Wearing of the Veil - Part 2

 the final

Note:

You should read at least the last paragraph of part 1 and followed with part 2 to get the full picture.

4- Most people’s understanding of the word veil is the head cover or the long gown worn by some women, whereas the word veil is not mentioned in the Qur’an to mean head cover or gown, nor is covering the head a sufficient condition to realize the meaning of veil.

The realm of veil in the Qur’an starts with the manner of looking.

 " قُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ " (سورة النور 30)

24: 30.Tell the believing men to lower their gaze….

" وَقُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ " (سورة النور 31)

24:31. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze….

" فَلَا تَخْضَعْنَ بِالْقَوْلِ فَيَطْمَعَ الَّذِي فِي قَلْبِهِ مَرَضٌ وَقُلْنَ قَوْلًا مَعْرُوفًا  " (سورة الأحزاب 32)

33:32 “…. then do not speak too softly, lest those with disease in their hearts will move with desire; you shall speak in an honorable manner.

None of which are addressed by wearing a veil. Most of the disputes revolve around covering the hair, whereas covering the head, chest and neck, and not wearing tight clothing (so as outline the body contours) which is clearly mentioned in the Qur’an, are more important.

" وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَى جُيُوبِهِنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ " (سورة النور 31)

24:31 “…and let them cast their shawls over their cleavage. And let them not show-off their beauty.

For chaste women Qur’an considers necessary the coverage of anything that is considered ornamental or decorative. Whether one’s hair is considered “ornamental”, should be judged by an unbiased conscious and a mind independent of sensual inclinations. If in the Qur’an there is no direct mention of hair, or if hair coverage seems to be in dispute, it is due to the historical state if affairs. In the region of Saudi Arabia during the time of revelation of the Qur’an, and also today, due to the intensity of the heat of the sun and dust in the air, men and women covered their heads and therefore it was not necessary for the Qur’an to mention the issue of covering one’s hair.

5- On the one hand is the point of view of some western societies in utilizing and profiteering from appearance and beauty of women and application of such commodities in the arena of marketing and sales, and offering such commodities to customers of passion and desire or even customers of art work. And on the other is the religious point of view which insists on protecting and guarding the beauty of form and shape, a Divine endowment on human beings. The difference in view and observation of the same. On the one hand, it is a question of love of the world and following one’s passions, desires in seeking temporary pleasure, and on the other hand, devising good policies and long-term consideration for individuals and the society, and also seeking salvation for the day of judgment. One can never dissuade those whose sight is bound by temporal life and earthly pleasures from ostentation and pretension.

6- Verses regarding observing boundaries of relationships between men and women are mentioned mainly in chapter Al-Noor 24 and Al-Ahzab 33 of the Qur’an which were revealed in medina during the eighteenth to the twenty third years of the prophetic mission, as the final additions to a monument whose structure and substance had already been constructed. This situation attests to an important issue, an issue whose mental and cultural foundation has to be in place before the final additions can be installed. This is a case of setting educational precedence and priority in a society.

In the Qur’an the axioms declaring unlawful such things as intoxicating substances, gambling, etc., and the issue of veil, were revealed at a time when the foundation for social belief for the unity of God, the day of judgment, the history of past peoples and prophets, and ethical standards had already been laid. Even then such axioms were revealed through patterns and sample models, not through commands and proclamations! Whereas in some Islamic countries, the religious administrators concentrate their efforts on the wearing of the veil and cause rough encounters with persons who do not wear veils and follow western cultures instead of directing their efforts towards cultural and educational activities; a futile effort expended on the appearance and one which ignores the substance.

When teachers of ethics in society manage to plant the seed of love in the youth, then one can hope to reap the harvest in the next generation and not have to worry about those who are content with the temporal life.

7- The Qur’an does not mention anything with regards to those who do not wear the veil. In some Islamic countries, if punishment is administered, it is due to the administrators, and not because of a divine law or commandment. Maybe the reason that the Qur’an does not mention punishment for those who do not wear the veil is due to the law of supply and demand. In other words, it may be that the effect of not wearing the veil can be neutralized by ignoring and not paying attention and by controlling one’s eyes. Indeed, if there is demand for a commodity, how can one dissuade another from selling that commodity?

According to the Qur’an, and in contrast to the customary practice, the harsh threats and punishments in this world are directed toward abusive and obtrusive men who cause disturbances for women. Consider the following verse:

  " لَئِنْ لَمْ يَنْتَهِ الْمُنَافِقُونَ وَالَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ مَرَضٌ وَالْمُرْجِفُونَ فِي الْمَدِينَةِ لَنُغْرِيَنَّكَ بِهِمْ ثُمَّ لَا يُجَاوِرُونَكَ فِيهَا إِلَّا قَلِيلًا " (سورة الأحزاب 60)

33:60 “If the hypocrites, and those with disease in their hearts and those who spread lies in the city do not refrain, then We will let you overpower them, then they will not be able to remain as your neighbours except for a short while.”