What do Chapters 18 and 22 of the Koran say? That all Muslim Women must and should wear the "burqa"?

Question

The background for this Question is :

Well known Indian Muslim Human Right Activist, writer, and English Theater actress - Ms. Shabana Azmi, condemning recent attacks on Indian Muslim Women by Muslim youths who beat up Muslim Women who did not wear the head to toe "veil" called the "burqa", where some ladies suffered acid being thrown on them and one had her nose cut off, said that Islam did not require Muslim women to cover themselves in this fashion and opined that the attackers should be punished to the fullest extent of the Law. Decrying the incidents, she said that Islam could not condone such vicious acts and the claim of the arrested assailants of "religious activism" was untenable.

Interestingly, the Indian Bar of Advocates, including their Muslim Chapter, has refused to defend these people as well as two recently arrested Pakistani Terrorists, preferring "Contempt of court" for rejecting the appointment.

However, in a surprising turn of events, the Imam of Delhi and many Muslim Clerics have condemned Ms Azmi saying that Chapters 18 and 22 of the Koran clearly states that all Muslim Women must and should wear the "burqa".

Declaring her a non-believer, the Imam has exhorted all Muslims to ostracize her and has said she does not have the right to stay a Human Rights Activist as she is no longer considered a "True Believer"

Interestingly, however, the Human Rights Commission and many Muslim women have extended their support to Ms. Azmi.

A Gallup Poll held recently has shown that as much as 98% of the Muslim Respondents were against the imposition of the "Burqa"

Just thought I'd mention, I'm not an Indian.

This is a news story that I just read.

It made me quite curious about the facts because, [a] the lady sounds logical but [b] the Imam title sounds like something big in that Religion.

What intrigued me more about this news story is that the Muslims didn't seem to support this Imam.

I would really appreciate someone clarifying these Chapters, because that's what has got my curiosity.

Answer 1

I have a couple of things to say.

#1 Although most Muslims believe that it is required for women to wear the Hijab (I think that's the "burqa" you're talking about), in the Quran, it only says that Women should be modest and that they shouldn't wear little clothing (It doesn't specify what "little" clothing is.) The common Hijab wearing started after Muhammad's death. I believe it was one of Muhammad's daughters that first wore one, and that after Muhammad died of sickness, and after she was force marched by some murderers, after that, there was more than one person who wore a Hijab.
The story of why Muslim women originally started wearing black hijab's, is actually a very hilarious one.

#2 I'm not a Quranic Scholar, but from the Qur'an in front of me, I can't seem to find anything in chp.18 or in chp. 22.
In the Quran, there are 30 Juz, 114 Surat, and 1,000s of Ayat
Surat are chapters, but you could have meant Juz (Part) 18 and 22. Ayat are lines (Anywhere between one word and a page).

If a woman covers her head, except for her face, I accept that, and it makes some sense. If a woman covers everything except her eyes, or even covers her eyes, no offense, but that's just wrong and ignorant.

If a woman doesn't cover any of her head or hair, I respect that too.

Answer 2

I just came here out of curiosity, because I wanted to know what this "burqa" thing was.

Personally, I feel that the Criminals should be punished to the fullest extent of the law, too.

Any clemency on the grounds of "Religion" would be a miscarriage of Justice.

I don't know the Laws of India, but I think that any civilized country should not tolerate disfiguring women, Muslim or otherwise, based upon their "Religious Beliefs".

It's also interesting to note that a gentleman here has the Koran open in front of him and can't find anything remotely close to what the "Imam" [I'm sorry, I don't know what that is, either] was citing.

If there is such a Law as Perjury there, I think they should sue this guy, too.

The attacks on Muslim women, just because of their dress preference is appalling.

Answer 3

Like the roumis, I came to see what this was and see the answers here.

I'm guessing that most of the people answering this are Muslims and the one thing that's striking in all their answers is that there's no such thing in the chapter mentioned by this Imam guy. Hosam's answer that he has the Koran open in front of him and that those "Chapters" are just lines is very revealing.

I totally agree with the roumis guy in that these perps should be punished to the fullest extent of the Law.

No way can these jerks disfigure women and claim shelter under "Religion"!?

Acid? Cutting off the nose!??

If you ask me, they deserve to be shot.

Answer 4

I don't know about these Chapters; perhaps some learned Muslim will enlighten you as to the Truth; but I just thought I should say that these perpetrators shouldn't be given any lenience for their "Religion" because these are plain simple Crimes!

They have no right to go around beating up women just because they are Muslim and for throwing acid on a poor womans face and cutting off her nose ... they deserve to be flogged and hung!

Cheers for Ms. Azmi and the Indian Advocates.

Answer 5

He is a Liar, the burqa came in the picture a century after prophet Muhammad's Death. Those leaders who lied on Allah will go to Hell if they are not careful. THe Quran just says draw head covering over breast. Some leaders in power like to make up things. There are women in India who do not wear the Burqa, so your story sounds kinda weried.

