In recent months, Egypt and Syria have independently taken measures to ban face veils (niqabs) in universities. Although such moves receive public endorsement by high ranking clerics – Abdel Muti al-Bayyumi of Al-Azhar is quoted in an AFP news report as saying that the niqab "has no basis in Islamic law and there is nothing in the Koran or Sunna that supports it" – many Muslims are outraged, claiming that the niqab does indeed have a place in Islam, and that face veil bans are grounded in political motives rather than sound religious principles.
Brief History of the Hijab and Face Veil in Islam
While the face veil is clearly associated with Islamic dress, it predates Islam as as an Arab tradition and not a religious convention. Although not abandoned entirely, many women on the Arabian peninsula at the time of the Qur'an's revelation had migrated towards clothing which left the neck, face, hair and other parts of the body exposed.
When it was revealed that verses in the Qur'an commanded women to observe modest dress and behavior, Muslim women were quick to adopt the style of dress which has become known as hijab. The widely-accepted minimum requirement for hijab is long, loose clothing which leaves only the hands and face exposed.
Debate Over the Face Veil
The majority of Muslim scholars agree that there is no religious proof that face veils are a required part of Islamic dress for women. Many of these same scholars, however, do encourage the observance of niqab and view it as preferable.
Although this is consistent with the opinions and rulings of early Muslim scholars, there is a minority who argue that the face veil is mandatory. The debate over the face veil centers on differing interpretations of verses in the Qur'an which concern women's modesty and dress, as well as differences in interpretation of hadith (narrated traditions).
An Arabic word translated to "veil" in the Quran (24: 31), for example, is interpreted by the majority to refer to a head covering which conceals the hair but shows the face. The minority argues, however, that the "veil" actually covers the full body including the face, since subsequent words command that the garment be drawn around the body. Here again the Arabic word which is understood by the minority to mean "body" (juyubihhina) is subject to different interpretations, with the majority interpreting it to mean the area which includes the chest and bosom.
Among other verses cited in the debate over the face veil is one in which the wives of the Prophet (peace be upon him*) are commanded to remain behind a covering — be it a curtain, screen or face veil — when in the presence of unrelated men.
Why Some Muslim Women Veil the Face
While most scholars interpret that verse to be applicable only to the wives of the Prophet (peace be upon him), face veils did become and remain a religious practice in some parts of the Muslim world. In addition, many Muslim women both in the West and in Muslim countries choose to wear niqabs or burkas out of a personal desire for extra modesty, because they find it beneficial to their spirituality, or because they agree with the minority view that it's a religious requirement.
The Shift of Face Veils to Symbols of Extremism
The West has greatly affected how modern Muslim governments and societies regard modest Islamic dress. Following colonization and secularization in some countries — during which time Islamic dress was discarded by many as "old-fashioned" or "cultural" — an increasing number of Muslims are rediscovering their religion and returning to traditional Islamic values and practices.
Many are also calling for a return to Islamic governance, despite public opposition from secular Muslim governments who depend on political and financial support from the West. As a result, Turkey bans hijab in government positions and universities, Tunisia bans head scarves altogether, and most recently Egypt and Syria are implying that the face veil is a symbol of religious and political extremism, and therefore a security issue in their universities.
Many people familiar with Islam and its traditions, however, view the veil as a garment which has long been symbolic of piety and not extremism. They see a Muslim leadership's decision to penalize women from an education for observing the face veil as a strong deviation from Islamic practices and teachings. Education and seeking knowledge is incumbent upon Muslims, and while the face veil is not mandatory according to the majority view, it was not forbidden within a Muslim country until there was heightened Western involvement and pressure.
Related Reading on Islamic Dress and Women in Islam
Readers who are interested in learning more about Muslim dress requirements and other related topics like Islamic law may be interested in the following articles.
- What Is Hijab? – This article provides an overview of the dress requirements for Muslim women.
- Are Muslim Women Oppressed? - This article provides a look at the status of women and their rights in Islam.
- What is Shariah? - This article includes an overview of Islamic law and jurisprudence.
* Muslims invoke Allah's blessings on the Prophet Muhammad whenever his name is mentioned.
Christine Benlafquih - Christine (Amina) Benlafquih is a Morocco-based writer. She covers varied topics including religion, food, health and culture.
