Dr. Hesham Rabie, Secretary of Fatwa at Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta, addressed a question about whether an unveiled woman can be better than a woman who wears the hijab.

He explained that good character, kindness, and a sound heart are among the most important qualities a person can have, but they do not replace religious obligations.

Hesham Rabie Explains the Ruling on Hijab

Hesham Rabie explained that saying an unveiled woman is better than a hijabi simply because she has good manners or treats others well should not be used as a justification for abandoning the hijab.

He stressed that good character is highly valued, but according to the religious ruling he presented, the hijab remains a religious obligation for Muslim women.

Does Good Character Replace Hijab?

The Dar Al-Ifta fatwa secretary emphasized that good manners and proper conduct are essential qualities for every Muslim.

However, he explained that having good intentions or treating others well does not make religious obligations optional. He therefore rejected the idea of treating hijab as something that depends solely on personal feelings or individual preference.

Hesham Rabie Warns Against Confusing Modesty With Hijab

Hesham Rabie also warned against using the term “modest woman” as a substitute for “hijabi woman.”

He explained that the concept of modesty can be interpreted differently from one person or society to another, while hijab has specific religious rules and requirements.

Is Modesty a Substitute for Hijab?

According to Hesham Rabie’s explanation, modesty is an important value involving behavior, clothing, and manners, but it should not be presented as a replacement for the religious ruling concerning hijab.

Is a Hijabi Woman Always Better Than an Unveiled Woman?

Hesham Rabie pointed out that wearing hijab does not make a woman immune from mistakes.

A hijabi woman remains responsible for her actions and behavior, and wearing hijab alone does not justify wrongdoing or automatically make someone superior to others.

At the same time, not wearing hijab does not mean that a woman has no good qualities or good character. Therefore, a person's entire worth should not be reduced to one aspect of appearance.

Allah's Mercy Is Open to Everyone

Hesham Rabie emphasized that both hijabi and non-hijabi women are in need of Allah's mercy and forgiveness.

He cited Allah's words:

“Do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.”
[Az-Zumar: 53]

The verse highlights the vastness of Allah's mercy and the importance of never losing hope in forgiveness, while continuing to strive for obedience and righteousness.

Is an unveiled woman better than a hijabi woman?

A person's overall worth cannot be determined by appearance alone. Allah knows people's deeds, intentions, and true circumstances.

What did Hesham Rabie say about hijab?

He stated that hijab is a religious obligation and that good character does not replace religious duties.

Is modesty enough instead of hijab?

Hesham Rabie explained that modesty and hijab are not identical concepts, as hijab has specific religious requirements.

Does wearing hijab make a woman immune from mistakes?

No. A hijabi woman remains responsible for her actions and behavior.

Does Allah's mercy include non-hijabi women?

Yes. Allah's mercy is vast, and believers are encouraged not to despair of His forgiveness.