Please note: this fatwa has been translated by artificial intelligence.
Question
My daughter started menstruating about a year ago and is now (11) years old, but she currently refuses to wear the hijab, and I am struggling with this. Should I force her, and how should I do that? Or should I leave her for a few months? Because her sister wore it at the age of nine without any request or pressure from me, and she tells me not to force her sister so that she doesn't take it off as soon as I'm not around and end up hating it and removing it completely when she grows up; thus, I would have caused her to drift away from religion and commitment to it. Is there any help regarding this matter?
Answer
Dear sister, nothing accompanies gentleness except that it beautifies it, and you should do the following:
- Gradually persuade her; do not insist or pressure her so that you do not drive her away, and do not criticize her for not responding, but be the understanding, affectionate mother close to her heart.
Explain to her the benefits of the hijab, telling her that the hijab earns the respect of believers and protects you from immorality and from those who wish you harm and evil. - Provide her with videos, booklets, or songs that highlight the advantages of the hijab and make her fond of it.
- Increase the recitation of the Quran in the house, for it is the miracle, guidance, and the word of God; may Allah illuminate her insight and make easy for her what He loves and is pleased with, exalted be He.
- Always pray to Allah to guide your daughter and make her among those He loves and is pleased with, for seeking help from Allah and relying on Him are among the greatest reasons for success.
- Tell her that one of the reasons for success in life and achieving it is adhering to the commands of the Generous and Merciful, and that Allah, exalted be He, is close to her, aware of us; nothing is hidden from Him in the earth or in the heavens.
However, if she reaches a certain age, you must enforce the hijab upon her and compel her to wear it, and Allah knows best.