Question:

We kindly request you to address the West’s suspicion regarding the hijab—namely, that if a woman wears the hijab, it serves as an incentive for young men to pursue women more and increases their desire for them, whereas if there is no hijab, it becomes something normal, and both young men and women strive to please each other, resulting in a decrease in sexual desire for both. However, the opposite has occurred with an increase in crimes. What is your Eminence’s view?

Answer:

This is a refuted suspicion with no basis whatsoever. This is a refuted suspicion: if the hijab is obligatory among Muslims, then its obligation among disbelievers is even more appropriate and a priority, because the disbeliever is more vile, more evil, and worse in corruption.

If it is obligatory for her to observe hijab in front of a Muslim—whose religion prevents him from corruption, except for one whose faith is weak—then her observing hijab in front of disbelievers is even more imperative. When a disbeliever knows that she is not someone to be lusted after or coveted, he will not approach or harass her.

Furthermore, she is not permitted to go out in disbelieving lands except with her mahram (male guardian) and someone who protects her from temptation. She is not even allowed to go out like that alone in Muslim lands if she is in a place of danger—let alone in disbelieving lands! Her guardians, mahrams, or companions must be with her so that she is not exposed to temptation. As for uncovering herself there, it is forbidden just as it is forbidden among Muslims, rather, even more so and more severely!