Wearing veils by women is always a subject of discussion in the recent years. Is it necessary to wear veils according to your religious belief? Whether wearing a veil is permitted as per the law of the land? All these questions have been asked n number of times. There is no convincing answer to these questions. The schrewd religious leaders have interpreted the subject according to the whims and fancy of their selfish motives. Veils have become strongly identified with Muslims, as an article of faith and clothing. Let us see what is the status of veil according to different religious texts.
1. Different societies
Assyrian law instructs free women to cover their heads in public. Prostitutes and the slave women are prohibited from wearing veil. Greek and Persian society too had similar requirements. Zoroastrian women have to wear full body coverings and headdresses.
2. Jewish traditions
Wearing a veil as per Jewish law is related to modesty. Some Hasidic women, shave their heads after their wedding and repeat the shaving monthly and wear a wig in lieu of hair. They also used to wear a scarf to cover their hair.
3. Christian women should wear veils
Apostle Paul has said in his letter to the Corinthians, that "For if a woman does not have her head veiled, she may as well have her hair cut off. But if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should wear a veil."
4. "Veil" not mentioned in Quran
In verse 24:31, the Quran says: "Tell he believing women to avert their eyes and safeguard their private parts and not to expose their attractions except what is visible. And let them wrap their shawls (khimar) around their breast lines and reveal their attractions only before their husbands."
5. All Muslims do not agree to veils
Many Islamic traditions require the head to be covered during prayer. Two traditions passed down from Aisha, the Prophet Mohammed's wife seems to offer some liberty. One states that, when a girl reaches puberty, she is required to cover everything except her hands, feet and face. The second says ought to wear a veil, but not have to.
The majority of mainstream Muslim scholars holds that the hijab is an obligatory. Many modern Muslim scholars say the subject is still up for debate. Millions of Muslim women do not accept any restrictions on their dress.
By Premji
