How can a Muslim woman consider it Honorable to wear the headscarf?

[Starsoul]

Yeah Rakhel raises another question in my mind. Should a woman be forced to wear the head scarf, or should it be a choice? Because I have heard in some places it's illegal not to wear it. I'd appreciate if someone could verify.

"There is No compulsion in religion." Al Quran.

You cant force people to do what they don't want to, it never works. It is a recommendation from Lord, and we submit to His recommendations because that is the best for us. AT the most, One can inform, or guide another person, or talk over it for clarity or comprehension but if the other person does not want to follow, there can be no force involved.

Only Allah knows best though.

 

[Gaura Priya]

As a person who has Gender Identity Disorder and consider myself cerebrally female, it should be a choice, even if the religion considers it a fundamental practice for women. For example, nowhere in the Qur'an does it say that women must cover their heads - only their bosoms.

"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands' fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons, or their brothers or their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed."
-- Surah An-Nur 31

In the Tanakh, the only mention of veiling is found in Bere**** 24:65, where Rebekah saw her future husband Isaac,

"And she said unto the servant: 'What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us?' And the servant said: 'It is my master.' And she took her veil, and covered herself."

In early Christianity, at least according to Paul, women must cover their heads.

"But every woman praying or prophesying with her head unveiled dishonoreth her head; for it is one and the same thing as if she were shaven. For if a woman is not veiled, let her also be shorn: but if it is a shame to a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be veiled."
-- 1 Corinthians 11:5-6

I think that covering one's head is a beautiful practice, showing modesty and virtue. If I were a physical woman and had a husband, I would cover my head to show modesty and virtue and religiousity in the home.

My Muslim friend does not cover herself with a headscarf except when she goes to the mosque on Fridays.

 

[UmmSqueakster]

As a person who has Gender Identity Disorder and consider myself cerebrally female, it should be a choice, even if the religion considers it a fundamental practice for women. For example, nowhere in the Qur'an does it say that women must cover their heads - only their bosoms.

"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands' fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons, or their brothers or their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed."
-- Surah An-Nur 31

That is one interpretation, and the one, I would venture to guess, that is in the minority.

The other is that the word veil, khimar, refers to a headscarf. If one should draw her khimar over her bosom, then she must be wearing a khimar in the first place. Can't draw something over one's bosom if one isn't wearing it.

 

[Gaura Priya]

That is one interpretation, and the one, I would venture to guess, that is in the minority.

The other is that the word veil, khimar, refers to a headscarf. If one should draw her khimar over her bosom, then she must be wearing a khimar in the first place. Can't draw something over one's bosom if one isn't wearing it.

Meh, I come from the bias of a Qur'anist, and thus what the Qur'an says is to cover the bosom, of more importance than the head. There is the argument that the Islamic custom to cover the head was actually a cultural borrowing of the early Byzantine Christians.

In any case, I would still cover my head!

 

[Sahar]

Being unique, independent and free from being a slave to men and their desires...are honorable to me. I am from, for and to God. This is what hijab is about.

 

[ChristineES]

I guess this is something I've always been curious about, and am hoping some Muslim women can give me some insight. How does one consider it an honor to do something a man is not required to do, that so clearly distinguishes women from men and their role in society? I appreciate all answers from female Muslims.

If someone finds it honorable, then it is honorable for them. It is not up to us to judge what is an honor for another person or what isn't. People make their own decisions.

 

[Rainbow Mage]

If someone finds it honorable, then it is honorable for them. It is not up to us to judge what is an honor for another person or what isn't. People make their own decisions.

I don't disagree. I was just curious.

 

[.lava]

Should a woman be forced to wear the head scarf, or should it be a choice?

it has to be her choice

.

 

[outhouse]

all I can say is thank a deity of your choice for the uncovered women we have here in california!!!!

It would be a crime to cover up some of these gals

I love freedom

 

[.lava]

all I can say is thank a deity of your choice for the uncovered women we have here in california!!!!

It would be a crime to cover up some of these gals

I love freedom

if that should be the definition of freedom then you should live in a house that's made of glass with no curtains at all, so that everyone could see everything about you. IMO that would be utterly disturbing

.

 

[outhouse]

if that should be the definition of freedom then you should live in a house that's made of glass with no curtains at all, so that everyone could see everything about you. IMO that would be utterly disturbing

.

I could but it would be dang cold lol [i live in the country lol]

freedom of choice, gatta luv it

 

[Gaura Priya]

I could but it would be dang cold lol [i live in the country lol]

freedom of choice, gatta luv it

>__> That would be very unsightly...

