Topic Under Discussion
Should a Woman Cover Her Head?

Question

Question Asked by
Amir
from
United States
on
22-Aug-2005

I have read all the responses to verse 24:31 and just wanted
to understand what your stance was on head-covering from a mandatory requirement
per the Qur'an. Is Head covering part of the Shari`ah? It seems that you have
indicated that is not obligatory upon women by the Shari`ah. But there can be
difference of opinions and can argued both ways. Thanks.

AnswerAccording to our understanding, head covering per se is not
mandatory according to the Shari'ah, although it has always been seen as
a popular norm for modest women by all the Abrahamic religions. It is also
indirectly endorsed by the Qur'an and therefore it can be seen as highly
recommended, in particular in Islamic societies where having head cover is seen
as a sign of a modest female.

Further, if in a society, the general perception is that
woman who does not cover her head is not modest and does not have Hayaa, it is
then possible to argue that in such a society covering the head remains
mandatory until this perception loses its popularity. This however is only on
the basis of social traditions and not the Shariah.

Abdullah Rahim

March 21, 2006

Answer published by Abdullah Rahim