Islam honors women, elevates their status, and places upon them responsibilities that may appear restrictive—but are actually a shield, offering protection and dignity. These responsibilities help guard against the negative effects of immodesty and exposure.
When Is Hijab Obligatory?
While it’s recommended for parents to encourage their daughters to wear the hijab around the age of 10 or older, the obligation becomes more serious when a girl develops a mature body or distinct, attractive features that may draw unwanted attention.
In such cases, parents should lovingly guide her towards wearing the hijab to preserve modesty and prevent fitnah (temptation). It’s not a one-time command—it’s a gradual, compassionate journey. If she resists, parents are encouraged to be patient, understanding, and consistent, without turning the hijab into a source of resentment.
When a girl reaches puberty, wearing the hijab becomes an obligation. Puberty can be recognized by:
- Menstruation
- Reaching the age of 15
- The appearance of pubic hair
- Experiencing wet dreams (signs of sexual maturity)
At that point, she is Islamically accountable for her actions, including the duty to wear hijab.
وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَى جُيُوبِهِنَّ
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not to display their adornment except what is apparent of it and to draw their veils over their chests.”
— Surah An-Nur, 24:31
Parents who neglect to enforce this obligation once their daughter reaches puberty may be held accountable in the sight of Allah.
How to Help Your Daughter Love the Hijab
Let’s be real: you can’t force love, especially when it comes to a spiritual practice. But you can plant the seeds early, and nurture them with kindness, understanding, and inspiration.
Here are practical tips:
- 💠 Connect her to role models: Tell her how the wives of the Prophet ﷺ wore the hijab with pride, and how righteous women followed their path.
- 🔍 Highlight the contrast: Gently explain the difference between modest women and those who ignore Allah’s guidance—not with shame, but with wisdom.
- 🎁 Offer positive reinforcement: Celebrate her commitment with small gifts or rewards. Let her know that the ultimate reward is Paradise.
- 👧 Start young: Introduce hijab gradually while she’s still a child, so it feels natural when she’s older.
- 🧕 Lead by example: Let her see her mother proudly wear the hijab. Take her to the mosque and Quran classes with you.
- 🌟 Teach her the spiritual rewards: Modesty is a form of worship. Teach her that hijab is not just a cloth—it’s a badge of honor and devotion.
- 📖 Study Quranic verses about hijab together, and help her understand this is a divine command.
- ❤️ Praise her efforts: Express how beautiful and dignified she looks in hijab. Talk about the light, respect, and peace it brings.
- 🙅♀️ Protect her circle: Encourage her to befriend practicing girls who wear the hijab, and gently steer her away from harmful peer influence.
The Virtues of Hijab
Why does hijab matter? Because it’s not just about clothing—it’s about values, dignity, and divine protection.
Here are some of its spiritual and practical benefits:
- 🛡️ Symbol of chastity and honor ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰ أَن يُعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَ
“That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused.”
— Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:59 - 🧠 Purifies the heart ذَٰلِكُمْ أَطْهَرُ لِقُلُوبِكُمْ وَقُلُوبِهِنَّ
“That is purer for your hearts and their hearts.”
— Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:53 - 🌸 Encourages modesty and respect
- 🔒 Preserves feminine dignity
- 👁️ Shields from the gaze of strangers and inappropriate desires
- 💬 Repels false accusations and protects honor
- 🧕 Reflects obedience to Allah and inner taqwa (piety) يَا بَنِي آدَمَ قَدْ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِبَاسًا يُوَارِي سَوْآتِكُمْ وَرِيشًا وَلِبَاسُ التَّقْوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ
“O children of Adam! We have bestowed upon you clothing to cover your private parts and as an adornment. But the clothing of righteousness—that is best.”
— Surah Al-A’raf, 7:26 - 🌈 Builds a barrier against societal corruption
- 💎 Elevates her worth beyond physical appearance
- 🌱 Preserves the natural sense of modesty and shyness, which Islam cherishes deeply
Gentle Encouragement Goes a Long Way 🌸
If you’re guiding your daughter or even considering hijab yourself, remember—it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress, intention, and love for Allah.
💬 Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you or your daughter are on a journey to understand Islam more deeply—especially the why behind practices like hijab—our one-on-one online Quran classes are designed to guide you gently and meaningfully.
Whether you’re new to learning or simply want to deepen your connection with the Quran, we invite you to explore a class that fits your pace and lifestyle.