compassion

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The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) spoke clearly about modesty, and yes—he did mention the concept of covering, especially for women. One of the clearest references is connected to the idea of the khimar (headcover) and the jilbab (outer garment), both of which relate to the idea of the hijab as we know it today. While the word "hijab" in the Qur'an itself refers more to a barrier or screen, the Prophet's sayings (hadiths) help us understand how Muslims began applying this term to modest dress. So, what exactly did the Prophet say? Let's break it down in plain language—without complicated terms or guilt trips.

A lot of people are curious about what the hijab really means in Islam. Some wear it daily with pride, while others might be unsure or even overwhelmed by the idea. If you've ever found yourself wondering whether the Prophet actually told women to wear the hijab—or what kind of covering he meant—you're definitely not alone. This article is your friendly, no-judgment zone to help you understand the topic clearly and confidently.

Instead of getting lost in pages of legal discussions or scholarly arguments, we'll take a more relaxed approach here. You'll see how the Prophet (PBUH) described modesty in his sayings, how early Muslim women responded, and what role culture, interpretation, and intention played in shaping what we now call hijab. This isn't about telling you what to do—it's about giving you the full picture so you can make an informed decision.

Does Islam Really Require Hijab?

There are a lot of misunderstandings out there. Some people think hijab is just a headscarf, while others believe it covers a woman from head to toe in black. But the truth is more nuanced. The Prophet's guidance was never meant to be harsh or confusing. He emphasized character, dignity, and the idea that modesty benefits everyone—not just women. That context is often missing when people try to define hijab as either mandatory or outdated. We're here to bring that context back.

So, if you've ever Googled "Is hijab really required?" or "Did the Prophet actually say to cover the hair?"—this guide is for you. We're going to walk through what the hadiths say, what scholars agree (and disagree) on, and how Muslim women throughout history have interpreted these teachings. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of what hijab meant in the Prophet's time—and what it could mean for you today. Let's get started.

What Is Hijab in Islam?

When people hear the word "hijab," most instantly think of a scarf wrapped around a Muslim woman's head. But the truth is, hijab is so much more than just a piece of cloth. In Islam, the concept goes way deeper—it's about modesty in the way we dress, speak, behave, and carry ourselves. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) often emphasized that modesty is a key part of faith, and his words give us insight into what hijab really means—not just for women, but for men too. Let's explore what hijab looked like in early Islam and what it still represents today.

More Than Just a Head Covering

Hijab isn't limited to what we wear—it's also about how we act and interact with others. The Prophet (PBUH) taught that modesty is part of faith (al-ḥayāʾ min al-īmān), and that principle shaped early Muslim society in a lot of ways.

He encouraged both women and men to lower their gaze, dress with dignity, and avoid anything that draws unnecessary attention to private parts of the body. For women, the khimar (head cover) and jilbab (outer garment) were encouraged as expressions of modesty in public. But he didn't just hand out clothing rules—he talked about intention, purpose, and self-respect.

Some key hadiths also show us how women at the time of the Prophet responded. For example, when the verse about drawing the khimar over the chest was revealed (Surah An-Nur: 31), many women took action immediately—not because they were forced, but because they believed in the guidance. This shows that hijab came from a place of choice, not pressure.

Many modern discussions forget that. We often see hijab debated like it's a political symbol or some kind of cultural costume. But when we go back to the Prophet's teachings, we see that it was always meant to protect dignity, honor, and boundaries—not to limit freedom.

Modesty Starts with the Heart

While a lot of attention is given to the outer form of hijab, the Prophet (PBUH) made it clear that the heart is where it all begins. One of the hadiths says, "There is a piece of flesh in the body; if it is sound, the whole body is sound. If it is corrupted, the whole body is corrupted. That piece is the heart." (Sahih Bukhari)

Hijab that's only about looks isn't complete hijab. If someone wears modest clothes but behaves arrogantly or treats others badly, the purpose is missed. The Prophet warned against hypocrisy in appearance—doing one thing outwardly while the inside tells a different story.

This shows us something important: Hijab isn't about impressing others or fitting into a mold. It's about aligning your actions, dress, and speech with a sense of self-respect and respect for others. The Prophet's view of modesty always came with balance. It wasn't extreme or harsh—it was consistent, thoughtful, and rooted in kindness.

So even if someone is still figuring out how to dress modestly, that doesn't mean they're doing it "wrong." Growth is part of the process. And as the Prophet (PBUH) said, "Deeds are judged by intentions." (Sahih Bukhari) That includes how we approach hijab.

It's a Personal Connection with Allah

One thing often overlooked is that hijab is ultimately about your private relationship with Allah. The Prophet (PBUH) reminded us again and again that Allah looks at our hearts and intentions more than anything else. That's why hijab isn't something you do for your parents, your community, or even your Instagram followers—it's something between you and your Creator.

