Head Covers Add Value to Life
Tags: Women, Religion, Culture, Beauty, Knowledge

Head Covers Add Value to Life

Keep your head and standards high.

Above picture shows head Cover methods of different religions-(This collage is created by author and pictures are taken from google)

The use of head coverings are recommended in almost all cultures and religions across the world as a symbol of modesty. Whereas, The majority of people consider it as the symbol of oppression and this viewpoint is due to seeing the head covers with a whole new perspective.Therefore,It is of great importance to know how different religions give value to head covers and what are the perspectives of different religions on the concept of covering head.So, starting from one of the major religious groups “Christianity” who follows the Bible religious book.In Bible it is mentioned

“But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head — it is the same as having her head shaved”.(1 coronthians 11:5) “For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.” (1 coronthians 11:6) “A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.”(1 coronthians 11:7) “For man did not come from woman, but woman from man;” (1 coronthians 11:8) “neither was man created for woman, but woman for man” (1 coronthians 11:9)

The above all verses explain the concept of Christians regarding head covering which revolves around covering the head as woman is created from man (and created for man). Therefore, Wearing a scarf is a symbol of subordination and an act of submitting to man. According to west liberal feminists and social activists, women and men are equal ,and if woman wears head scarf then it means she is oppressed by her man.It is believed that uncovering head is liberating woman from oppression because covering head encompasses the concept of becoming inferior to man as expressed in above verses of Bible.However, Other groups of Christians covers head when praying and prophesying (For example, nuns and Christians brides cover head).

While, The Hindus view the concept of covering head with different perspective.It is believed in the religion of Hinduism that covering head is symbol of showing respect to God and elders,So that is why Hindus mainly cover their heads by donning “Ghoonghat” in front of elders and also when they worship to God in temples.Hence, it is considered a traditional practice but not a spiritual practice.On the contrary,The religious books of Hindus suggests that women should cover their head in front of men as Hindu scripture says

God made you women, so that you shall lower your gaze, do not look at men, keep your feet close, cover your head and do not disclose the garment, which should be concealed with the veil (Rig Veda Book 8 Hymn 33 Mantra 19–20)

Interestingly,The Jews believe about head coverings too and It recommends to wear it.

According to Torah law, “married women must cover their hair ,whenever they are outside their home or even when they are in privacy of own homes. A woman who fails to do so has to be divorced by husband.” (www.torah.org).

The majority of Jews rejects the headscarves.while some put on hats,scarves and wigs to fulfill the instruction given in their Judaism religious scriptures.Moreover, Some Jewish women cover their head when they pray in synagogues.

On the other hand,Some religions value the head covers as symbol of preserving identity .For example, Sikhism promotes “Turban” as part of their identification.

The religion Islam gives entirely a different image of wearing headscarves.Islam is the religion based on “Tawhid” which means to worship only one God “Allah” and to obey His commands.It is believed that men and women are created by Allah (and for Allah). When it comes to “Hijaab” (headscarves) all the Muslim women across the world submits to the verse of Quran that is

“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…”(24:31)

According to the above verse Muslim women believe that covering the head and chest is one of the acts of worship ,and it is not an act of subjugation to men.Further,Quran explains in other verses that why it is necessary for a women to cover their body.The reason is mentioned below in verse

“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)

Hence the importance of covering is clearly explained in the Quran that it protects women from abuse.Here comes the question,”Why men are not told to not abuse women”? The answer to this question is also given in Quran ,It says

“Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do” (24:30)

It is believed in Islamic religion that men are equally answerable to God when they don’t guard their chastity.It is commanded to men and women both to lower their gaze which is one of the way of protecting oneself from lustful desire because it is believed that lust occurs at the sight of person who look attractive to us.Moreover,Allah at the same time mentioned that it is permissible to not wear head cover in front of husbands or fathers and so on and so forth mentioned in the (24:31). Muslim women not cover their heads when they are in their homes in front of their husbands and brothers…, and the list goes on in (24:31).

Hence ,It is all about with what perspective the head cover is looked upon.Different perspectives regarding same thing creates confusion and chaos Therefore,Knowing every culture and belief is necessary.All religions commands to treat every human being with respect and love.On the one hand head cover is understood as oppression.On the other hand ,It is considered as symbol of modesty and an act of worship.So,When these two different views clash,the necessity of knowing the religion arises.

How Head Covers add Value to your life ?

Not only head covers are important sociologically and physiologically but also health wise it is of great importance.Head covers protects hair from UV radiation ,Cancer and Hot or cold weather.It has been found that 40–60% heat from body is lost through head and it is very necessary to cover heads in order to protect body from cold and flu. The head covers also used for purpose of hygiene.It prevents from spread of infection.It is found that covering head during meditation helps to maintain energy in body.It helps to focuses more during meditation.So,It is one of ways to conserve energy.Well,Who would not want to be energetic especially when meditating?