When discussing Hijab for girls, the central question for parents is: when does the expectation of modest dress transition from gentle encouragement to a religious obligation? Understanding the distinction between the Obligation of Hijab for an adult woman and the practice of Modesty for young girls is vital for sound Islamic parenting.
What is the Islamic Concept of Hijab?
Hijab is not merely a headscarf; it is a comprehensive concept of modesty (Hayaa) that encompasses clothing, speech, conduct, and interaction. For an adult Muslim woman, the Full Islamic covering (Jilbab) involves covering the entire body except the face and hands in the presence of non-mahram men. This covering is a Fard (obligation) derived directly from the Qur'an and Sunnah.
Also see: Raising Muslim Children in the West
What is the difference between Hijab for girls and adult women?
The key difference between Hijab for girls and adult women lies in the concept of religious accountability, known as Taklif. This principle governs all Islamic etiquette (Adab) vs. Fard (obligation).
|
Aspect |
Hijab for Girls (Before Puberty) |
Hijab for Adult Women (After Puberty) |
|
Status of Covering |
Recommended, training, and Adab |
Fard (Obligatory) |
|
Accountability (Taklif) |
Not accountable; no sin or punishment |
Fully accountable; rewarded for obedience, penalized for negligence. |
|
Awrah (Body that Must be Covered) |
Generally, the Awrah for minor females is the area between the navel and the knee in front of others. |
The entire body, except the hands and face (according to the majority opinion). |
|
Purpose |
Training for modest dress, character building, and protection. |
Fulfilling a divine command and establishing identity. |
|
Key Milestones |
Ages 7 and 10 in Fiqh are important training stages. |
Reaching Buloogh (maturity). |
Learn more about: Seerah of Prophet Muhammad for kids
The Critical Milestone: Age of Accountability (Taklif)
The Age of accountability (Taklif) is the point when a girl reaches Buloogh (maturity) (puberty), which is marked by Signs of puberty for girls (e.g., menstruation).
-
Before Buloogh: The covering is considered Non-obligatory hijab. Parents follow the guidance of the Prophet (PBUH) to instruct children in matters of worship (like Salah) at age seven and enforce it at age ten, using these milestones for Encouraging hijab in childhood.
-
After Buloogh: The Hijab becomes a binding, legal requirement (Obligation of Hijab).
This stark Difference in sin/reward is what distinguishes Hijab for girls from the adult requirement.
Discover: Top 10 Easy Hadith to Memorize for Kids
Is the Hijab a divine obligation from the Sunnah and Qur'an?
Yes, the Hijab as a form of comprehensive modesty for the adult woman is a non-negotiable obligation (Fard) rooted in both the Qur'an and Sunnah, establishing it as Sharia law and not merely a Cultural practice vs Sharia law.
-
From the Qur'an: Allah (SWT) commands the believing women:
"O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be recognized and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful." (Qur'an, Surah Al-Ahzab 33:59)
-
From the Sunnah: The Prophet (PBUH) made it clear that once a girl reaches maturity, her clothing must change. The Hadith reported by Aisha (R.A.) states:
"Allah does not accept the prayer of a woman who has reached puberty unless she wears a veil [Hijab]." (Source: Sunan Abu Dawud 641)
This evidence confirms the severity and sacredness of the Obligation of Hijab for the adult woman, contrasting sharply with the encouraged, but non-obligatory, Pre-pubescent modesty of Hijab for girls.
Get to know: Best Dua for Children
How to Handle the Transition of Hijab for Girls
Parental guidance on modesty during the transition is crucial:
-
Gradual Implementation of Hijab: Start with simple steps, like covering the hair during prayer or when guests are present. This makes the transition smoother when the time comes.
-
Focus on Character: Emphasize that Modesty for young girls is an internal value (Hayaa) first. This makes the external covering a natural extension of her faith.
-
Avoid Force: Before Buloogh, forcing a child to wear the Hijab can create resentment. Use love and positive reinforcement. The rule of Ages 7 and 10 in Fiqh is a guideline for instruction, not strict enforcement of the full Fard.
FAQs about Hijab for girls
Is it necessary for a young girl to cover her whole body like her mother?
No. Before puberty, the Awrah for minor females is minimal. While practicing the full Hijab is excellent Training for modest dress, it is not compulsory. Hijab for girls should be comfortable and encouraging.
What is the difference between Fard (Obligation) and Sunnah (Recommended Practice) regarding the Hijab?
The Fard is the mandatory covering of the Awrah after puberty. Sunnah refers to the specific mannerisms and excellence (e.g., wearing simple, loose clothes). For Hijab for girls, the entire practice is primarily a Sunnah (practice of training) until the Obligation of Hijab begins.
If my daughter starts her period early (before 15), does the Hijab become compulsory immediately?
Yes. The Age of accountability (Taklif) is triggered by the first appearance of the Signs of puberty for girls, most commonly menstruation. The Hijab becomes immediately obligatory at that point.
Get to know: Rewarding Muslim Children for Quran and Salah
What is the ruling on veiling minors if the family adheres to a strict interpretation of Sharia?
Families that adhere to a stricter interpretation may choose to have their daughters wear a simple form of the Hijab from a young age (e.g., age 7). While this is allowed and encouraged as preparation (Parental guidance on modesty), it remains a Non-obligatory hijab until Buloogh.
How do I make the Hijab appealing to my daughter in a Western society?
Frame it as identity and honor. Show her positive, confident Muslim women who wear the Hijab. Make sure the clothes are stylish within the confines of Fiqh of girls' clothing to aid in the Encouraging hijab in childhood.
Read about: Islamic Parenting in the West
Online Fiqh and Tarbiyah Courses for Comprehensive Modesty Education
Understanding the difference between Hijab for girls and adult women requires reliable knowledge of Fiqh and Tarbiyah (Islamic upbringing).
Iman School is the best online Islamic school offering specialized, comprehensive courses designed for Muslim families worldwide. Our programs provide clear, evidence-based instruction on Fiqh al-Nisa’ (Women's Jurisprudence) and Child Ethics.
We offer:
-
Tarbiyah Courses: Guiding parents on the Gradual implementation of hijab and Parental guidance on modesty.
-
Fiqh Courses: Clarifying the Obligation of Hijab based on Sharia law and the rules governing the Age of accountability (Taklif).