When a woman decides to wear the hijab, or even just dress more modestly, she's making a decision that's deeply personal. The Prophet never forced or shamed anyone into it—he taught through love, patience, and wisdom. That gentle approach is something we can all learn from today.

Many companions of the Prophet began covering gradually, as their understanding of Islam grew. That means you don't have to "get it all perfect" right away. Hijab isn't a race or a test—it's a journey. And like any journey, it's okay to have questions, detours, or even moments of doubt.

Let's remember, too, that hijab is not a measure of someone's worth. The Prophet (PBUH) treated people with compassion, not judgment. Whether someone wears a hijab or not, their value isn't up for debate. What matters most is their character and sincerity.

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Here's a simple breakdown of what hijab truly means in Islam, based on the Prophet's teachings:

Aspect	What the Prophet Taught
Modesty	A central part of faith for both men and women
Clothing	Encouraged the khimar and jilbab for women in public
Heart	Actions should reflect internal sincerity
Choice	The companions adopted hijab willingly after revelation
Judgment	The Prophet discouraged judging others based on appearance

The Prophet's Words on Hijab

When we ask what the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said about hijab, we're not just looking for fashion advice—we're uncovering a deeper message about how we carry ourselves in daily life. His words were always full of wisdom, balance, and compassion. Instead of simply commanding women to cover up, he emphasized the concept of modesty for everyone. So, what were his actual words? What do the hadiths say? Let's break it all down in plain terms so it actually makes sense.

Key Hadith About Modesty

The Prophet (PBUH) often spoke about modesty (ḥayāʾ) as something valuable and beautiful. In one of the most well-known hadiths, he said, "Modesty is part of faith." (Sahih Muslim) That's huge. It shows us that modesty isn't just about what we wear—it's about how we live and treat others. It's tied to our behavior, speech, and attitude.

Another hadith that gets quoted a lot is when the Prophet saw a woman and turned his face away. Later, he said that men should lower their gaze and women should do the same (Surah An-Nur: 30-31 also supports this). These teachings don't blame women—they encourage mutual respect and self-awareness.

The Prophet also praised the women of the Ansar because when they heard the verse about the khimar, they didn't hesitate to follow it. That wasn't because they were scared or forced—it was because they believed in the guidance and trusted the message. Their reaction shows us that the hijab was seen as a dignified response to divine advice, not a punishment or burden.

What's important to remember is that the Prophet never mocked, rushed, or humiliated people when talking about modesty. He had a calm and understanding way of teaching—especially when it came to sensitive matters like dress and gender interaction. That tone is something we need to hold on to today.

The Prophet's Advice to Men and Women

We sometimes think hijab only applies to women, but that's not how the Prophet (PBUH) framed it. He gave guidance to both men and women—because modesty is a shared responsibility. In fact, before the verse telling women to draw their khimars over their chests, men were already told to lower their gaze.

This shows us that the Prophet's focus wasn't on control—it was on creating a respectful environment where everyone had boundaries. He knew how easily things could get uncomfortable or disrespectful between genders, so he gave practical advice to prevent harm, not limit personality.

He also advised men to avoid staring, especially in public places or when speaking with women. One narration tells of the Prophet turning a companion's face away gently when he was looking too long at a woman. Again, it wasn't harsh—it was a kind reminder that dignity goes both ways.

For women, he encouraged them to cover in ways that reflected honor and self-respect. He never suggested hiding or disappearing. Instead, he highlighted the value of being recognized not for beauty alone, but for intellect, character, and contribution.

He even corrected people who were being too harsh. Once a man criticized a woman for speaking openly, and the Prophet defended her right to ask questions and learn. That moment tells us a lot: hijab was never meant to silence women—it was a tool for comfort and confidence, not isolation.

Respect, Not Repression

The Prophet's (PBUH) approach to hijab and modesty was never about shutting women down or pushing them aside. If anything, his words and actions did the exact opposite—they lifted women up and protected their right to be part of society with dignity.

He never framed hijab as a test of who's "more religious." That's something culture added later. Instead, he taught that people should focus on their own growth, not on judging others. He reminded his followers to avoid assumptions, especially about those they don't know.

In fact, his wife Aisha رضي الله عنها was outspoken, intelligent, and heavily involved in the community. She wore hijab, yes—but she also led, taught, and challenged others. That's what modesty looked like in the Prophet's time: strength with respect.

It's sad how often people twist hijab into something negative. But when you look at how the Prophet talked about it, you realize it was never meant to feel like a punishment. It was always about giving people space, privacy, and the freedom to live with integrity.

So when someone says hijab is "oppressive," maybe it's time to look again—at the source. The Prophet's (PBUH) message was never about restriction. It was about value, honor, and personal dignity. Hijab, in that light, becomes something you choose—not something that's forced on you.

