The question
What is your view on a girl wearing hijab at a young age — approximately between four and five years?
My daughter loves the hijab a lot and I want to teach her covering and the hijab. I told her I would throw her a party when she wears it and she was very happy with this. But those around me see that I will deprive her of her childhood — even though she goes out and plays more than their children, and I treat her with more love and tenderness than they do with theirs. SubhanAllah, will a head covering affect childhood in any way? Will it prevent the child from playing and laughing? What is your view on this?
Our answer
May Allah preserve you and bless you. I truly speak to you from experience. I see it as beautiful and it has its effect on souls. She will get used to covering early and will take more pride in her hijab. Then the puberty period won't tire you. So don't deprive her of this fitrah. Childhood is her happiness, not what people decide. And as long as her happiness lies in elevated aspiration, tend to her with the care of one who loves.
This answer is based on it being out of love from the daughter. But it must be noted: trying to impose it on her at this age — I don't advise it. Rather I advise embracing her passion and meeting her pride in it, encouraging her. But if you see that she feels pressure and that the matter is heavy on her, don't do it. Let her wear modestly until she grows stronger and grasps the difference.
I ask Allah to delight your eyes with her, make you happy with her, and make her among the righteous, blessed, and dignified.
Have a parenting question of your own? Contact us, or follow our Telegram channel: @estesharatjeel