ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books A New Perspective: Women in Islam Chapter 4: Hijab (Veiling) Fatma: Why are Muslim women required to cover? Sayyid: Scholars have established various explanations elucidating the subject of women covering. The two essential reasons as to why Muslim women must cover are to protect and defend women, as well as, society.

Covering is a form of protection, maintenance of chastity, and aid in the avoidance of negative temptations in society for women and men alike. When women cover, they provide dimensions of moral character and dignity, not only for themselves, but also for society. In general, men tend to be initially inclined and instinctively attracted to the physical beauty of women. Women are also attracted to men, but in general, the physical structure of women is more personable than that of men.

This is one additional reason why Muslim women are required to cover. Most importantly, however, it is to protect women from being victimized. It is well noted that throughout history women have been victims of physical, mental, and emotional abuse within societies. Many societies have exploited and dishonored women; therefore, Islam wanted (and wants) to shield her honor and dignity by protecting her physical nature.

Besides protecting the honor of women, Islam wants to inculcate upon men the importance of women in the sphere of life. Men are to regard women in a dignified manner and value them as equal human beings. The acknowledgment of a woman should not be based on her physical appearance or structure; respect and acknowledgment must be focused on her character, her intelligence, and her moral qualities. The subject of covering is not as foreign as some people believe.

Islam was not the only religion that required women to cover. Traditionally, female followers of the divine books had been covering for hundreds of years prior to Islam’s emergence. Many faithful women in the history of Judaism and Christianity were covered, and some women continue to do so today.

Islam continued with the convention, yet it added another dimension, the philosophy which is to “lower their gaze: yaghzuzna min ‘absaarihin.” (24:30) This can be interpreted as showing respect and modesty in all aspects of one’s mind and body. Fatma: Some claim that the Qur’an does not explicitly mandate women to cover, or that the doctrines are obscure and open to individual discretion.