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Here's a simple summary of what the Prophet (PBUH) said about hijab and modesty, for both men and women:

Topic	What the Prophet Said
Modesty	"Modesty is part of faith" – applies to men and women equally
Lowering the gaze	Men and women were told to lower their gaze to avoid temptation
Khimar & jilbab	Encouraged as respectful public dress for women
Kind correction	The Prophet corrected behavior gently, never with shame
Respect	Hijab promoted dignity, not control or silence

How the Prophet Encouraged Hijab

When people think of hijab, they sometimes imagine strict commands or pressure from society. But if you look closely at how the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) actually encouraged it, the approach was completely different. He didn't force or shame anyone—instead, he guided people with wisdom, patience, and compassion. Hijab was introduced in a way that made women feel respected, safe, and valued. This section dives into how the Prophet led by example and encouraged hijab in a way that uplifted rather than restricted. Let's unpack it together.

With Wisdom and Gentleness

One of the most beautiful things about the Prophet (PBUH) was his teaching style. He never lectured people in a harsh or aggressive way. Instead, he used real-life situations, conversations, and kindness to make his point. When the verses about covering were revealed (like in Surah An-Nur and Surah Al-Ahzab), the Prophet didn't go around checking people's outfits. He shared the message, explained the meaning, and allowed the women to respond with understanding and sincerity.

In fact, when the command came down about women drawing their khimars over their chest, the response from the believing women was immediate—but it wasn't because anyone was policing them. They felt the message was clear and valuable, and they acted out of belief, not fear.

The Prophet's tone was always encouraging. He reminded people that modesty is an honorable choice, not a punishment. And when someone struggled with applying that guidance, he didn't humiliate them—he gave them space to grow. That balance of kindness and purpose is what made his way so impactful.

In today's world, that same balance is often missing. Discussions around hijab can feel judgmental or even toxic. But if we return to how the Prophet taught it, we realize hijab was never supposed to be a burden. It was introduced through love and clarity, not control.

Hijab as Empowerment, Not Control

Some people think hijab is about hiding or being oppressed, but the Prophet (PBUH) clearly showed the opposite. He never treated hijab as a way to silence women or take away their rights. Instead, he encouraged it as a form of dignity—something that gave women the space to be seen for who they truly are, not just how they looked.

He supported women's voices, knowledge, and contributions to society. Aisha رضي الله عنها was a scholar, teacher, and leader in the community—all while observing hijab. Her modesty never limited her strength. That's the kind of example we often forget.

There's also the fact that the Prophet encouraged men to be modest too. Hijab wasn't a rule for women alone. He taught men to lower their gaze, act respectfully, and avoid inappropriate behavior. This even playing field made it clear that modesty wasn't about controlling women—it was about setting a respectful standard for everyone.

This is why many women say hijab makes them feel powerful. It gives them control over how they present themselves, how they interact with the world, and what kind of attention they want to receive. The Prophet respected that autonomy—and we should too.

Creating Safe Spaces for Women

The Prophet (PBUH) made it a priority to create an environment where women felt safe, respected, and comfortable. Hijab was part of that vision—not to keep women hidden, but to help protect their space in public life. When a woman walked through Medina covered in her jilbab, she was easily recognized as someone with dignity and purpose.

This didn't mean that women stayed out of public life—far from it. Women in the Prophet's time were involved in business, education, and even battles. Hijab didn't stop them; it supported their ability to participate without worrying about being objectified or harassed.

He also gave clear instructions to the men in the community, telling them not to bother women, not to stare, and not to approach them in a disrespectful way. That shows us that hijab wasn't the only line of defense—community behavior mattered too.

If someone did cross a line, the Prophet held them accountable. He didn't blame women for being in public or for how they looked. He addressed the behavior directly. That's the kind of leadership that made the community stronger and more fair for everyone.

We can learn a lot from that today. Instead of making hijab a one-sided demand, we should focus on building environments—online and offline—where women feel safe, supported, and respected. That's exactly what the Prophet modeled.

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Here's a quick overview of how the Prophet (PBUH) encouraged hijab in a way that was empowering and compassionate:

Aspect	What the Prophet Taught
Teaching Style	Kind, clear, and never forceful
Women's Response	Women acted out of belief and understanding
Hijab's Purpose	To protect dignity and give women space, not limit them
Male Responsibility	Men were told to lower their gaze and respect boundaries
Safety and Respect	Creating public spaces where women feel safe and valued

FAQs

When it comes to hijab and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), there are a lot of questions—and honestly, that's a good thing. Asking questions is how we grow, learn, and understand things on a deeper level. Whether you've grown up hearing different opinions, or you're just starting to explore what hijab actually means, these FAQs are here to give you clear and thoughtful answers based on the Prophet's teachings. Let's dive into the most common (and most Googled) ones.

