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Bismillah: In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful
Why do Muslim women dress the way they do, covering
their bodies, their hair, and in some cases even their faces?
The dress code for Muslim women is part of the larger
values of modesty and chastity. These values apply to men as well as women. Yet there is a difference between male and female
roles: one is more of giving and the other more of receiving the life-affirming energy that seeks union with its mate. Hence
there is also a difference in the practical obligations applicable to men and women. For men, more emphasis is placed on controlling
where their attention and energy goes; whereas for women, more emphasis is placed on protecting and covering whatever may
attract inappropriate attention and energy from the opposite sex.
The principles of modesty and the guarding of chastity
are given in the Quran. The more specific details of dress are outlined in the Prophetic traditions. Differences in scholarly
interpretation, as well as variations in culture, account for a wide variety of dressing styles found among Muslim women.
The most common view requires all parts of a woman’s body to be covered, excepting face and hands, in the presence
of adult males outside of the immediate family.
Along chastity is highly valued, it should not to be confused with
sexual suppression. Islam teaches that God blesses a husband and wife when they satisfy their needs in a religiously-lawful
relationship. Within the pure context of marriage, sexuality is viewed as a God-given, life-affirming gift to be accepted
with gratitude.
The importance of marriage is such that it is considered half of religion. On a basic level, it provides
a committed relationship within which to raise children. Yet it also has a spiritual dimension, in the completion of the soul
through the rejoining of the complementary, polar pair of male and female. On this level, the starting point of union is spiritual,
yet it expands to include the physical body, and results in a sharing and completion of spiritual light and blessings. Hence
Muslim couples are reminded to look beyond the outward formality of marriage and continue to strive for inner purification
throughout their married life, in good deeds, mutual kindness, remembrance of God and prayer.
Islamic concepts of
modest dress and guarding of chastity are part of a complete code of life directed towards the attainment and perfection of
one’s God-given nature. The powerful drive which unites couples is understood as a sacred gift that must be respected,
guarded and purified from whatever forces seek to abuse it. This ongoing protection is necessary because for every sacred,
spiritual light, there exists a deluding, opposite force. Relations that start simply from physical impulses do not become
spiritual, but rather distort and ultimately corrupt the spiritual nature of sexual relationships.
Chastity is in
contrast to the numerous contemporary trends in which human sexuality is abased and manipulated for economic greed. For many
Muslim women who have entered Islam by choice, modest Muslim dress is an affirmation of personal dignity and a powerful statement
against the current abuse of human–‎particularly women’s–‎sexuality.
Yet
more important than the external covering, is the inner attitude and intention of purity and God-consciousness (“taqwa”).
The Quran states: “O ye Children of Adam! We have bestowed garments on you to cover your nakedness, as well as to
be an adornment to you. But the garment of God-consciousness (taqwa), that is the best. Such are among the Signs of Allah,
that they may take it to heart.” (7:26)
Barbara (Masumah) Helms
(Courtesy of the Standard-Freeholder,
February 3, 2007)
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