If a muslim woman decides to stop wearing the hijab, what would the consequences be, if any?

Answer 1

It really depends on where she lives.....

The Saudi Arabian version of modest dress is composed of an abaya or loose robe, ħijāb or headcovering and niqāb or face veil. The Saudi niqāb usually leaves a long open slot for the eyes; the slot is held together by a string or narrow strip of cloth. Abaya and ħijāb are required; the niqāb is optional.

While Pakistan has no laws enforcing ħijāb, there are many parts of the country where there is strong social pressure for women to observe ħijāb, or purdah, as it is called in Persian. Many Pakistani women who observe purdah wear a garment called the pak-chadar, a headscarf with attached veil. However, there are also many Pakistani women who simply wear a dupatta or chunari to cover their heads. These are long scarves, often made of a light material, that match the woman's garments.

There are no laws enforcing ħijāb in India as it is a secular, Hindu-majority country, but in some conservative, Muslim-majority areas, there is social pressure to cover. Many Indian muslim women wear the burqa, although many others wear the dupatta or chunari.

A relatively less strict (though still considerably restrictive) interpretation is that of the current Iranian government, which requires women to wear loose-fitting coats or cloaks in public such as the chador, as well as a head scarf that covers the hair.

A woman wearing a burqa in AfghanistanThe burqa is the most extreme example of this belief: not even a woman's eyes are visible. Originating in Pakistan, it is more commonly associated with Afghanistan. Typically, a burqa is composed of many yards of light material pleated around a cap that fits over the top of the head. There is an embroidered openwork grille where the burqa passes over the eyes. Under the Taliban, the burqa was obligatory. Under the current government, it is technically optional but in most of Afghanistan beyond Kabul is still obligatory.

In Malaysia the headscarf is known as a tudung
Tunisian authorities say they are encouraging women, instead, to "wear modest dress in line with Tunisian traditions i.e. no headscarf.

In private, and in the presence of mahrams, the rules on dress are relaxed. However in the presence of husband, most scholars stress the importance of mutual freedom and pleasure of the husband.

Answer 2

In most parts of the world, nothing will happen to her immediately, though her family may be very sad to see her sin so blatantly.

Melanie T gives a nice answer with detailed information about different cultures' attitudes toward hijab.

I'm an American Muslima, and my family would love to see me forgo hijab. To choose to wear it here is probably the same consequences in this life as to choose not to wear it in a predominantly Muslim country.

Answer 3

I totally with Adia Arek who is 100% correct.
If a muslim woman stops wearing the hijab, there will be no consequences whatsoever (unless her family doesnt' like it but nothing will happen) the only person she will have to answer one day....is God....

Answer 4

1st what kind of consequences do u mean? in people eyes or in front of God(t)? in people eyes she may stay freely enjoy how much she can, but what about tomorrow ,i mean after death in front of Allah(j). what i am trying to say is that women don't use hijab because they are only in muslim countries or because of people; that will not have any benifit for them. they have to use hijab for the fear of Allah(j) because is order from God(j).
if they are doing becuase of people it will only take litle time and if there will be no people to pressure them they will stop wearing it.
And anything we do for show is nothing in front of Allah talla u know that.
more women should not be pressured to wear hijab , but we have to make them understand why they must use hijab in that case no complaint or hidde game will be played , like girls who only use hijab in some countries and use short skirt in others.
another is that the Holy Prophet says that the number of women will be higher then men in hell; one of the reasons will be Hijab.

And if you say hijab it has many meanings, not only the veil(or nicab for some) covering your face is not anough, you have to stop doing of bad things ............(haram ). there is consequences of not wearing hijab if not here in this world than wait for tomorrow, after death. girls who use hijab are always beautifull..not only on the body but the beauty of heart.

Answer 5

To the other answerers here: If you are uninformed or ignorant of the practices in Islam, WHY DO YOU ANSWER QUESTIONS LIKE THIS??? There is NO punishment for deciding not to cover. There are no stonings, public executions or beatings. Stop being so self righteous and learn the truth before you open your mouth and spew your hatred and lack of intelligence.

Answer 6

It would be quite harsh. How about public stoning. Remember in that arab world women are considered objects and property and don't have the rights of men. They are subservent in everyway even women from other countries are frowned upon for not wearing a hijab.

Answer 7

Under shariah law there is no punishment for her taking off her hijab but she couldnt live in that land. he punishment will be with her lord.

and if someone is killed for this sin, they did not do it based on islamic law just there own cultures and desires!

Answer 8

There won't be any big consequences in the non-Islamic nations.
If the decision is taken by the huge majority on a single day. Nothing will happen.

But, in the Islamic nations the story will be different.

Answer 9

Why the hell are the rest of you answering a question you don't know the answer?

Anyways, nothing will happen. It will be a sin for her though, and the only one she needs to answer to is God someday. It's her personal choice, if she wants to carry that sin, so be it.

Answer 10

They'll probably just give her a beating the first time. The second time, they'll give her last rites.