From: aaldoubo@copper.denver.colorado.edu (Ohm Jihad)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.iranian
Subject: Re: Hejab
Date: 9 Nov 92 09:37:42 GMT
Organization: University of Colorado at Denver

In article <1992Nov7.014132.8724@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu> mkarimna@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Melissa Karimnamazi) writes:
>
>What is the exact translation of "hejab"?  What is the exact
>koranic passage that requires a woman to cover her hair, face, ect?

Hijab/hejab literally means covering.  It refers to the covering of
the body in modest dress but more specifically refers to covering
of the head.  There are different names for the various outer garments
worn, according to the different countries - abayyah, jilbab, chador,
etc.  But overall, when you mention the word hijab, it refers to
the scarf which is worn around the head.

There are several references to the covering for Muslim women, with
the most well-known in Surat An-Noor/The Light (24:31):

	"And say to the believing women that they should lower their
	gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display
	their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily)
	appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their
	bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands,
	their fathers, their sons, their husband's sons, their brothers
	or their brothers' sons, or their sister's sons, or their women,
	(other exceptions not written here for sake of brevity) ..."

You will also find it in Surat Alahzab/The Confederates (33:59):

	"O Prophet!  Tell the wives and daughters and the believing
	women, that they should cast their outer garments over their
	person (when abroad *); that is most convenient that they should
	be known (as such) and not molested."

* Note:  The translator and commentator on this edition of The Quoran,
       Abdullah Yusuf Ali, says:  "This is for all Muslim women, those
       of the Prophet's household, as well as the others.  They were
       asked to cover themselves with outer garments when walking around.

There are also many Hadith (recorded sayings of the Prophet - peace be
upon him) which mention specific situations of wearing the veil (which
is done specifically so that other men did not recognize the woman on
the streets - this out of respect for her), and the different schools
of thought vary to accordingly on what was written (both in the Quoran
and Hadith) concerning the hijab and what their interpretations of it
were.  I believe that the majority of Muslim women who observe the
commandments in the Quoran to cover, go according to the passage which
states that what is permitted to be seen from a Muslim woman (what is
referred to in Arabic as awrah) is her hands and face.  The awrah of the
man is from the abdomen to the knee, although in observing complete modesty,
every part of the body is covered.  You might also know that many Muslim
men wear hats, which is usually as an identification that they are Muslims.
I believe this was also another reason why women were required to wear the
hijab.
 
>I was always under the impression that the Koran prescribed "modest"
>dress for women AND men.  I have never heard it said that the
>Koran requires a specific area (besides the bosom) to be covered.

The Quoran does prescribe modest dress for both.  Lets go back to
Surat An-Noor (33:30):

	"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze
	and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity
	for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do."

I would also like to quote from the book "Islam In Focus" (Hammudah
Abdalati - p. 111):

	"In man's clothing and adornment Islam takes into serious
	consideration the principals of decency, modesty, chastity
	and manliness.  Anything in clothing or adornment incompatible
	with the attainment, maintenance and development of these
	qualities is inhibited by Islam.  The clothing material and the
	dressing manners which may stimulate arrogance or false pride
	and vanity are strictly prohibited."

	"Islam does not let women go loose or wander unrestricted.  It
	allows her the things which suit her nature and, at the same
	time, cautions her against anything that might abuse or upset
	that nature.  The manner in which women should dress up, beautify,
	walk and even look is a very delicate question, and Islam pays
	special attention  to the matter.  The vision of Islam in this
	respect is focused on the general welfare of women.  Islam has
	served advice to both man and woman to help women in particular to
	retain and develop their dignity and chastity, safe from being the
	idle gossip or vicious rumors and suspicious thought."

	"Islam is very sensitive to the manners of clothing and ornaments.
	It makes it crystal clear that both man and woman should be confined
	to their respective natures to safeguard their natural instincts and
	endow them with modesty and high morality."


>My point is this:  There is a difference between "modest" dress
>and a law naming a specific type of dress or covering.

I hope you understand the picture a little more clearly now.  It is
confusing to people who do not know about Islam, or what the stereotypes
are - which is extremely misleading and usually false.  My point here
is not to convince you of anything, but to present it in a manner which
we as Muslims feel is fair and equal for both men and women.  Islam is
a religion that calls for modesty, devotion, practice, and observance
of the Holy Quoran as the Word of God The Almighty.  Orthodox Jews
similarily have very strict observances and practices, yet they are not
judged on the standards of western culture and society; but do whatever
is in their power to ensure that prejudiceness and slander against their
beliefs is not permitted.  And people respect that.

Mellissa, if you are interested, you can call ISNA (Islamic Society of
North America in Plainfield, Indiana (very close to you) for information
on where you can obtain literature on Islam and everything you would like
to know about Muslim people.  There are many good books written by
converts, which help people to understand a little more clearly about
the basic philosophy and teachings of Islam.  I would also recommend
"Islam in Focus" (Hammudah Abdalati) and "The Lawful And The Prohibited In
Islam" (Yusuf al-Qaradawi).

I would also like to add something else here, and that is that there are
many misconceptions about Islam and unfortunately not a lot of Muslims
take the time to confront them and clarify certain issues.  But when we
do, people should have the respect and courtesy and not use it as an
excuse to add insulting remarks about the different cultures and societies
where Muslims live.  Unfortunately there will always be people who abuse
Islam for power and prestige, as well as many others who present Islam in
a negative and inaccurate light.

I would also like to use this opportunity to address this thread about the
hijab and the Muslim women in general to this newsgroup.  This is getting
out of hand and needs to be stopped - unless the questions and comments are
not flammatory, abusive, and/or biased.  There needs to be a line drawn
for the sake of decency for other beliefs and cultures.  We can discuss this
and other related issues in a manner where respect and overall courtesy are
upheld.  This is only fair.
 
Anisa