In mathematics, it is essential to have equal number of equations or boundary conditions as the number of unknowns. So, if you feel you are swimming in an ocean of unknowns, a good rule of thumb is to find a similar ocean of equations or boundary conditions to orient yourself amidst those unknowns. Headcover issue in the Islamic context is one such juxtaposition of knowns and unknowns, where such mathematical method may be handy.
Among the Muslims, headcover is considered by some "an obvious and clear order", while others take it as "a functional tool". "How to" is another never-ending discussion under the same topic. Consequently, it has been a matter of discussion, and of argument sometimes, due to the changing times and demands of the people since the past century. Various claims aired in these times of intellectual and spiritual inquiry, which at times burst into verbal brawls. Political manipulations, social pressures and psychological battles ailed the individuals, because of the attitudes for or against the headcover. In short, it is not an easy topic to deal with. Emulating the mathematical approach I mentioned at the beginning, what I want to do here is to first set some boundary conditions by determining the "clearly knowns" on the issue.
Talking about the clearly knowns, there are two aspects to it. One of them is about the headcover as told by God without the cultural and historical lenses. The second aspect is about the motivations of people in questioning the headcover or, conversely, forcing it on others. I want to begin with this second aspect about the motivations, because without proper motivations, it is not possible to read and understand the holy words as intended by their Owner. That is, I am NOT going to discuss whether the headcover in Islam is an order of God or not NOR the acceptable manners of wearing headcover. Rather, I am going to focus on the psychological dimension of the attitudes towards the headcover, for or against.
If you talk to women who wear the headcover, the most common answers mention the culture and tradition, the notion of honor and God's order. So, a person who doesn't want to wear it is going against one of these three. From a humanistic perspective, this can be understood, but from a religious perspective, there is some thought work to be done here.
If a person thinks that "it is nobody's job to limit their freedom", and if this person also claims to be a Muslim, there seem to be several problems. First of all, Islam means submission to God for everything, including how we dress. If He has specified a dress code, that is the definitive guide for that purpose. Therefore, for a Muslim, God's orders are non-negotiable. However, one can question whether God has specified a dress code or not, or whether human interference has caused applications that are not necessarily ordered by God. This is not rebellion or going astray! This is critical thinking.
Talking about critical thinking, one thing that must be done considering the headcover issue is adhering to the word of God. That means reading it, and giving yourself to understanding it. In the Quran, God does tell certain things about the way believers should dress. So, if a person claims to be a Muslim and also rejects all interventions to their clothing style, this is a sign that that person is not reading the Quran, which is a deeper problem than the headcover.
A final point on this is that if a person says nobody has any say in the way they should dress, it seems that they have closed their eyes to the nature God has created. In fact, as later will become evident, if you read the verses on this issue, Allah refers to that basic nature of ours. But again, I want to remind the fact that I am mentioning this notion not to justify all kinds of intervention on clothing but rather to say that one has to be cognizant of the nature and must act with respect to the Quran, nature and Quran both being signs of God.
Among the Muslims, headcover is considered by some "an obvious and clear order", while others take it as "a functional tool". "How to" is another never-ending discussion under the same topic. Consequently, it has been a matter of discussion, and of argument sometimes, due to the changing times and demands of the people since the past century. Various claims aired in these times of intellectual and spiritual inquiry, which at times burst into verbal brawls. Political manipulations, social pressures and psychological battles ailed the individuals, because of the attitudes for or against the headcover. In short, it is not an easy topic to deal with. Emulating the mathematical approach I mentioned at the beginning, what I want to do here is to first set some boundary conditions by determining the "clearly knowns" on the issue.
Talking about the clearly knowns, there are two aspects to it. One of them is about the headcover as told by God without the cultural and historical lenses. The second aspect is about the motivations of people in questioning the headcover or, conversely, forcing it on others. I want to begin with this second aspect about the motivations, because without proper motivations, it is not possible to read and understand the holy words as intended by their Owner. That is, I am NOT going to discuss whether the headcover in Islam is an order of God or not NOR the acceptable manners of wearing headcover. Rather, I am going to focus on the psychological dimension of the attitudes towards the headcover, for or against.
If you talk to women who wear the headcover, the most common answers mention the culture and tradition, the notion of honor and God's order. So, a person who doesn't want to wear it is going against one of these three. From a humanistic perspective, this can be understood, but from a religious perspective, there is some thought work to be done here.
If a person thinks that "it is nobody's job to limit their freedom", and if this person also claims to be a Muslim, there seem to be several problems. First of all, Islam means submission to God for everything, including how we dress. If He has specified a dress code, that is the definitive guide for that purpose. Therefore, for a Muslim, God's orders are non-negotiable. However, one can question whether God has specified a dress code or not, or whether human interference has caused applications that are not necessarily ordered by God. This is not rebellion or going astray! This is critical thinking.
It is not for a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter, that they should [thereafter] have any choice about their affair. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly strayed into clear error. (33/36)
O Children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you, in the same manner as He got your parents out of the Garden, stripping them of their clothing, to expose their shame: for he and his tribe watch you from a position where you cannot see them: We made the evil ones friends to those who do not believe. And when they commit an immorality, they say, "We found our fathers doing it, and Allah has ordered us to do it." Say, "Indeed, Allah does not order immorality. Do you say about Allah that which you do not know?" (7/27-28)
Allah keeps firm those who believe, with the firm word, in worldly life and in the Hereafter. And Allah sends astray the wrongdoers. And Allah does what He wills. (14/27)
A subtle notion that hinders critical thinking and lead people to the extremes in their affairs, including their objection or questioning the headcover, is involvement of ego. Especially in our age, the growing feed to and the untouchable state of the egos result in an ego inflation. Such unbounded state for the ego is not good in any aspect of life, let alone understanding the word of God. So, one must make sure that their rise for certain rights and freedoms are purely out of an intention to find out and honor the truths and not due to arrogance.
God does not impose on any soul a responsibility beyond its ability. (2/286)
... but whoever is driven to necessity, not desiring, nor exceeding the limit, no sin shall be upon him; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (2/173)It is important, however, to note that what each individual can take is not the same. Therefore, it is a duty on a believer to try their best in following God's order, if this is what they think in context of headcover.
A third layer in the attitudes towards the headcover is that of the people who force it on others. First of all, a wisdom in the application of headcover is to ensure safety and security for women so that they can take place in the social life without risking harm. Use of force in context of headcover is itself a cause of harm, and so, is not justifiable with the meaning and function of headcover in Islam. Expressed differently, even if you believe that headcover is an order of God, you cannot justify through Islam forcing it on everybody.
O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful. (33/59)
Plus, Quran clearly states that there is no compulsion in religion. Given this fact, there can not be any divine justification to enforce the headcover to all women. This leaves us with the conclusion that we must look at the human dimension of enforcing the headcover, rather than the divine.
There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. (2/256)
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