Women should not have to
veil themselves

It may come as a surprise to many people, but covering the head is not an idea from the Quran. This belief is an innovation, which had been attributed falsely to Islam.

The term Muslims use today for women’s garment is “Hijab.”

The first rule regarding Hijab for women can be found in the Quran in 7:26. This verse illustrates that the best Hijab is not physical covering but rather our inner righteousness. Then, in two other verses, women are enjoined to cover their chest, and to lengthen their garment. However, God did not decreed for women to veil themselves or to cover their hair. Had God wanted so, He would have mentioned the word “hair” or “head” as it relates

to Hijab in a straightforward way as we see in 5:6, where God com-mands to wipe the head for ablu-tion. In addition, the word “hair” is referenced in other commands as represented in 2:196 and 48:27 but never in reference to Hijab.

God regards the Hijab as a way for believing women to be recognized as righteous women and avoid being insulted:

[33:59] O prophet, tell your wives, your daughters, and the wives of the believers that they shall lengthen their garments. Thus, they will be recognized (as righteous women) and avoid being insulted. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

Therefore, it is not just the outside garment that matters. What is more important is our inner garment, which is the soul.

Those who have an appearance of righteousness without practicing righteousness in faith and morals are single-minded people who do not understand the divine meaning of the scripture. The Quran recognizes someone as a believer when he or she submits himself/herself in all Quranic aspects.

[7:26] O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness.

cont’d on page 2