March 2003: Page 1, 2, 3, 4

Submitters Perspective

Page 2

Women

cont'd from page 1

These are some of GOD’s signs, that they may take heed.

This is the basic law regarding garment in the Quran, and the first law regarding women’s garment in Islam. What we learn from this verse is that we should pay attention to our inner garment of righteousness in addition to our outer garment as a righteous. A woman should have a manner that does not attract the attention of strangers. This is why God encourages women not to strike their feet when they walk in order to shake and reveal certain details of their bodies, or to speak so softly, that “those with disease in their hearts may get the wrong ideas.”

Therefore, the above verses show that “Islamic garment” (Hijab) is a set of manners in talking, walking, dressing, and acting (7:26; 33:59; 24:30-31; 33:32). However, since the true garment is the inner garment, men are the first to be reminded of subduing their eyes, and maintaining chastity. Men should first be educated so that women’s garment will be effective:

[24:30] Tell the believing men that they shall subdue their eyes (and not stare at the women), and to maintain their chastity. This is purer for them. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything they do.
[24:31] And tell the believing women to subdue their eyes, and maintain their chastity. They shall not reveal any parts of their bodies, except that which is necessary. They shall cover their chests, and shall not relax this code in the presence of other than their husbands, their fathers, the fathers of their husbands,

their sons, the sons of their husbands, their brothers, the sons of their brothers, the sons of their sisters, other women, the male servants or employees whose sexual drive has been nullified, or the children who have not reached puberty. They shall not strike their feet when they walk in order to shake and reveal certain details of their bodies. All of you shall repent to GOD, O you believers, that you may succeed.

Therefore, the inner righteousness is just as important as the outer righteousness. The benefit of having the outer garment of righteousness is that even strangers will recognize these women as righteous women. Thus, the Quran enjoins women to dress modestly and to lengthen their garment. God does not give any further detail on this, and leaves it up to us.

There are only two verses regarding women’s dress code through out the Quran. The word “Hijab” is not used in either of these verses. The word “maghnea” (a scarf that covers the head) that is found in some translations is not found in the Arabic text either.

Let us not forget that Islam (Submission) is an easy religion whose laws are applicable to all time and places. Also the Quran is a complete, fully detailed scripture, and God has forbidden us to exaggerate and transgress the limits of our religion. If God has overlooked some matters (5:110), He did so deliberately, and not out of unawareness, or forgetfulness.

The understanding of the word “Hijab” is very different than its Quranic meaning. This word is used in seven verses, none of which could possibly mean, “to cover the hair or

the head!” In fact, God has never used this word for garment.

Different people in different Muslim countries wear Hijab according to their own tradition and culture, not according to the Quran. This is why in some countries men have a special garment with their head covered, and in some countries women cover their head, and in some countries both men and women cover their head. Furthermore, in some countries women cover their head, while their face is shown. In some other countries they cover their face, in addition to their head so that only their eyes can be seen. And in some other places they cover their entire face such that even their eyes can’t be seen. This shows that there is a difference between what is religious, and what is culturally related.

When we study the Quran carefully and translate the Arabic words without interpreting them, we find that nowhere in the Quran God commands women to veil themselves.

Once again, we see that those who believe God’s word in the Quran, and believe that His word is complete and fully detailed will have a peace of mind regarding these laws, and live in today’s society without being worried about veiling themselves or covering their hair. As for those that God’s word is not enough, and are seeking for additional sources beside the Quran, they will be in hardship and they are unaware of the idolatry they are practicing (18:103-104; 58:18).

Laleh

"As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the person." Proverbs 27:19