Religious modesty and a women's place

Why cover the body? For Muslim women it means protecting yourself from lustful eyes. The embodiment of protection. Not only to keep the wearers heart pure, but everyone around that person will be compelled to be less lustful. And if every woman in a society is modest about how they present themselves there may be less crime/violence. At least that’s the idea. Maybe this is some of the Quran’s reasoning.

    Originally spoke of in the Quran the veil was reserved for the wealthy man’s wives, more precisely the prophet’s wives. The prophet, as wealthy as he was, had the means to keep his women behind a hijab (screen) as it was. He did this when he had visitors. The veil developed into a symbol of wealth as well as purity.

     There are many positive reasons women hide their beauty that some in America would not consider. The garb can help one feel safe in public situations. A woman’s beauty is very much a temptation, covering it protects the heart from sinful thoughts and actions.

       Some carry their ideals to counties abroad. Being reserved for a Muslim includes covering the body obviously, veiling the voice: tone, emotional outbursts. Boisterous laughter is not permitted.

     It is the religious leaders that make these rules. It is truly up to them to interpret the Quran’s teachings. It is interesting that the church has so much influence for Muslims. Some of ideals of religious modesty sprout from the implications of the story of Adam and Eve. Forbidden fruit anyone?

(Gender, Place and Culture

Vol. 18, No. 6, December 2011, 716–731)