Comparative Theology · Common Ground
Modesty and the covering of the head
Handle with care. Modesty is commanded of men in Qur'an 24:30 before women in 24:31. Always cite them in that order.
In short
- 1.1 Corinthians 11:5-6 assumes women cover in prayer.
- 2.Rebekah veils in Genesis 24:65.
- 3.Mary is depicted covered in nearly every church.
The claim being examined
Head covering for women appears in both Testaments and in Paul's instructions to Corinth.
The Islamic position
Islam asks the same modesty of women and men, and Muslim women who cover are continuing a biblical practice, not importing a foreign one.
Analysis
Head covering was normal for Jewish and early Christian women and persisted in many churches into the twentieth century. Islamic practice is continuous with it rather than distinct from it.
From the Qur'an
Qur'an 24:31
And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and to draw their head-coverings over their chests.
From the Bible
1 Corinthians 11:5-6
But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonours her head... if a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off.
Read it in their BibleSources
The Holy Qur'an · The Bible (NIV / KJV) · Common Ground collection
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