BURQA IN THE MUSLIM SOCIETY
A Cultural Manifestation
BURQA or purdah is generally looked upon as an integral part of Islam, but this is not really so. In reality, the burqa is a part of Muslim culture and not a part of Islamic teaching. There is a great difference between the practices of Muslims and the teachings of Islam. If it is claimed that the wearing of the burqa is a part of Quranic teachings, then this is not true. The source of Islamic teachings is the Quran and Sunnah (practices of the Prophet) and not Muslim culture. Muslim culture is a social phenomenon, while the Quran is the Book of God as revealed to the Prophet of Islam.
According to linguistic history, the word burqa was in use in Arabia before the advent of Islam in the first quarter of the seventh century. At that time, the word burqa meant a piece of clothing that was used as a protection, especially in winters. The well-known Arabic dictionary Lisan al-Arab gives us two examples of its use during the pre-Islamic period: the first, as a cover for animals during the winter season, and the second, as a covering or chaadar, like a shawl, for women. Although the word burqa existed in Arabic vocabulary at that time, the Quran did not use this word for women’s purdah.
History shows that the present veil or burqa first came into vogue in Persia. When Islam entered Persia, a complete civilization was already in existence there. Many things were introduced into Muslim society from the Persian culture. Originating from the preIslamic Persian times, burqa from the Iranian culture was adopted by Muslims. Gradually, it became a part of Muslim culture.
In reality, Islam talks about adopting simplicity and modesty. In terms of outfit, the Shariah prescribes women to cover their body with clothing which is not tight-fitting and not meant to attract others.
These days, many Muslims use the term hijab as equivalent to burqa, but the word hijab is not used in the Quran in this sense. Hijab literally means ‘curtain’. Hijab is used in the Quran seven times, but not in the sense that is prevalent among the Muslims today. Rather, it is used in its literal sense of ‘curtain’.
Regarding women’s purdah, two words have been used in the Quran: jilbab (33: 59) and khimar (24: 31). But again, these words are not used in their present connotation. It is a fact that both words have a similar meaning, that is, chaadar or dupatta, that is, something which covers the body of a woman and not her face. So, it is very clear that the present burqa and hijab are not Quranic terms; both are part of Muslim culture and not part of Quranic commandments. The concept of hijab as understood in the popular sense today has emerged from Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence).
In reality, Islam talks about adopting simplicity and modesty. In terms of outfit, the Shariah prescribes that women cover their body with clothing which is not tight-fitting and not meant to attract others.
There is a great difference between the practices of Muslims and the teachings of Islam. If it is claimed that the wearing of the burqa is a part of Quranic teachings, then this is not true.
It is noteworthy that the well-known Arab scholar Sheikh Muhammad Nasiruddin alAlbani clearly endorses the above-mentioned position of the Shariah in his book on this subject, Jilbab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah fil Kitab was Sunnah (The Veil of 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, she should cover herself completely so as not to show any part of her body except the face and the hands.