Answer 6

Covering of face is not required by Islam. Muslim women during the time of prophet used to stand behind rows of men while praying. While praying faces should not be covered. So this proves Muslim women during prophet's times didn't cover faces.

see my question http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061015012319AAVXeGl

Answer 7

dont just argue on the verse see the details first... quran say s that muslims women should cover thier faces when they go out so that people may recognize them and don't misbehave.....cuz the trend in nonmuslims ws that they disrespected women while islam orders to respect them . muslim women performing hijab could be recognized by nonmuslims so that they respect them....

Answer 8

Shabana Azmi is no representative of Islam

And neither are the mullahs with their pot bellies issuing fatwas at will.

all of them are idiots and I'm glad I don't live there anymore.

Answer 9

Such sorrow!
I hear lamenting around the world
It is becoming unbearable.

Answer 10

The following is based on an authoritative Arabic book titled Hijab al-Mar'ah al-Muslimah fil Kitab was-Sunnah (The Hijab of Muslim Woman in Quran and Sunnah), by Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani, a famous scholar and traditionist. It was translated by this writer and initially published in condensed form in the quarterly, Islam and the Modern Age.
In the the third edition of the original work with some additions; The question of hijab (veil), has been discussed in the light of the Qur'an and Hadith.
From the author's point of view, a woman's face is not included in the parts of the body that need to be compulsorily covered. He suggests, however, that it is better to cover it. He agrees with those who, in spite of holding the view that the face is not to be covered as a rule, nevertheless advocate the covering of the face in order to discourage mischief, in view of the general moral degradation in present-day society. Here is one of the traditions referred to by him to support his argument.

'Aishah says that Muslim women used to attend the morning prayer led by the Prophet wrapped in a sheet of cloth. Afterwards, when they returned home, it was so dark that they could not be recognized.

This narrative makes it clear that their faces were not covered. Had their faces been covered, the question of their being recognized would not arise. The phrase "because of the darkness they could not be recognized" makes sense only if the faces, by which individuals are recognized, were uncovered.

Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani takes a similar stand as regards the covering of a woman's hands, quoting a famous tradition narrated by Ibn 'Abbas. It says that once the Messenger of God addressed the women to urge them to give alms (sadaqah). Afterwards Bilal ibn Rabah, a Companion of the Prophet, spread a sheet, on which the women began throwing their rings.

After quoting this tradition the author quotes Ibn Hazm: "Ibn 'Abbas saw the hands of women in the presence of the Prophet. This proves that the face as well as the hands are not included in the parts of the body to be covered. Indeed all other parts except these have to be veiled?"

He further writes: My heart bleeds to see the way many women of today adorn themselves, crossing all limits of decency. But the remedy does not lie in declaring forbidden what Allah has permitted.

He goes on to say that it is clear from the Qur'an, the Hadith and the practice fo the Companions and tabi'un (companions of the Prophet's Companions) that, whenever a woman steps out of her home, it is incumbent upon her to cover herself completely so as not to show any part of her body except the face and the hands. According to Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani's findings the following rules of hijab are applicable:

1. The whole body, except for the exempted parts should be covered.
2. But any veil, which in itself becomes an attraction, is to be avoided.
3. Garments should not be semi-transparent.
4. Dress should not be tight fitting.
5. Garments should not be perfumed.
6. The form of dress should not in any way resemble that of men.
7. It should not resemble that of non-believers.
8. Garments should not reflect worldly honor.

The first rule of hijab has been derived from the following passages of the Qur'an: "And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands' fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons, or their brothers or their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigor, or children who know naught of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed." (24:31)

The second rule of hijab, according to Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani's research, is that hijab in itself should not be a source of attraction. It should not become a display of finery referred to in the Qur'an as 'tabarruj': "Stay in your homes and do not display your finery as women used to do in the days of Jahiliyah (period before Islam). Attend to your prayers, give alms to the poor, and obey God and His Messenger, God only wishes to remove uncleanliness from you (members of the family), and to purify you." ( 33:33 )

According to the author, the intention of this verse is that a woman should not display her beauty and attraction in such a way as to produce carnal desires in the hearts of men. Since the purpose of the gown (jilbab) is to hide such attractions, it is, therefore, unimaginable that the gown itself should become a source of attraction.

He states, moreover, that in Islam the displaying of feminine attractions is a habit so important to avoid that it has been bracketed in the scriptures along with such unlawful things as polytheism, adultery and theft. He has collected a number of ahadith to support his argument.

The third rule of the hijab, according to the writer, is that the garment should not be thin because a thin cloth can never provide cover. And a diaphanous garment only accentuates the attraction of a woman and becomes a potential source of mischief. The author quotes many sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, one of which is as follows:
"Towards the end (in the last phase) there will be women among my followers who appear naked, or as good as naked, even when wearing clothes."

The fourth condition set by the writer is that the garment should be loose-fitting. He again supports his argument by quoting various sayings of the Prophet. Finally he has given an instance where Fatimah (the Prophet's daughter) expressed her disapproval of a dead woman being wrapped in such a shroud as might display her body as being a woman's. He write: "See for yourself how the dearest daughter of the Prophet considered the use of such a cloth detestable as would not properly drape feminine parts of a dead woman's body. Certainly such a garment for a living woman would be far worse!"

