We are living in bewildering times. A niqab-wearing woman is branded a terrorist. A hijabi is labeled old-fashioned. Meanwhile, women who reveal their bodies, flaunt a liberal lifestyle, or even openly admit to out-of-wedlock pregnancies are hailed as courageous and inspirational.
Perhaps you’ve heard the Prophet’s ﷺ hadith: “There will come to people years of deception. Liars will be believed and the truthful will be disbelieved...” (Musnad Ahmad). Isn’t this the era the Prophet meant? When truth is scoffed at and sin is celebrated?
Covering the Body: A Command, Not a Social Option
In Islam, wearing hijab is not just a trend or a fashion statement. It is a command from Allah ﷻ clearly stated in the Qur’an:
“O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (jilbabs) over themselves...” (Surah Al-Ahzab: 59)
Yet today, obedience is often dismissed as fanaticism. In truth, anyone who covers her body purely for Allah is upholding her honor. The Prophet ﷺ said: “A woman is (like) ‘awrah, and when she goes out, the devil beautifies her (in people’s eyes).” (At-Tirmidhi)
Isn’t it disheartening when those striving for piety are cornered, and those exposing themselves are considered modern and admirable?
The Normalization of Sin and the False Narrative of Freedom
Islam does not forbid love—or honesty about past mistakes. What we witness now, however, is not repentance but the normalization of sin.
When a woman who became pregnant outside marriage speaks on a podcast and is praised as an icon of bravery and made a youth role model, what message does this give to the next generation?
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“All of my Ummah will be forgiven, except those who publicize (their sins).” (Bukhari)
Broadcasting sins online, packaged as inspirational content, is not courage. It’s a sign that our hearts are becoming numb to evil. If fornication is glorified, immodesty applauded, and hijab mocked, we are clearly entering the era described by the Prophet ﷺ:
“Among the signs of the Hour is that adultery will be rampant, and women will be dressed yet naked.” (Muslim)
A Test for Muslim Women: Steadfast Amid Temptation
For Muslim women who choose the hijab or niqab, the path is far from easy. There is ridicule, discrimination—even threats. Know that the greater the test, the higher your rank in the sight of Allah.
Allah ﷻ says:
“Indeed, those who have said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then remained steadfast—the angels will descend upon them (saying): ‘Do not fear and do not grieve...’” (Surah Fussilat: 30)
So, even if the world mocks you, wear your hijab proudly; it is a crown of honor, not a symbol of oppression. The world may change, but Allah’s truth will never change.
Tolerance Is Not Turning a Blind Eye to Sin
Some say, “Don’t judge, it’s their life.” Islam does not teach hatred towards sinners, but it also forbids normalizing wrongdoing.
When society praises sin and mocks faithfulness, we’re lost in a narrative that inverts right and wrong. This is where the command to enjoin good and forbid evil matters:
“And let there be among you a group who invite to goodness, enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong.” (Surah Al-Imran: 104)
Not to condemn, but to save. Because if sin is normalized, who will guide our children?
Conclusion
These are truly reversed times. Worship is mocked, sin is inspirational. But as Muslims, we must not go with the flow. Truth is not decided by the majority but by Allah’s revelation.
Let us strengthen our resolve—especially the sisters. Don’t retreat because of ridicule. Every step in hijab, every drop of sweat to maintain honor is recorded by Allah.
It’s time for self-reflection. Do we honor truth, or do we help popularize sin in the name of freedom?
May Allah protect our hearts in this world of trials. May we cling to truth, though it may be painful—paradise is not for the popular but for those steadfast in faith.
Closing
Stay true to your values, even when the world turns upside down. The reward for steadfastness is far greater than any fleeting worldly praise or trend. Seek honor from your Creator, not the crowd.
Responses