What is the meaning of the jilbab and its legal ruling in Islam, and why do some scholars not issue fatwas regarding its obligation, despite many exegetes interpreting it as that which is worn over clothes and distinguishes the free woman, and the existence of juristic opinions stating the husband's obligation to provide it?

Scholars have differed in their interpretation of the jilbab. In Arabic, it is used to refer to a large outer garment (milhafah), what is worn over it, a cloak (rida') and a head and face covering (khimar), and a veil (qina') that covers the chest, back, and head. Al-Qamus al-Muhit and Ibn al-Athir mentioned various meanings for it. Neither Al-Qurtubi nor Al-Nawawi favored a single interpretation; rather, they mentioned that it is "the garment that covers the entire body" or something similar to a miqna'ah (a type of head covering) or a mila'ah (a large wrap). Ibn Ashour interpreted it as the veil (qina') with which a woman covers her head, and which conceals the sides of her face, her shoulders, and her back. The intent of the divine command is concealment, not the specific designation of a mila'ah or a cloak (rida') over other clothes. And there is no one who issues a fatwa (definition) obligating the wearing of a mila'ah or a cloak over already modest and loose clothing. The important thing is concealment.