More on Covering Head
Jazakallah ker for your response on the issue of women covering their heads. Although I am in agreement with you, I do have some questions, which I would like to ask to clarify my understanding on this issue. You made it clear that the requirement for the head covering is assumed, but from my understanding not explicitly stated. The injunction you cited states that women should cover their bosoms with their head coverings. However, does this mean that the head covering is required as well? It would seem that the implication is for the women to use the only piece of free cloth on their persons to cover their bosoms? I am also unsure of the exact dress of women during that time.
Reply
As I had stated in my earlier response, although the Qur’an has not explicitly directed women to cover their heads, yet the words of the Qur’an clearly imply that women, when they have to be present in a mixed gathering, should keep their heads covered.
You state:
It would seem that the implication is for the women to use the only piece of free cloth on their persons to cover their bosoms.
In my opinion, if that was the case, then the Qur’an would just have directed women to cover their bosoms. But, on the contrary, the Qur’an has directed women to “spread their head coverings on their bosoms”. This, in my opinion, implies that the Qur’an, while prescribing the etiquette that should be followed in mixed gatherings, requires women not only to keep their heads covered but also to spread their head coverings on their bosoms.
It may be said that if the Qur’an had wanted women to keep their heads as well as bosoms covered, it should have explicitly directed women to do so. My answer to this objection would be that women among the direct addressees of the Qur’an kept their heads covered. Yet their head coverings would hang lose behind their backs. Thus, the Qur’an gave an explicit directive only to the extent to which modification in behavior was desired. It is due to this reason, in my opinion, that the Qur’an did not give an explicit directive to women regarding covering their heads.
I hope this helps. In case any aspect remains unclear, please feel free in writing back to me at your convenience.
May Allah grant us all true understanding of His guidance.
Regards
Use this "Home Page" link only if you have opened this page by following an external link