Can Muslim Women Remove Hijab in Europe

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Question:

Can a Muslim woman remove her hijab while living temporarily in Europe? - An exploration of Islamic rulings on hijab and whether Muslim women can remove it temporarily when living in non-Muslim countries like Europe. :::

Answer:

The question is that why does a Muslim women wear hijab in the first place ? It is to please Allah by following / obeying his commands NOT to please the family, society and culture. Because a true muslim is the one who submits his will to the will of Allah.

If she wears hijab to please Allah then she should continue to wear it wherever she is and whatever circumstances she is in (unless there is danger to her life in doing so).

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allaah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allaah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed into a plain error”

[al-Ahzaab 33:36]

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful” [al-Ahzaab 33:59]

“and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment”

[al-Noor 24:31]

Hence, for a muslim women it is better to not go to the place where she can’t follow her religious obligation.

Some fatwas which can be referred to:

Should she take off her hijab because of the harassment that she is faced with after the London bombings?

Fatwas of the Permanent Committee