Source: Academia.edu
By T.O. SHANAVAS
According to the current perception in Muslim society a head-cover (Hijab) for women is one of the Islamic obligations. Many Muslims believe that the head-cover is not enough to comply with God’s command but must cover all her body with a black robe with opening for eyes only. Some women wear the hijab because they believe that God has instructed women to wear it as a means of fulfilling His commandment for modesty.Muslim scholars claim that an unveiled woman is asking for sexual harassment or assault. They believe that the veil is added protection against the chance of assault. However, as we look at the
Qur’an and the hadiths, we find that none of the above reasons hold water based on the circumstances that led to the revelation of these verses.The verses that most often quoted to justify body veil and Hijab are 24:30-31 and 33:59. The so-called
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Hijab verses
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were sent down in response to a specific situation occurring at the time. I will respond it by line by line. We need to read verse 24: 30-31 and 33:59. I believe the Quran explains itself most of the time.
LINE 1
We need to look at the matter independent of Post-Prophetic Medieval Arab society scholarswho promoted social conventions and practices of their time as if they were religious norms forMuslims to abide by.
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Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze thereof (Quran24:30).
And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze thereof (Quran 24:31)…
Categories: Hijab, Islam, The Muslim Times
