The female dress of Islam, is one of the most controversial things about the religion. Many people believe that Abyas and female persian headwear is considered “Oppressing” and many things like that. On one side you have the falses of these accusations. First off to a Muslim’s view, these articles of clothing are not “To oppress women”, they are to be worn to be a symbol of Privacy, modesty, and morality. It is also worn by muslim women to be more connected and close to god. The Quran tells women to cover most of their body, mainly private parts and curves. But not necessarily the hands and face. Many muslims believe that includes the hair, and all of the body. However the Quran has no direct requirement of a hijab, burqa, or Abaya, just modest clothes that cover someone up including their curves. But people believe these are the most respected clothes and best to wear. Women aren’t the only ones who cover themselves, usually men must also dress modestly, scholars believe men should cover themselves to the knees, and their clothes must not be tight fitting. Muslim men should also not wear gold jewelry, silk clothing, and other ornaments that are considered feminine.
Headcoverings of Islam: The Truth Unveiled
“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: And Allah is well acquainted with all that they do.” 24:30
“Their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display.” 24:31
“Who guard their modesty and women who guard (their modesty), and men” 33:35
These are quotes from the Quran are evidence that say both women and men should guard their modesty and not display themselves, and lower their gaze so they do not lust upon others to keep themselves pure, because Allah is aware of all that you do.
Now the other side of this argument believes that the female muslim coverings, only see a few pieces of the puzzle and not the whole picture. Yes, countries like Saudi Arabia and such do force women to wear coverings, but these head coverings themselves don’t oppress women, it is the other rules for example the fact women are not allowed to drive that oppress women. Another thing people who think muslim women who are oppressed think is that most women are forced to wear hijab which is not true. From study there are about 1.62 billion followers of Islam, only 20% of muslims live in Arab countries, and only 2 of those arab countries, Saudi Arabia and Iran, force head coverings. Meaning over 80% of Muslims live in places where the hijab is optional, so that means the women have the choice of dressing in these coverings because they want to for usually their religious reasons not others.