The Undermining of the Hijab and Other “External” Islamic Practices

It is becoming more frequent to see many laymen and, unfortunately, even many students of knowledge saying things like:

“Just because you wear hijab, that does not mean that you are better than the person who does not.”

Or:

“Do not think that just because that brother gets a new tattoo every month, you are better than him.”

And so on.

Regardless of the intention of the person making these remarks, what happens, as a result, is that these external actions of obedience and forbidden acts are undermined. 

The question is not whether the hijab-wearing Sarah is better than the non-hijab wearing Khadijah? Rather, the question is whether the hijab-wearing Sarah is a better Muslim than the non-hijab wearing Khadijah if all factors remain constant? That is the question, and the answer is yes because it is one extra good deed and one less sin for Sarah. 

So when the discussion is formulated in that light, the importance of the hijab and other external manifestations of worship become more prominent and get the status of importance they truly earn in Islam. 

We need to stop comparing Muslims with each other; rather, we should compare Muslims with their old or new selves prior to and post improving in their Ibadah. If someone asks you, “Do you think you are better than me just because you do not drink alcohol?” Say, “No, I am not saying that. Rather, I am saying that you not drinking alcohol could be better than you drinking alcohol, with all other factors remaining constant”.