My daughter asks, “Why do girls have to wear hijab and boys don’t?” What do I say?
Bloomtivo answers
Explain that both boys and girls have modesty rules in Islam, just different ones. Allah tells believing men first to lower their gaze and guard their modesty (Quran 24:30), then gives women the instruction about covering (24:31). Men must cover from navel to knee, avoid tight or revealing clothing, and lower their gaze. Hijab is worship and dignity, not a sign that girls matter less.
Reviewed by Islam Awny, Bloomtivo teacher · Updated
↓ The full answer
Girls usually ask this around ages 7 to 12, often after noticing brothers have fewer rules. It deserves an honest, respectful answer.
Cover the body except face and hands, according to most scholars
No silk or gold for men
Hijab from puberty
Modest, not tight or showy, clothing
Modest, not tight or showy, clothing
Point out: Allah speaks to the men first.
What to say, by age
Age
Answer
5–8
“Allah gave boys and girls different ways of being modest. Boys have rules too. Hijab is something special that grown-up girls do for Allah.”
9–12
Show the two verses. Explain that hijab is an act of worship that comes with puberty, and that it protects dignity.
13+
Discuss honestly: the wisdom, how it feels in the UK, and that her value comes from her character and faith, not her appearance.
What helps
Hold brothers to their rules too: lowering the gaze, modest clothing, respect.
Women role models who wear hijab and are confident, successful and kind.
Let her try hijab for special occasions before it is required, if she wants to.
Teacher’s tip: girls accept hijab more happily when they see the boys in the family keeping their modesty rules too. Fairness at home is a powerful answer.
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