Question:
Is there a direct order in the Qur’an for covering heads for women or is it derived from authentic hadiths or just from “ulema”?
Reply
The directive of head covering is derived from the Quran from surah Noor. The Qur’an says:
…..And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze(turn their eyes away from temptation) and cover their private parts; that they should not display their ornaments except what appears (without the intention of displaying); that they should draw their head coverings over their chests (Al-Noor 24: 31)
A close look at this verse shall show that the Qur’an has mentioned the covering of the women’s head as a matter that is already in practice, and taken for granted. The covering of a woman’s head is thus not a direct Qur’anic commandment, in this situation, yet it has been mentioned in the Qur’an in such a way that it can easily be inferred that according to the Qur’an the natural and the desirable way for a woman is to cover her head when she is interacting with non-Mahram males whether it is inside or outside of her house.
The other two places in the Quran which normally get mentioned when ever dress code of women is being debated are the verses 28 to 34 and verse 59 from surah Ahzab(33).
Even a cursory look at verses 28 to 34 of surah Ahzab would reveal that these directives are specific for wives of prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and are not directed to common women.
In the verse 59 a specific situation is mentioned and the directives given to women are only for that particular environment. The preceding and the succeeding verses make it absolutely clear that these cannot be general directives like the ones given in surah Noor verse 31.Take a look at the translation;
Those who pester believing men and believing women for something they never did should know that they bear on themselves the crime of slander and grave sin(33:58)
O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women that they should put their large wraps over themselves[pulling the corners of their wraps a little over their faces; when they have to go out] that is more convenient, that they should be recognised and (thus) not be harassed. God is ever forgiving and merciful(33: 59)
(Despite taking these measures)if the hypocrites and those who have diseased hearts and those who spread false scandals in Madinah do not desist we shall certainly let you overpower them and they will not be able to stay in it except for a limited period. Accursed are they, where found, they shall be seized and put to exemplary death(33:60 -61)
As is clear from the set of these verses that they were revealed in a particular environment where the hypocrites were targeting muslim women in general and wives of prophet (pbuh)in particular. According to our understanding if women of a particular area are facing situations like these then they should protect themselves by seeking guidance from these verses.
UIUK team
Views: 721