Recently, Iran has begun to “crack down” on violators of hijab. Specifically, women who are not covered properly must deal with the legal authorities and whatever that entails (fines, jail time, etc.)
I’ve been wondering lately what precedence there is for enforcing hijab. By precedence, I mean the historical legal framework under which a law can be established. In this case, I am referring directly to the lifespan of the Messenger of God (May peace and blessings be upon him and his family). Was there ever an incident during the Prophet’s life of a woman who refused to cover? If so, how was it handled? How was it enforced? Or was it enforced at all?
I once sent an inquiry to the office of the Supreme Leader, Ayatullah Ali Khamene`i regarding whether or not a state could enforce hijab. His official response was “Situations vary,” and it then referred me to the chapter of his rulings on enjoining the good and forbidding the wrong.
It was not the answer I expected, and it leaves open the question of whether enforcing it is a legal necessity, following the shari’ah, or simply the prerogative of the jurist-led state. If anyone out there has any insight into this matter, please share.
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