Jilbab
Definition
Jilbab - A generic term for women’s outer garment such as a shawl, cloak, or wrap traditionally used in Arabian sedentary communities both before and after the rise of Islam. The Quran (33:59) instructs Muslim women to cloak themselves in a jilbab as a mark of status and as a preventive measure against sexual harassment in public places.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: جلباب (jilbab)
- Turkish: Cübbə (çübbe)
Scriptural Basis
The key scriptural reference for the jilbab is found in the Quran:
<p><em>“O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves their outer garments (jilbab). That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused…”</em> (Quran 33:59)</p>
Historical and Cultural Context
The use of the jilbab predates Islam but was incorporated into Islamic guidelines for women’s attire. In the context of the early Muslim community, the jilbab served multiple purposes:
- Modesty: It promulgates an appearance of modesty, in line with Islamic principles.
- Status: Denotes the social and religious status of free Muslim women.
- Protection: Acts as a defensive measure against unwanted attention and harassment.
Variations and Modern Adaptations
The contemporary jilbab has various forms influenced by cultural practices across the Muslim world:
- Traditional Jilbab: A flowing garment, similar to a cloak, often reaching down to the feet.
- Modern Interpretations: More fitted or stylized versions that maintain coverage but align with contemporary fashion trends.
- Regional Variants: Different names and styles reflecting regional attire, such as the abaya in the Gulf countries or the chador in Iran.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- The Veil: Women Writers on Its History, Lore, and Politics by Jennifer Heath
- Beyond the Veil: Male-Female Dynamics in a Modern Muslim Society by Fatima Mernissi
- Muslim Women’s Choices: Religious Belief and Social Reality by Camillia Fawzi El-Solh and Judy Mabro
Takeaways
- The jilbab is more than a piece of clothing; it represents specific social, ethical, and religious perceptions within Islamic tradition.
- Understanding its use and significance involves appreciating the cultural and historical context within the Islamic and pre-Islamic Arabian society.
- While contemporary adaptations exist, core elements of modesty and social status remain critical to its function.
Conclusion
The jilbab, as instructed in the Quran and observed throughout Islamic history, continues to symbolize modesty, protection, and the social/religious identity of Muslim women, evolving in style but steadfast in its foundational principles.
