Why I Veil:

Liberated by Islam

By Muttaqun Foundation

Brochure reprinted with permission.

Some well-known veilers:

Mary (mother of 'Iesa [Jesus]),

Aisha (The Prophet's Wife),

and the Female Companions

Aisha used to say: "When the Verse 'They should draw their veils over their necks and bosoms,' was revealed, (the ladies) cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their faces with the cut pieces." [Bukhari]

Aisha said that the lady (came), wearing a green veil ... [Bukhari]

Aisha said, "The riders would pass us while we were with the Messenger of Allah. When they got close to us, we would draw our outer cloak from our heads over our faces. When they passed by, we would uncover our faces." [Ahmad, Abu Dawood, ibn Majah]

And mention in the Book (the Qur'ân, O Muhammad SAW, the story of) Maryam (Mary), when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to a place facing east. She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them… [Qur'an 19:16-17]

Allah (swt) said:

"O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc.) and as an adornment, and the raiment of righteousness, that is better.

Such are among the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh, that they may remember (i.e. leave falsehood and follow truth)." [3:20]

Reason 1: The belief that my Creator knows what is best for me

The Qur'an is literally "The Words of Allah." Who are we to be arrogant and think we can invent a better way than what Allah told us to do? And who do we want to please most - mankind or Allah?

...Do you fear them? Allah has more right

that you should fear Him, if you are believers. [Qur'an 9:13]

O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allâh and His Messenger (SAW), and fear Allâh. Verily! Allâh is All-Hearing, All-Knowing." [49:1]

Allâh makes His Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.,) clear to you, that you may be guided. [3:103]

Reason 2: Belief that The Qur'an is the indisputable Truth

We as Muslims did not come to this conclusion based on emotions or blind following, but by clear evidence that there is only One deity worthy of worship, who was not born and does not give birth (He says "Be!" and it comes into existence), who is Ahad (whole, complete, not divisible into parts).

The Qur'an has been perfectly preserved in its original Arabic text, and no-one can find a single error in it upon study of its contents. In fact, scientists and many others have set out to find error in the Qur'an but instead became Muslim. And if you (Arab pagans, Jews, and Christians) are in doubt concerning that which We have sent down (i.e. the Qur'ân) to Our slave (Muhammad Peace be upon him ), then produce a Sûrah (chapter) of the like thereof and call your witnesses (supporters and helpers) besides Allâh, if you are truthful. But if you do it not, and you can never do it, then fear the Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers [2:23-24]

The Qur'an has been preserved by Allah, The Most Merciful, The Most Beneficent, without corruption.

Verily We: It is We Who have been sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qu'ran) and surely, We will guard it from corruption. [Qur'an 15:9]

Reason 3: Belief that obedience to Allah is rewarded with Paradise

Our goal is that of striving daily to be obedient to Truth, to please Allah so that we may attain Paradise.

And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for Al-Muttaqûn [the pious and righteous persons who fear Allâh much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allâh much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)]. [3:133]

Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. [2:286]

Reason 4: Veiling is the ultimate in Self-Respect and Feminism

Veiling is the ultimate act of self-respect. We are not allowing ourselves to be seen as sex symbols, but instead, veiling forces people to treat us according to the qualities of our character and not our looks. When we veil, we are saying, "My body is my own business" and are freed from the mentality that we owe a piece of ourselves to strangers. By covering more fully, we are freeing ourselves from the oppression that comes by being little more than servants to men's lower desires and are consequently treated with respect.

O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is

Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [33:59]

To veil is to screen oneself from others, including the adornment of our personality and speech.

…And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. [33:53]

… If you keep your duty (to Allâh), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner. [33:32].

Reason 5: To be known as a Muslim

Veiling properly identifies the Muslim. When she sees another Muslim, she can greet her in peace and embrace her as her sister in Islam.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Whoso resembles a people in appearance, he is one of them" [Abu Dawood, Ahmed & others]

Veiling has so many benefits that they cannot all be listed in this short space. The rape rate amongst non-Muslims far exceeds the rate of veiling Muslims. Racial discrimination is practically non-existent when veiling takes place (it's hard to be discriminated against when strangers can't even see what race you are). It helps us to avoid temptations and advert sins that are otherwise too easy to commit. Chastity, and enjoying the good reputation that comes with such a lifestyle, is important to the Muslim woman.

Find a veiling woman today and ask her about the many benefits and blessings she has found in Islam! However, if you're male, you should ask her husband or male relative, out of respect to her and her privacy.

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