Title: Should a Woman Cover Her Head? Question: According to my restricted knowledge of Islam I believe that it encourages modesty in terms of clothing especially with regards to women. Does this entail covering your head too? I mean a woman can wear loose clothes etc., not covering her head, and still appear modest. Is there any explicit directive in the Qur'an or the Hadith requiring women to cover their heads? Please kindly explain. Wassalam Hira Javaid Pakistan Answer: You write: According to my restricted knowledge of Islam I believe that it encourages modesty in terms of clothing especially with regards to women. I agree with your statement with the exception that with reference to modesty, there are no gender-based differences in the directives of the Qur'an, in principle. However, the practical application of these directives may differ for men and women, due to the natural differences between the two. You write: Does this entail covering your head too? Head covering has not been made obligatory upon women by the Shari`ah . However, it is a well known fact that head-covering for women has remained an integral part of the noble social traditions of each one of the three Abrahamic traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Head-covering has traditionally been considered a symbol of nobility and modesty in all of these traditions. In view of this significance of head-covering, it is recommended for Muslim women to adhere to this practice. You write: I mean a woman can wear loose clothes etc., not covering her head, and still appear modest. Is there any explicit directive in the Qur'an or the Hadith requiring women to cover their heads? An individual's concept of what may or may not constitute immodesty can be greatly influenced by his/her social background. However, as should be clear from the foregoing, for a Muslim, a Christian or a Jew, who gives any importance to the social traditions established and condoned by the prophets of God, the teachings entailed in these traditions should serve as a standard to emulate, even though these traditions are not a part of the Shari`ah . There are indeed some traditions in which the Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have condoned and recommended the referred tradition of covering heads and adhering to modest attire. However, firstly, there is some difference of opinion among the scholars of Hadith relating to the authenticity of some of these narratives; and, secondly, in view of the elaborate prescription of the Qur'an in this regard, these narratives, even if considered authentic, should be seen as a part of the social tradition condoned and promoted by the Prophet (pbuh), rather than as a part of the Islamic Shari`ah . I hope this helps. Moiz Amjad May 12, 2003