Although I believe women are free to go topless in my country...

 

[darkendless]

Being unique, independent and free from being a slave to men and their desires...are honorable to me. I am from, for and to God. This is what hijab is about.

One could argue that both ways. By having to cover yourself or feeling obligated to as some girls are is slavery to male desires.

Nice to know what you think of men though

 

[Madhuri]

If i was to ask you to choose between a candy uncovered and a candy all wrapped up nicely, which one will you choose? I guess we know the answer to that.

He was also asking about men. Are men, thus, undesirable? are they not precious?

 

[TJ73]

He was also asking about men. Are men, thus, undesirable? are they not precious?

Men are required to observe modesty as well. There is Hijab for men. In observing modsesty men a women are less inclined and not as encouraged to focus so much on sex. It is just not in human nature to constantly see the opposite sex in a provacative manner and not think about it. Sex is an intimate affair an Allah asks us to keep it that way. Nothing intrigues people more than sexy ladies and that's why they are used in every form of advertising from radio, to print to television. Women are even asked to keep their speech neutral, to avoid speaking in an overly sexy voice.

 

[Madhuri]

Men are required to observe modesty as well. There is Hijab for men. In observing modsesty men a women are less inclined and not as encouraged to focus so much on sex. It is just not in human nature to constantly see the opposite sex in a provacative manner and not think about it. Sex is an intimate affair an Allah asks us to keep it that way. Nothing intrigues people more than sexy ladies and that's why they are used in every form of advertising from radio, to print to television. Women are even asked to keep their speech neutral, to avoid speaking in an overly sexy voice.

I actually think that all cultures are still influenced by Patriarchy. The focus on women's sexuality in the west also reflects this history. But as a woman, I know exactly how the sight of a good looking man can stimulate sexual desire in me. I think that the clothing that Muslim men are required to wear does little to detract from their appearance. I think they can be very attractive. It doesn't seem fair to me.

By the way, I have nothing against covering the head. What I disapprove of is the idea that a female who does not wear one is somehow less liberated, or just some sex object. Because of my religion I have covered my hair many times. I feel no different with or without this. I certainly don't feel oppressed by my culture. I feel free that I can wear what I want, veil or no veil. I think that this idea that some Muslims have about not wearing the veil is really warped.

 

[.lava]

Men are required to observe modesty as well. There is Hijab for men.

what's hijab for men?

.

 

[TJ73]

I actually think that all cultures are still influenced by Patriarchy. The focus on women's sexuality in the west also reflects this history. But as a woman, I know exactly how the sight of a good looking man can stimulate sexual desire in me. I think that the clothing that Muslim men are required to wear does little to detract from their appearance. I think they can be very attractive. It doesn't seem fair to me.

By the way, I have nothing against covering the head. What I disapprove of is the idea that a female who does not wear one is somehow less liberated, or just some sex object. Because of my religion I have covered my hair many times. I feel no different with or without this. I certainly don't feel oppressed by my culture. I feel free that I can wear what I want, veil or no veil. I think that this idea that some Muslims have about not wearing the veil is really warped.

I don't personally think they are less liberated and don't know how many other Muslimahs think that. I may be provide a sense of liberation for some it may make others feel more secure, for others it is a symbol of devotion, others identity and others wear it simply because they find it to be a modest approach to dressing. I wear it for all named reasons. I have never heard of anyone wearing it to provoke any feelings in anyone else.
And speaking for myself, I can not judge how Allah will judge anyone who doesn't. We each have to look closely at our intentions about everything at all times.

 

[Madhuri]

I don't personally think they are less liberated and don't know how many other Muslimahs think that. I may be provide a sense of liberation for some it may make others feel more secure, for others it is a symbol of devotion, others identity and others wear it simply because they find it to be a modest approach to dressing. I wear it for all named reasons. I have never heard of anyone wearing it to provoke any feelings in anyone else.
And speaking for myself, I can not judge how Allah will judge anyone who doesn't. We each have to look closely at our intentions about everything at all times.

I agree. and I also acknowledge that your perspective is influenced by the fact that you have lived both as a Muslim and non-Muslim. This gives you a broader perspective and imo a more accurate one. I also very much agree with you about intentions. They seem more important to me than actions themselves in many cases.

 

[TJ73]

what's hijab for men?

.

Modest dress for men requires covering from the navel to the knee. May not sound like much but think about a man wearing less and you may see the point.