Qamar Fazal

24 de febrero de 2026 (09:00 h.)

In Islam, modesty and chastity are fundamental principles of the faith, and are achieved through the establishment of certain codes of behaviour and dress

1. Is the veil exclusive to Islam?
2. How does the veil fit into today’s society?
3. Is the headscarf a means of repression to keep women under the control of their relatives?
4. Why don’t men have to wear the veil?
5. Would banning the veil really liberate Muslim women?

The veil has been regarded as a symbol of the subordinate position of women within the Islamic world. Muslim women are often portrayed in the West as alienated, isolated and voiceless. They are considered to be oppressed by Muslim men and their leaders, who use the name of religion to commit injustice against them.

These tactics are constantly used by certain Western media outlets to try to create the idea in society that in Islam, Muslim women are considered unequal to men and are oppressed, even in moderate Islamic regimes. Words such as ‘chained,’ ‘repressed,’ ‘shrouded,’ and ‘enslaved’ are used to convey the image that Muslim women are the property of their male relatives and have absolutely no individual rights.https://65102f997f6f4e435dbb0a8beaa00135.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-45/html/container.html?n=0

The wearing of the veil in Western society has gradually become a subject of controversy, and many misconceptions have arisen regarding its true purpose. As a result, many societies believe that Muslim women must be liberated from the veil.

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In Islam, modesty and chastity are fundamental principles of the faith, and they are achieved through the establishment of certain codes of behaviour and dress. The Holy Quran says:

‘And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts, and not to display their beauty and adornments, except what is apparent thereof, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to display their beauty and adornments except to their husbands.’ (Q. 24:V. 32)

Islam is a religion present throughout the world, and therefore there is no specific or mandatory dress code for Muslim women. As a result, each country or community adapts its cultural or traditional attire to respect the veil, in accordance with the instructions of the Quran. Essentially, the degree to which a woman covers herself is a personal choice, provided that it is done with modesty and decency, following the teachings of Islam mentioned in the above verse.

Therefore, wearing the veil is part of a Muslim woman’s faith. The veil establishes dignity and respect for women, so that they are recognised in society as individuals respected for their intelligence, personality and individual achievements, rather than for their physical beauty.

Is the veil exclusive to Islam?

A common misconception today is the idea that the veil is worn exclusively by Muslim women. It is well known that women of other religions have worn the veil throughout history. In Christianity, for example, one of the best-known examples of a woman of faith wearing the veil is Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her use of the veil has always been used to represent modesty and humility. Another well-known example today is the use of the veil by Christian nuns, who cover their hair and wear modest outer garments. In Judaism, too, women often cover their hair in observance of modesty

How does the veil fit into today’s society?

The veil is not an obstacle to success. In today’s society, wearing the veil is no obstacle for Muslim women working in a professional environment. They do not need or expect special concessions to be made for their headscarves, and they work competently alongside their colleagues in a variety of fields such as medicine, law, science and teaching. The headscarf does not create unnecessary obstacles in any of these or other professions.

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Is the headscarf a means of repression to keep women under the control of their relatives?

For many, the veil may be seen as a means of restraint on women exercised by their male relatives. However, the veil is not a sign of male authority over women, and wearing the veil does not mean that a woman is under anyone’s control. By wearing the veil, a woman voluntarily agrees to adhere to God’s commandments and the teachings of Islam, which she follows of her own free will. For Muslim women who choose to wear the veil, it represents a symbol of protection, respect and dignity.

If Muslim women wear the veil, does this not demonstrate that Muslim women are unequal or inferior to men in society?

Islam declares the undeniable fact that women and men are equal beings and protectors of one another. Therefore, Islam grants equal rights and opportunities to all people, regardless of gender. In the eyes of God, women are equal to men, even though they differ physically from one another. These differences make them more suited than men for certain responsibilities, but also make them more susceptible to certain social dangers. Since women are more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, Islam advises women to take their protection into their own hands by covering themselves, thus creating a physical barrier against such harm. Therefore, the veil is not intended to differentiate between men and women, but rather to liberate women and allow them to excel in all social spaces.
 

Why don’t men have to wear the veil?

In reality, men are expected to take responsibility for observing modesty, as stated in the Holy Quran:

‘Tell the believing men to restrain their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.’ (Q.24: V.31)

If both Muslim men and women practise what is prescribed in the Holy Quran, their individual actions complement each other and promote the development of a harmonious society.

Would banning the veil really liberate Muslim women?

Attempting to impose a ban on the wearing of the veil is not within the power of any governmental or professional body, as it infringes on individual freedom of choice and limits religious freedom.

Any attempt to restrict the wearing of the veil would be a violation of the individual human rights of citizens who do not feel restricted by its use. Therefore, banning the wearing of the veil would not achieve their liberation, but would constitute a humiliation for these women.

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