The Veil in Islam - Research Paper Example

Muslim women who strictly adhere to the requirement believe that it is an act of obedience to God and a stride towards freedom. In this regard, women’s freedom can be evaluated by their physical appearance rather than their intellect. The concept of veiling in Islam emanates from the need to maintain the association between the body and mind. It is often believed that covering the body is one way of shielding the heart from impurities. For that reason, men are admonished to avert their eyes from women, and subsequently, women are required to put on loose outer garments, and cover up their bosoms and heads (Hibri 8).

Although the Holy Qur’an directs that women needs to veil themselves, the degree and style varies considerably depending on the situation. Veiling in Islam women is highly dependent on interpretation of various scriptures on the practice, culture, and personal preferences. According to chapter 33, verse 60 of the Qur’an, Allah says “O prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters, and women of the believers, that they should pull down upon them of their outer cloaks from their heads over their faces.

That is more likely that they may thus be recognized and not molested”. There are two distinct interpretations of this scripture that has created two forms of veiling. In light of the instruction, some Muslim women choose to cover their heads while others choose to cover their faces. However, there are others who choose to adopt a compromised position of the two by covering their faces, only when they apply makeup (Ali 719). Majority of Muslim women veil themselves because of the need to uphold modesty, dignity, respect, and safeguard themselves from evils and harm.

There are two fundamental parameters, which come from hadith or traditional reports, and Qur’an that guide the Islamic women dress code. The first parameter comes from Qur’an, and is indicated that a woman’s body should be covered in such a manner that only her feet, hands, and face are revealed, except under uncontrolled circumstances (Qur’an 24: 30-31). Additionally, women are required to put on loose clothing so that their body structure is not revealed. The second parameter come from hadith, and states that Muslim women should not put on clothing similar to that of men, or in a manner similar to those who do not believe God.

This implies that their clothing should be simply modest, and not overly fancy or ragged. The traditional reports or hadiths presented a number of instances where women were admonished to cover up their nakedness. Scrutiny of the reports reveals that the definition of a woman’s nakedness is so wide and covers her entire body. Ibn Qudama in al-Mughni (1: 349) posited “all of the woman’s body is considered her nakedness” (Ali 412). In the Qur’an and the prophetic Sunna, there are some fundamental requirements that suggested the manner in which Muslim women are supposed to dress that includes; the extent of covering, thickness, looseness, color, appearance, and demeanor, variation from men’s clothing, variation from unbelievers clothing, and prohibition of ostentatious or vain dressing.

Although modest dressing and hijab is mandated in the Qur’an, many Muslims dispute that it is not a strict condition, but simply a strong suggestion. Because of varied interpretations and cultural differences, many women in the Islamic world have adopted fashions of their country.