HEALTH BENEFITS OF HIJAB
Health Benefits of Hijab: A Complete Islamic and Scientific Guide
The health benefits of hijab are widely recognized today by both medical experts and Islamic scholars. The Arabic word hijab means veil, screen, curtain, or cover. Although people often focus on its spiritual purpose, modern research shows that the hijab also protects the body from harmful environmental effects. Therefore, understanding its health value helps Muslims appreciate the wisdom behind Allah’s commands.
Health Benefits of Hijab: Protection From UV Radiation
Doctors have repeatedly warned about the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays penetrate the atmosphere and cause serious problems such as premature skin aging, cataracts, and different types of skin cancer. Moreover, these rays weaken the immune system and make the body more vulnerable to sickness.
Medical reports show a rise in “melanoma,” one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer. It mostly affects women because large parts of their bodies remain uncovered. Their legs, which are often exposed due to short clothing, face the highest risk.
Because UV rays can pass through cotton, glass, and thin fabrics, transparent clothing does not offer enough protection. Therefore, health specialists strongly recommend loose, tightly woven, dark or bright-colored clothing to block harmful sun rays. This directly highlights the health benefits of hijab, as the hijab naturally provides this level of coverage.
How Hijab Protects in Hot Weather
Long exposure to extreme heat can damage the body. Experts explain that high temperatures reduce essential minerals such as phosphorus, which supports the bones, brain, kidneys, and heart. At around 108°F, phosphorus levels drop quickly, and the head becomes extremely vulnerable.
Continuous heat exposure may lead to overheating, memory problems, and even irreversible brain damage. For this reason, health authorities advise wearing a broad hat or head covering. The hijab provides exactly this protection, keeping the head shaded and cool. Because of this, Muslims benefit both medically and spiritually when they follow the Islamic dress code.
How Hijab Protects in Cold Weather
Cold weather harms the body in many ways. Strong winds and low temperatures upset the body’s balance, causing colds, fever, body pain, and shivering. Studies show that 40–60% of body heat escapes through the head, and covering it greatly reduces heat loss.
Therefore, wearing a head covering in winter gives nearly 50% more protection from the cold. This is another strong proof of the health benefits of hijab, as the hijab keeps the head warm and safe from drafts and cold winds.
Hygiene Benefits of Hijab
In many professions—such as nursing, food service, and healthcare—employees must cover their heads for hygiene reasons. This prevents contamination, stops the spread of infection, and keeps the environment clean. The hijab naturally performs this function as well.
Thus, in both religious and professional settings, head covering is linked to purity, cleanliness, and protection from diseases.
Summary of Protective Measures
Health specialists offer several safety recommendations:
- Stay in the shade between 10 AM and 4 PM
- Wear loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing
- Use a broad-brimmed hat or head-covering
- Use UV-blocking sunglasses
- Apply sunscreen (especially for children above six months)
- Check your skin monthly
- Visit a doctor yearly for a skin exam
In winter, they recommend:
- Keep warm
- Cover the head
- Avoid cold drafts
Interestingly, all these recommendations align naturally with the Islamic dress code.
Islamic Dress Code and Its Health Benefits
Health experts often describe clothing that is almost identical to Islamic dress—loose, comfortable, and covering most of the body. This type of clothing keeps the body cool during summer and warm during winter. It also protects vital organs from extreme temperatures.
The hijab maintains balance within the human body and supports overall health. This shows the wisdom behind Allah’s rulings. Hijab protects from physical harm, sociological issues, psychological stress, and spiritual weakness.
Allah says:
“O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments…”
(Surah Al-Ahzab 33:59)
The word jilbab refers to the outer garment worn over the veil, providing full protection.
References
http://www.stunninghijab.com/health-benefits-of-the-hijab/Originally written by By Dr Gazala Ishaq, (Research Scientist & Freelance Writer,Nottingham,UK)
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