Wearing Hijab (Khimar and Jilbab) is mandatory on women in Islam at public place. There is no difference of opinion whether Hijab is mandatory in Islam or not amongst the recognized schools of thoughts i.e. Hanafi, Shafai, Maliki and Hanbali. All the Mazahib (Sects of Muslims) are agreed on the obligation of having hijab in public place for women who is at her age of puberty. As reveals in Quran,
 

“Oh Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the woman of the believers to draw their cloaks all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known so as not to be annoyed. Indeed, Allah is much Forgiving, Most Merciful”. [Al- Ahzab: 59]

In this verse of the Holy Quran, it is clearly indication of ordering Muslim women to wear the hijab. And the verse is general for all women and not specifying them or limiting them to the particular group.

As for the question whether the Hukm (order) in this verse of Quran is recommended or mandatory or at her choice. There is no difference of opinion that the order in that verse is at the level of obligation and mandatory on women to follow it. This is what from the final part of the verse in indicating as,
 

“Indeed, Allah is much Forgiving, Most Merciful”

Whenever Allah in the Quran telling us about that He SWT forgives, that indicates the previous action before the revelation of particular hukm (order) was sin, because forgiveness is always from the sins. The allowed or recommended action doesn’t required forgiveness. And as sin leads to hell, that’s why keep oneself away from sin is obligation. Thus, doing the actions that keeps you away from the sin the obligatory. Hence, wearing Hijab is obligatory and mandatory on Muslim women.

As for the the view that the veil (Face Cover) has been made compulsory for women in Islam, by which their face other than the eyes, should be covered, is an Islamic opinion. Some Mujtahid-Imams from the mazahib have taken this view. Another Islamic opinion is that veil has not been made compulsory for women in Islam and that their face do not have to be covered under any circumstance. This view has also been held by some Mujtahid-Imams from amongst the mazahib.

Thus there only exists the difference of opinion whether the Hijab includes the face to be covered as well or not. Both are Islamic opinion, and none of the followers is considered sinful. Women are allowed to do any of the two Islamic opinion which she felt stronger.

Last Updated: 21/7/2015