There are many misconceptions about the hijab. The term commonly refers to a head covering some Muslim women choose to wear. But even that brief description is rife with issues ― including the fact that the Quran commands men, as well as women, to observe rules about modesty.

In honor of the first Muslim Women’s Day on Monday, prominent Muslim activist and lawyer Qasim Rashid offered a lesson on the nuance of hijab for men who want to tell women how to conduct themselves.

On #MuslimWomensDay I want to post this thread about Hijab in Islam. This is something I hope every guy reads. /1 — Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) March 27, 2017

The term can most accurately be conceived of as a principle of modesty, including rules of dress and behavior for both men and women.

But that’s not how many Islamophobes ― and even some men in the Muslim community, as Rashid noted ― see it.

People often conflate "Hijab" & "headscarf." Wearing the headscarf is one form of Hijab, but men often forget that Hijab is much more. /2 — Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) March 27, 2017

Accordingly, when addressing Hijab, the Qur'an does not address women first. It addresses men first. What? Men observe hijab? Since when? /3 — Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) March 27, 2017

Well, since always. The primary responsibility of observing Hijab is not on women — it is on men. It's critical to understand this point. /4 — Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) March 27, 2017

How must men observe Hijab? Men are commanded to not stare at women & to not be promiscuous. The Qur'an commands men to observe modesty. /5 pic.twitter.com/z0xDje6Kc1 — Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) March 27, 2017

Verse 24:31 rebukes forced laws on women that say "Women must cover otherwise men are distracted." This verse destroys rape culture. /6 — Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) March 27, 2017

Qur'an commands men,"Don't stare at women," demolishing complaints that what she's wearing is "too provocative," etc whatever that means. /7 — Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) March 27, 2017

Guy: But she's wearing revealing clothing!

Qur'an: Why are you staring? Stop

Guy: But,it's revealing

Qur'an: Why—Are—You—Staring?

Guy: :/

/8 — Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) March 27, 2017

Men have an obligation to God & to women to observe Hijab. It simple. If a guy chooses to accept Islam, Islam says he must observe Hijab. /9 — Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) March 27, 2017

Thus Muhammad(sa) rebuked men, "Be chaste yourselves, & women will be chaste as well," again putting the primary burden of Hijab on men /10 — Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) March 27, 2017

This is critical. We've all heard guys say "I want a chaste wife," yet themselves they're anything but. Do w/e—but dont be a hypocrite /11 — Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) March 27, 2017

Once men are thoroughly commanded to observe Hijab by being modest, not staring, & reforming themselves, then the Qur'an addresses women /12 — Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) March 27, 2017

Now, many men magically & suddenly discover the concept of Hijab for women—ignoring the primary burden first placed on men /13 — Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) March 27, 2017

For some reason men think they can simply force women to observe Hijab. No. Such. Permission. Exists. To. Force. Hijab. In. Islam. /14 — Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) March 27, 2017

But as His Holiness the Khalifa of Islam Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) reminds men who force Hijab on women -- stop & restrain yourselves. /15 pic.twitter.com/M0pXbTd3a4 — Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) March 27, 2017

Hijab is a critically important Islamic teaching. No one denies this. But it seems to me that too many men forget it applies to us FIRST /16 — Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) March 27, 2017

So that's my thread on Hijab in Islam. To learn how Hijab applies to Muslim women—I suggest u ask Muslim women

Peace! 17/17#MuslimWomansDay — Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) March 27, 2017

“I wrote the thread in honor of #MuslimWomensDay as a reminder to Muslim men about our responsibilities to observe hijab,” Rashid told The Huffington Post on Tuesday. “Too often men impose hijab on women, forgetting that we have no right to do so. Instead, Muslim men should work on reforming ourselves by upholding the requirements of hijab that the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad place on us.”

As Muslim women and advocates celebrated their strength and resilience for a day of celebration on Monday, a slew of bigots and trolls were out in full force on Twitter. Of the many hateful comments, photos and videos posted, a large portion took issue with women’s covering.

It’s true that in some countries, women are required to follow mandatory rules regarding dress and modesty. Then again, a number of countries ban veiling of any sort. Both aim to control the ways Muslim women dress and act. As Rashid pointed out, perhaps women aren’t the issue here.

But the focus on women and hijab serves to perpetuate a victim narrative, which Rashid said can have dangerous consequences.

“Especially at a time when violence against women is at epidemic levels, it is imperative men stop imposing themselves on women, and instead work on reforming themselves,” Rashid said. “And while I wrote the thread primarily for Muslim men, I was pleased to see many Christian, Jewish, and non-believing men also acknowledge the importance of self-reform.”