Title: Must a Woman Hide her Face? Question: Just a short comment on covering of heads of women: I have read some of your replies to the previous questions, and did not get the impression that the head covering is obligatory form the 2 verses (24:31, and 33:59). Also, in one of your replies you (or somebody else) translated part of 33:59 implying women should cover their faces, where as I'd give you three other translations of the part of the same verse by : N. J . Dawood: "...to draw their veils close round them.. " Yusuf Ali: "...cast their outer garments over their persons... " and M. Pickthall: "...to draw their cloaks close round them ... " Therefore, please find time to send me a short reply and provide the source of the translation that was used to imply covering of faces?!!! Best regards Ismail Answer: Please accept my apologies for causing the referred confusion. My opinion, based on my present understanding of the related verses is that the style and the words of the Qur'anic directive in Al-Noor 24: 31 are such, which point to the covering of head as well. Therefore, in my opinion, a Muslim woman should cover her head while interacting with males (besides those about whom the Qur'an, itself has given a relaxation). Covering or hiding the face, in my opinion is not a part of the prescribed etiquette of interaction between males and females, as stipulated in the Qur'an or the sayings ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh). I hope this would clarify my opinion regarding the issues. 3 rd July 2000