Here’s the Truth Behind the Veil

not Quranic terms; both are part of Muslim culture and not part of Quranic commandments. According to the Hanafi and Maaliki school of fiqh, three parts of a woman are exempted from satr (body covering). These three are ‘wajh’ (face), ‘kaffain’ (hands), and ‘qadmain’ (feet). According to the Shariah, women are required to cover their bodies with clothing that is not tight fitting and not meant to attract others. (Tafsir Usmani) It is noteworthy that the well-known Arab scholar, Sheikh Muhammad Naasiruddin al-Albani, clearly endorses the position mentioned above of the Shariah in his book on this subject, ‘Hijab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah fil Kitab was-Sunnah’ (The Veil of a Muslim Woman in the Light of the Quran and Sunnah). He goes on to say that it is clear from the Quran, the Hadith, and the practice of the Companions and the Tabiun (companions of the Prophet’s Companions) that whenever a woman steps out of her home, it is incumbent upon her to cover herself entirely so as not to show any part of her body except the face and the hands (and feet). The religion of Islam focuses on the spirit rather than on form. It emphasizes pious thinking and value-based character. According to Islam, Muslims must purify themselves in terms of ethics. Muslim women must develop themselves in terms of spirituality; they must build their feminine personality and must play a constructive role in society rather than become objects of entertainment. During the Prophet’s time, Muslim women were active in agriculture, horticulture, religious affairs, and social