Egypt Daily News – Dr. Ali Gomaa, former Grand Mufti and a member of the Council of Senior Scholars, answered students’ questions about the hijab during his program Noor Al-Din wa Al-Dunya, broadcast on Al-Oula TV on Wednesday evening.
One of the participating students asked how to deal with a non-veiled woman, whether within the family or outside it. Gomaa responded: “Nothing special, we treat her normally. The matter is not worth causing a dispute or conflict. The Prophet Muhammad said: ‘I was only sent to perfect good morals.’”
He pointed out that “the Prophet Muhammad taught his nation that humanity is far greater than actions,” citing how the Prophet—peace be upon him—treated Saffanah bint Hatim Al-Tai after she was captured, with kindness, mercy, affection, and respect.
He also referenced the Quranic verse: “And they give food, despite their love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.” He explained that Islamic law emphasizes the necessity of treating captives well, honoring them, feeding them, and providing them with medical care.
He stressed that human relationships should not be based on scrutinizing mistakes. Another student then asked: “If I were her father or brother, how can I avoid clashing with her about the hijab?”
Gomaa explained that a father should advise his daughter to wear the hijab when she reaches the appropriate age, using kindness and encouragement rather than violence, coercion, or force.
He continued: “If she does not follow the advice, no one bears the burden of another’s sins. There is no compulsion in religion, because if you force someone into faith, you create a hypocrite rather than a sincere believer whom God is pleased with. Therefore, we should not coerce anyone into anything. The matter should be based on conviction and personal capability to fulfill God’s commandments.”