Did the Prophet Command Hijab?

Technically, the command for hijab comes from the Qur'an. But the Prophet (PBUH) is the one who helped explain how to apply those verses in real life. He didn't make up his own rules—he guided people based on revelation. For example, when the verse in Surah An-Nur (24:31) was revealed, he shared it with the community and helped the women understand what it meant.

So, did he command hijab? Not in the "do this or else" kind of way. He delivered Allah's words, taught with kindness, and trusted that people would follow once they understood the wisdom behind it. And many women did—voluntarily and proudly.

What Hadith Mention Hijab Directly?

There are a few authentic hadiths that talk about modest clothing and covering, but it's important to know that the word hijab in the hadith literature doesn't always mean "headscarf." Sometimes it refers to a physical barrier, like a curtain.

However, several hadiths describe the practice of women covering themselves with a khimar (head covering) and jilbab (outer garment). One narration (Abu Dawood) describes Asma' bint Abu Bakr entering a room in light clothing, and the Prophet (PBUH) gently advised her to dress more modestly once she had reached adulthood.

Other hadiths praise the women of the Ansar for their quick response to the Qur'anic instructions, covering themselves right away without hesitation.

Did He Force Women to Cover?

No, he didn't. That's one of the most important points people often miss. The Prophet (PBUH) didn't go around enforcing hijab with threats or punishments. He shared the message, gave people space to understand it, and led by example.

Even when women made mistakes or struggled with understanding certain commands, he was patient. He never singled people out to embarrass them. In fact, he often used private conversations to correct things gently. His role wasn't to pressure—it was to inspire.

So, while hijab was part of the broader Islamic lifestyle, it was introduced with dignity and respect. It wasn't something imposed through fear.

How Did the Prophet Treat Women Without Hijab?

There's no record of the Prophet (PBUH) shaming or excluding women who weren't wearing hijab. In fact, he welcomed women in the mosque, in gatherings, and in conversation. His attitude was always about encouragement, not rejection.

For example, new converts or visitors often came without full knowledge of Islamic dress—and the Prophet never jumped to judge them. He focused on their hearts, their faith journey, and their potential. He didn't reduce people to how much they were covered.

This matters today more than ever. Some communities get caught up in outward appearance and forget the kind, gradual approach the Prophet used. He didn't treat hijab as a pass/fail test—he treated people as whole individuals.

What Did He Say About Modesty in General?

The Prophet (PBUH) mentioned modesty (ḥayāʾ) often—and not just in the context of clothing. He called it a branch of faith. He also said, "Every religion has a distinct quality, and the distinct quality of Islam is modesty." (Sunan Ibn Majah)

That tells us something huge: modesty is about more than what you wear. It's in how you speak, behave, and carry yourself. The Prophet's message was about balance, not extremes. He didn't want people to obsess over appearance while ignoring what's in their hearts.

And let's not forget—he praised modesty in both men and women. In fact, he told men to lower their gaze before the instruction for women to cover was revealed. That shows how mutual this value is in Islam.

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Here's a quick and clear summary of the FAQs we just covered, based on the Prophet's words and example:

Question	Short Answer
Did the Prophet command hijab?	He conveyed Qur'anic verses and encouraged with gentleness, not force.
Which hadith talk about hijab?	Hadiths mention khimar and jilbab as examples of modest dress.
Did he force women to cover?	No, he taught with kindness and never shamed anyone.
How did he treat women without hijab?	With respect, patience, and open conversation—not judgment.
What did he say about modesty?	He called modesty a key part of faith, applying to everyone.

Conclusion: What the Prophet Taught Us About Hijab Matters More Than Ever

If there's one thing we can take away from the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) teachings on hijab, it's this: it was never about fear, shame, or control. It was about value, modesty, and intention. He encouraged covering with kindness. He led with patience. And he respected women as full, intelligent, capable individuals—not just bystanders to faith, but active participants in building a moral and respectful society.

Hijab, in his time, was introduced through compassion. The verses came down gradually. The community responded sincerely. And through it all, the Prophet never treated hijab like a tool for judgment. He focused on what truly mattered—character, sincerity, and respect.

For women today, that message still stands. Whether you wear the hijab, are thinking about it, or are still learning what it all means—know that this journey is yours. The Prophet's approach shows us that guidance works best when it's paired with gentleness and understanding. You don't need to rush. You don't need to feel less-than. Growth takes time, and the Prophet (PBUH) made space for that.

Hijab is not about being perfect. It's about being intentional. It's a choice to align your outward appearance with your inner values. And whether you're starting that journey or supporting someone else who is, the best way to move forward is with knowledge, kindness, and respect.

So next time someone asks you, "What did the Prophet say about hijab?" — you'll know the answer: he said it with wisdom, not pressure. With care, not control. And always with the goal of helping each person grow in the way that's best for them.