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Fatwa CenterWearing Hijab does not contradict scientific progress
Question
I urge you, for the sake of Islam and Muslims, to focus on important issues, such as investing money in developing the scientific field and the arms industry for the purpose of self-defense and stop discussing minor issues such as Hijaab. These minor issues led us to lose peace, as such beliefs reflect the backwardness of earlier times.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
Claiming that Hijab symbolizes backwardness and the ideas of previous eras is considered explicit disbelief because it implies criticizing the Quran and the Sunnah and questioning their credibility! Allaah, the Exalted, has enjoined Muslim women to observe Hijab in many verses of the Noble Quran. Allaah, the Exalted, said (what means):
• {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 known and not be abused.} [Quran 33:59]
• {And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts…} [Quran 33: 53]
Moreover, Abu Hurayrah 
narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "The woman is ‘awrah (body parts that should be covered), so when she goes out, the devils hasten to receive her (seeking to tempt her or make her tempt others)." [At-Tirmithi]
Ibn ‘Umar reported that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "A woman in the state of Ihram should not cover her face with niqab or wear gloves." [Al-Bukhari and others]
Imaam Ibn Al-‘Arabi 
said:
This is because veiling a woman's face with burqa‘ or niqab is obligatory, except during Hajj, where she should let a portion of her head cover hang over her face so as to cover it without touching it. She has to stay away from men and they should stay away from her as well.
‘A'aishah 
said: "Men riding their camels used to pass by us while we were performing Hajj with the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, so we would cover our faces with our gowns and when they had already passed by us, we would uncover our faces." [Abu Dawood] There are other pieces of evidence to this effect. It is incumbent on Muslims, who believe in Allaah, the Exalted, and His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, to adhere to these commandments until the Day of Judgment.
Observing the obligation of Hijab does not contradict or clash with paying attention to making preparations and utilizing the means to materialize tamkeen (authority on Earth) for Islam. The Muslim nation has adopted this approach all over the previous centuries and has not become weak and defeated except after giving up its religion and its fundamentals, such as Hijab and the like. How can Muslims triumph when they disassociate themselves from the teachings of their religion and label them as backwardness!
Claiming that Hijab has caused fitnah (turmoil) or has hindered the attainment of peace in these countries indicates utter ignorance of the reality! You should fear Allaah, the Exalted, and give up such grave claims. We invoke Allaah, The Exalted, to show us the Truth as Truth and give us the ability to follow it, and show us falsehood as falsehood and give us the ability to avoid it.
Allaah Knows best.
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