What is the ruling on wearing a headscarf, the hijab to cover the head?

Answer

Praise Be to Allah and Peace Be Upon His Messenger.

Referring to your question, Islamic Shari’a determines what Muslim women should wear. There are some rules related to Muslim women clothes regardless of their names, material or color. It should be Islamic modest dress depending on what is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah. Hijab includes the headscarf and a loose but not transparent dress.

Shaikh Muhammad Ahmad Hussain, the General Mufti (Muslim Legal Scholar), in the Palestinian Legal Verdict Council was once asked about the ruling of Hijab and the punishment of those who do not wear it. He was also asked whether the prayers that are performed by a woman who does not wear hijab are accepted or not.  

He said that Allah has ordered Muslim women to wear Hijab for great purposes. Some of them are to keep the society pure, to keep Muslim women’s dignity as they will not be exposed to harassment, and to let the woman appear in a respectful image. Allah says: “O prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies. That will be better, that they will be known (as free respectful women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” Al-Ahzab: 59”

A woman who does not observe the Hijab is considered disobedient and sinful. Allah says: “And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (PBUH), and transgresses His limits, He will cast him into the Fire, to abide therein; and he shall have a disgraceful torment.” An-Nisa’: 14

Moreover, the prayers that are performed by a woman who does not observe the Hijab are accepted as long as all prayers’ conditions are applied.

The Mufti added that Islam has specified the rules of Islamic dress. It should be loose, covers all the body and not transparent. Allah says: “And not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent.” An-Nur: 31

Ibn Abbas RAA interpreted that part (apparent) as the woman’s face, palms (hands) and the ring she wears.