Why Do Middle Eastern Women Wear Head Scarves?

Head coverings of Middle Eastern women maintain their privacy outside her husband and close family.

Middle Eastern holy books command that, while there's no "dress code" for their women while in the company of their husbands, they must cover their bodies, except their face and hands, when they're among men not related to them. This includes their hair, ears, neck and upper chest area. These coverings protect a Middle Eastern woman's privacy in the world outside her home, family and close women friends, and proclaim that she's following Allah's commandments.

Divine Obedience

Middle Eastern women view themselves as messengers of Allah much the same way Christians view themselves as ambassadors, or representatives, of Christ. So, the women cover themselves out of faith in Allah and willingness to obey his message, according to an article titled, "Why Do You Dress Like That?" by Al-Muhajabah on the Muhajabah website. Middle Eastern holy books command their women not to display their beauty except to their close relatives and other women friends.

Modesty

Middle Eastern women also believe, however, that others take them more seriously when they're dressed modestly, says Muhajabah. Their argument is that since men cover themselves in non-revealing clothing when they interact with the outside world, women should do the same.

Privacy

The purpose for a Middle Eastern woman's head coverings are the same as that of her modest clothing: to only reveal what is necessary to the world outside their families. There's no need for strangers to see her hair, neck or chest. This code of conduct serves to protect a woman's marriage and family by deterring any inappropriate relations with men other than her husband, says the article titled "On Veiling" on the Muhajabah website.

Character Development

Covering her head and body shifts a Middle Eastern woman's focus from beauty to her character and also serve as a reminder that she is accountable to Allah for her actions, according to the Veiling article. In this regard, the head coverings in particular might encourage her to think about what she's going to say before she speaks, for example, or watch where she fixes her eyes out of a sense of humility.

Face Coverings

According to the "Why Do You Dress Like That?", Middle Eastern women keep their faces uncovered when they interact with the outside world, such as when they purchase food, so that people can see who they are and with whom they are transacting. They do, however, wear a long coat that covers their entire bodies, along with their head coverings.

References

• Muhajabah: Why Do You Dress Like That?
• Muhajabah : On Veiling