"Why do Muslim women have 2 cover their body?" This question is 1,which is asked by Muslim & Non-Muslim alike.

Surah Al-Ahzab (33:59)states:"O Prophet [PBUH] Tell thy wives & daughters & the believing women that they should put on their outer garments;that is most convenient in order that THEY MAY BE RECOGNIZED(as Muslims) & not be molested."

There is a tendency 2 be overconfident when things R going well.V 4get 2 pay attention 2 details or,worse,fail 2 give proper thought 2 our actions.The earlier the problem is recognized,the better.

The above Quranic references instruct the Muslim woman 2 cover herself with a large,loose overcoat (jilbab) & full head covering (khimar) so that no provocative part of her body will be visible.Her modest appearance would make it clear 2 every1 that she is a chaste,believing woman,no 1 is 2 molest her or sexually exploit her[This is an effective solution 2 the problem of sexual harassment because a Muslim woman's modest appearance is a social statement that she is not 2 be messed with!].

I have noticed many,Young Muslim Women R reclaiming the hijab,reinterpreting it in light of its original purpose 2 give back 2 women ultimate control of their own bodies.

The Qur'an teaches that men & women R equal,that individuals should not be judged according 2 gender,beauty,wealth,or privilege.The only thing that makes 1 person better than another is her or his character.

The answer 2 the question is very simple-Muslim women observe HIJAB(covering the head & the body) because Allah has told them 2 do so & Not because of some rules made by man for his conveniences,which keep changing.

Other secondary reasons include the requirement for modesty in both men & women.Both will then be evaluated for intelligence & skills instead of looks & sexuality.A girl student is quoted as saying;"We want 2 stop men from treating us like sex objects,as they have always done.We want them 2 ignore our appearance & 2 be attentive 2 our personalities & mind.We want them 2 take us seriously & treat us as equals & not just chase us around for our bodies & physical looks."

A Muslim woman who covers her head is making a statement about her identity.Any1 who sees her will know that she is a Muslim & has a good moral character.Many Muslim women who cover R filled with dignity & self esteem;they R pleased 2 be identified as a Muslim woman.As a woman,she does not want her sexuality 2 enter into interactions with men in the smallest degree.A woman who covers herself is concealing her sexuality but allowing her femininity 2 be brought out.

The question of hijab 4 Muslim women has been a controversy 4 centuries & will probably continue 4 many more.Some learned people do not consider the subject open 2 discussion & consider that covering the face is required,while a majority is of the opinion that it is not required.Some who claim that the instructions R vague & open 2 individual discretion depending on the situation takes a middle line position.

The word "hijab" comes from the Arabic word "hajaba" meaning 2 hide from view or conceal.In the present time,the context of hijab is the modest covering of a Muslim woman.The question now is what is the extent of the covering?

The Qur'an says:"Say 2 the believing man that they should lower their gaze & guard their modesty;that will make for greater purity for them;And Allah is well acquainted with all that they do.And say 2the believing women that they should lower their gaze& guard their modesty; & that they should not display their beauty & ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof;that they should draw their veils over their bosoms & not display their beauty except 2 their husbands."(Qur'an 24:30-31)

Islam has no fixed standard as 2 the style of dress or type of clothing that Muslims must wear.However,some requirements must be met.The first of these requirements is the parts of the body,which must be covered.

Islam has two sources for guidance & rulings: first,the Qur'an,the revealed word of Allah & secondly,the Hadith or the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) who was chosen by Allah 2 be the role model for mankind.

Often 4gotten is the fact that modern Western dress is a new invention.Looking at the

clothing of women as recently as seventy years ago,we see clothing similar 2 hijab.These active & hard-working women of the West were not inhibited by their clothing,which consisted of long,full dresses & various types of head covering.Muslim women who wear hijab do not find it impractical or interfering with their activities in all levels & walks of life.Hijab is not merely a covering dress but more importantly,it is behavior,manners,speech & appearance in public.Dress is only 1 facet of the total being.