The fifth condition of hijab is that the garment should not be perfumed (while going out). There are many traditions forbidding women to wear perfume while going out wearing adornments and perfume is a major sin, even if it is done with the husband's permission."

The sixth condition of hijab is that a woman's garments should not resemble those of men. Here is one of the traditions he has quoted to this effect: "The Prophet has condemned men who imitate women and women who imitate men." From this tradition the writer comes to the conclusion that a garment which in most parts resembles those of men is not permissible for women, even if it covers her adequately.

The seventh rule of hijab is that it should not resemble that worn by non-believers. Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani says that any similarly to non-believers must be avoided, in matters of worship, festivals and dress. The Qur'an states this briefly, but the sunnah provides the detail. One of the verses that it is: "so that they may not be like those who were given the scriptures before this…"

He quotes Ibn Taymiyya and Ibn Kathir who construe this verse as meaning that imitation of non-believers is not allowed in Islam. Then he quotes the tradition in which the Prophet forbade adopting the ways of non-believers in prayers, funeral prayers, sacrifice, food, dress etiquette, etc.

The eighth rule of hijab is that a woman's garments should not reflect worldly honor. Here is a hadith to this effect: "One who wears the mantle of fame in this world will be made to wear the robe of dishonor in the hereafter."

His concluding remarks are: "the garment should cover the entire body of a woman except the face and hands, and should not become an attraction in itself. Neither should it be thin, not tight. It should not accentuate the body. It should not be perfumed or resemble those worn by men or non-believing women. It should not suggest fame."
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The true believer that has faith in his lord is not liable to place his preference over Allah’s decree. He is to obey his Lord exclusively in compliance with the following verse:

“It does not befit a believing man and women,When God and his Messenger have decreed a matter,That they should have the choice in their affair.And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he then shall stray into a manifest aberration” (Qur’an 33:36)

Thus, a Muslim woman complying with Allah’s order should have a priority over satisfaction of her own desires. Therefore, the Islamic dress for women is not to be tampered with. Yet, women differ in their opinions and attitudes towards this dress: some conform to it while others are not: some conform to it whereas other hesitate.

In the Pre- Islamic period known as (Jahiliya), women were keen on showing their beauty (to men). The neck, the bosom and the forelock were especially cared for and displayed in front of men. After the advent of Islam, its legislative rules were revealed gradually. As regards women’s dress, the following verses were revealed:

“O prophet, say to your wives and daughters and the wives of the believers to draw close round them their flowing outer garments.That is better so they may (not) be known and they may not be hurt and Allah is Forgiving, merciful.” (33:59)

“And say to the believing women to restrain their eyes, and guard their private parts and show not their adornment except what appears of it”.

And let them cast veils over their bosoms and not display their adornment save to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their sons of their husbands, or their brothers, or their brother’s sons or their sisters’ sons, or their women, or what their right hands possess, or male Handouts of no sexual desires, or children who have seen nothing of women’s hidden parts. And let them not shake their legs to let it be known what they conceal of their ornament. And repent you all to Allah, O you believers, so that you may prosper.” (24:31)

These verses clearly state that revealing some parts of the woman’s body (tabarruj’), which the Arab women had been doing in ‘Al-Jahiliya’, is prohibited; expect for what normally appears of her, i.e. that which is too difficult and inconvenient to cover. Moreover, a woman should not use any ornament and appear in front of non-mahram men (those to whom she can lawfully be married).

Hence, Muslim imams (religious leaders), without exception, have agreed that a women should cover her body except for the face and hands which are the parts that she may find inconvenient and difficult to cover. However, when the face and hands are uncovered they should not be beautified.

Accordingly, let every women reconsider her attitude towards her dress as a Muslim. Whoever pronounces the ‘ Shahada’, that “ there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger” should have complete submission to Allah’s orders. This includes what is stated about ‘hijab’, despite the fact that some women would not consider it as an important matter.

It is quite clear from the above discussion that ‘hijab’ is part and parcel of the belief in Islam and faith in Allah, and whatever suffering this may incur, if any, one should remember Allah’s promise for the Obedience as in the translation of the meanings of verse (4:13):

“ And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, He shall admit him to Gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding therein forever; that is the great triumph.” ( 4:13)
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It is quite clear that Hijab (covering except face & hands) are compalsary in Islam. But this doesn't mean that men have the right to pour acide or attack a woman when she do not follow this rule. Is the duty of the scholars to explain not to force, the Judgment is to Allah, no man has the right to attack others to spread the word of Allah"
Allah says:
"“Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.Quran 2:256

Now just have a look at the:
Is the Face Veil Obligatory for the Muslim Woman?
http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/archive/article.php?lang=E&id=29303

Top Ten Excuses for Not Wearing Hijab
http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/archive/article.php?lang=E&id=12491