In his speech, the Custodian of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine emphasized that chastity constitutes an element of faith-based identity and that modest dress is a religious ruling rather than a mere social manifestation.
His Eminence Sayed Isa al-Khirsan affirmed that chastity and modest dress are two fundamental pillars within the ethical and jurisprudential structure of the school of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). He noted that treating these concepts as social customs or purely cultural choices represents a departure from their true religious and Quranic foundations.
Sayed Isa al-Khirsan stated:
“Modest dress and chastity are neither matters of public taste nor products of social habits. Rather, they are rulings of the tolerant Islamic Sharia and integral components of faith-based identity. The jurists of the Islamic Ummah are in consensus on this principle, which is firmly established within the ethical system of the school of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).”
Sayed al-Khirsan stressed that the issue of hijab and modest dress must not be reduced to an outward or emotional dimension. Instead, it should be addressed within a comprehensive jurisprudential framework that begins with the Holy Quran, considers the objectives of Sharia, and takes social realities into account.
Hijab as a Means of Preserving Dignity and Preventing Harm
Referring to verses of the Holy Quran, he said:
“The Quran presents modest dress as a means of preserving human dignity and preventing harm.”
citing the noble verse:
“That is more suitable so that they may be recognized and not harmed.”
He explained that this Quranic expression links the religious ruling to its ethical and social function, demonstrating that it is not merely a superficial matter. He further noted that the narrations of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) emphasize this meaning, citing the saying of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him):
“Chastity is the pinnacle of all virtues.”
and also:
“A woman has not been adorned with an ornament better than chastity.”
The Hijab as a Practical Expression of Sharia-Compliant Dress
The custodian of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine explained the jurisprudential principle.
“That without which an obligation cannot be fulfilled is itself obligatory,” noting its application to modest dress. If the obligatory covering, according to common practice, cannot be achieved except through a complete and concealing garment that prevents adornment and display, then adherence to such a garment is considered a form of customary devotional compliance.”
He emphasized:
“Speaking of the hijab is not an additional or marginal issue, but rather a practical manifestation of Sharia-compliant dress. The hijab is both a path and a goal, and goals cannot be realized without their path.”
Modest Dress Is Not Backwardness or Isolation
He further asserted that attempts to strip religious concepts of their authentic content or to redefine values apart from Quranic and jurisprudential authority require a clear stance. He emphasized:
“Chastity does not signify backwardness, nor is modest dress a symbol of isolation or closed-mindedness. Rather, it represents a commitment arising from a comprehensive jurisprudential and ethical understanding of the human being and society.”
He added that hosting festivals of modesty within the sacred precincts of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine is a religious and ethical duty, aimed at safeguarding public values, strengthening religious awareness, and linking social behavior to Quranic and jurisprudential foundations, away from superficiality or emotional excess.
Holy Shrines as Beacons of Guidance
In concluding his address, Sayed al-Khirsan underscored the role of holy shrines in spreading social awareness and the timeless message of Islam, stating:
“Holy shrines have never been merely ceremonial sites. They have always been, and continue to be, beacons of guidance and sanctuaries of the religious identity of the Islamic Ummah.”
He concluded with prayers for success in acting in accordance with divine pleasure and for the protection of women and girls under the shelter of lawful hijab and the dignity of modest dress. He also cited the words of Imam al-Hussein (peace be upon him):
“Know that Allah is your Protector and Guardian, and He will deliver you from the evil of your enemies.”
The Imam Ali Holy Shrine held the main ceremony of the fifth “My Hijab” Festival in the courtyard of Lady Fatimah al Zahra (peace be upon her), in the presence of the Custodian of the Shrine, his deputy, members of the Board of Directors, department heads, and a number of university presidents, professors, and officials from Najaf al-Ashraf, with the participation of two thousand female students from the city of Najaf.
