Title: Regarding Hijab Question: In your response to the issue of Hijab , you defined dharaba as covering. According to a learned brother at the masjid , he stated that in Arabic dharaba actually has the connotation of 'forceful'. From this, he said it can be inferred that the covering of the head should be very careful covering the ears and neck. Does dharaba simply mean to cover or does it take on a forceful connotation? Can this be implied from the verses, or does it simply mean that one should take precautions in fulfilling the directive of the Shar`iah of drawing the khimar over the chest? Asim Awan Answer: I do agree with the general opinion expressed by the brother. However, it would be more accurate to say that when used in this connotation, the word Dharaba means to 'spread in an encompassing manner'. Nevertheless, because the Qur'an has not specified the limits of this 'spreading', it implies that these limits are to be decided by the individual. Furthermore, it should be kept in mind that the directive of the Qur'an is not merely to 'spread' the Khimar (head-covering) over themselves, but, on the contrary, it is to spread their khimar over their chests. I really do not think that the phrase 'spread the khimar over their chests' can be taken to imply covering ears. The neck, on the other hand, can indeed be included in the scope of this 'spreading'. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad December 5, 2001