Is a Shahada Valid If Intending Not to Wear Hijab?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Is convert’s Shahada valid if they take it while intending not to wear hijab? Does this affect the submission required for Shahada?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
Yes, a convert’s Shahada (testimony of faith) is valid even if they take it while intending not to wear the hijab. The validity of one’s entry into Islam is based on sincerely affirming the two testimonies:
“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
This testimony affirms a person’s belief in Islam and integrates them into the faith. The conditions for a valid Shahada include sincerity and conviction in one’s heart, rather than immediate compliance with all aspects of Islamic practice.
Understanding Submission and Gradual Growth in Islam
While wearing hijab is a religious obligation for Muslim women, a person’s struggles or shortcomings in practice do not invalidate their Islam. Faith is a journey, and many new Muslims take time to grow in their understanding and application of Islamic teachings. The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless and give him peace) nurtured new believers with wisdom, patience, and encouragement, recognizing that spiritual growth happens gradually.
Encouragement Without Rejection
A convert who intends not to wear the hijab may need guidance, support, and education rather than being made to feel that their Islam is incomplete or invalid. As long as they accept Islam wholeheartedly, their Shahada is sound, and their relationship with Allah will strengthen over time with sincere effort and learning.
Conclusion
A person’s initial commitment to Islam is based on belief, and their practice develops with time. A convert’s Shahada remains valid even if they struggle with implementing certain obligations. Our role as a community is to support them with wisdom, kindness, and encouragement as they grow in faith.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
