Women are Commanded to Cover in The Qur’an And The Bible

Non-Muslims may wonder why Muslim women cover their heads or why we where “all these clothes” even when it’s hot outside. I’ve been asked, in a polite manner, if I am hot in the garments/clothing I wear. Immediately, I thought to myself, “Well, I’d rather be hot in this life than endure the stomach-boiling heat that we human beings can’t even imagine in the Hellfire”; but of course I don’t say that out loud because I’m aware that not everyone will understand what I mean. Then I proceed to answering the person’s question with kindness and sincerity by explaining that I’ve been covering for quite some time and the minor heat does not bother me at all.

At times, there is still a bewildered look on their face – maybe they didn’t get it. I’ve noticed that majority of the
people who ask me this question are of the Christian faith and I’ve always known there were Biblical verses that also command women to wear a covering (hijab,niqab). Thus, I started searching for the words so the next time, Inshaa Allah (God-willing), someone of the Christian faith asks me I can help them understand by explaining that this is not only an Islamic obligation but also a Christian obligation.For Christians who read the Bible and practice its teachings the following Bible verse will come as no surprise.
For those who follow Christianity but are not very familiar with the Bible, open your hearts and let this serve as
a lesson. If there are any skeptics, do consult your nearest Bible, the meaning is very similar in all versions. For
male and female Muslims the following Ayat (verse) from The Qur’an will be a reminder, an enlightener, or an
encourager.

To ease any confusion or skepticism, yes, certain religious texts have been misconstrued. Many meaning have
been lost due to purposeful and/or incorrect translations and/or interpretations. However, The Final Message
confirms or denies all that came before it so if we believers are to truly believe we must at least acknowledge
teachings that are found in multiple religious texts (i.e., The Qur’an and The Bible). Keep in mind that Allah (SWT)* tells us (interpretation of the meaning):

“The Messenger believes in what is sent down to him from his Lord, and so do the believers. Each believes in Allah, and His angels, and His Scriptures, and His Messengers, – We make no distinction between any of His Messengers – and they say, “We hear and we obey, Thy pardon, O Lord! For unto Thee is our journeying.” [The Holy Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2, Ayat 285]

So, dear reader, if you are asked why you cover or if you’re involved in a discussion about why Muslim women
cover be sure to reference your nearest Qur’an and/or Bible and read this:

FROM THE QUR’AN:
(Bismillahi Ar-rahmani Ar-raheem, Audhu Bilahi Mina Shaitanni Rajeem)** “And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; and 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 …” [The Holy Qur'an, Surah (Chapter) 24, Ayat (Verse) 30-31]

FROM THE BIBLE: “But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her
head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn (to
shear, clip, cut): but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.” [The Holy Bible, 1 Corinthians 11:5 -6]

*SWT stand for Subhana wa Ta’ala, an Arabic phrase normally used after the name of Allah has been mentioned. It means Glorified and Exalted and should not be used in reference to any other being except The Creator of Everything seen and unseen, Allah (God).

**Bismillahi Ar-rahmani Ar-raheem, Audhu Bilahi Mina Shaitanni Rajeem is an Arabic sentence which means “In the name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful – I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the Accursed”. This is usually recited mentally or orally before any words from The Holy Qur’an are mentioned. It is believed to be a prayer for protection.