Answering Objections to the Islamic Dress Code for Women Exposing Lies, Hypocrisy, and Double Standards Version 1.0 – March 2025 Introduction Non-Muslims, especially those in Westernized countries, often critique and oppose the Islamic dress code for women. This includes the hijab, niqab, burqa, headscarf, abaya, and jilbab, but for simplicity, I will primarily refer to them as the ‘hijab’ and ‘niqab.’ In this document, I will present common arguments against the hijab and respond to them. This will clarify why the hijab is worn and expose the inconsistencies and hypocrisy often found in criticisms of it. The Biggest Reason for Wearing the Hijab The primary reason for wearing the hijab is simple: Allah has commanded women to wear it. Just as men have been assigned specific dress codes and duties, women are obligated to cover themselves as part of their faith. Any Muslim who advises women to wear the hijab does so in accordance with Allah’s command. Oppression, Force, and Lack of Choice A common argument against the hijab is that women are forced to wear it, lacking any real choice. However, this claim oversimplifies the matter and ignores the broader context. As stated, the hijab is a command from Allah. To argue that women are ‘forced’ to wear it is to misunderstand divine authority. God has dominion over everything and has the right to establish laws. However, He has also given people the choice to follow or disregard these laws, with the understanding that actions have consequences, whether in reward or punishment. Additionally, criticizing those who encourage women to wear the hijab is inconsistent, as they are merely reinforcing what God has commanded. If one finds this extreme, consider the hypocrisy of following human-imposed laws. Whether under a president, governing party, monarch, or other authority, people often defend and comply with man-made laws while rejecting religious ones. Even in secular societies, dress codes exist and are enforced. Understanding this highlights the inconsistency in the argument against hijab enforcement. Examples of Dress Code Enforcement in Secular Countries Man Punished for Nudity in Spain "Spain's Supreme Court has upheld a fine of 1,080 euros imposed on a man who turned up at a police station naked and refused repeated requests to dress. The ruling gave only the man's initials, but Spanish media identified him as Alejandro Colomar, who has a history of being fined for stripping in public. He made headlines in Spain in September 2022 for trying to enter a court in Valencia wearing only boots for a trial for walking naked in public." ( Barron's, Tribune, Macau Business, Straits Times, Linda Ikeji’s, ChannelsTV, The Eastern Updates, 21st Century Chronicles, 2024 ). Some may argue that this example presents two extremes: the hijab, particularly the niqab, which fully covers the body, versus complete nudity, which is widely considered indecent. Others may point out that many secular countries have designated nudist areas, implying that restrictions on nudity are not absolute. However, even if we accept this argument, there are cases where individuals were partially clothed but still penalized, despite covering their genitalia. Women Punished for Being Topless in Poland In May 2008, authorities in Poland fined two women, including Dorota Krzystofek, for topless sunbathing at a public beach in Szczecin ( Daily Mail & Medindia, 2008 ). "Perhaps men will also have to cover up their torsos on the beach? I see nothing indecent about the chests of men or women." - Dorota Krzystofek ( Daily Mail & Medindia, 2008 ). This demonstrates that women being topless, even when their lower bodies are covered, is still punishable. One reason given is that women’s breasts are considered sexualized organs, requiring coverage. Additionally, some may argue that this case is outdated, as it occurred in 2008. If so, let’s examine a more recent example. As of March 2025, a regulation introduced in February 2025 aims to restrict clothing that is otherwise widely accepted in secular societies. Authorities are attempting to limit swimwear, such as bikinis and swimming trunks, to designated swimming areas only. City in Portugal Wants to Introduce a €1,500 Fine for Wearing Swimwear Authorities in Albufeira, Portugal, have introduced a regulation imposing fines of up to €1,500 on individuals wearing swimwear, such as bikinis and swimming trunks, outside designated swimming areas like beaches ( Euronews, JPost, The New Daily, The Street, The Sun, 2025 ). This raises a contradiction: being half-naked is acceptable in one location, yet a few meters away, it becomes a crime punishable by half a month’s salary. Forcing Nudity: When Secular Countries Ban Clothes While secular countries often criticize mandatory covering, they also impose restrictions in the opposite direction. What about instances where people are forced to be nude in certain areas, where even modest clothing is banned? Wearing Any Clothes at All Banned in Areas of Germany Officials in Rostock, Germany, have implemented a rule prohibiting clothing in designated nudist beach areas, ensuring that these spaces remain exclusively for naturists. Individuals who do not comply and wear clothing in these areas will be asked to leave ( CNN, Euronews, Firstpost, The Times, Timeout, 2025 ). These examples show that secular societies do not necessarily promote clothing freedom but instead impose strict rules depending on the context. Some places fine people for covering too much, while others fine them for covering too little—demonstrating that dress codes are universal and not unique to any one ideology. Mandatory Uniforms in Work and Institutions Beyond public spaces, dress codes are also enforced in workplaces, military institutions, and sports organizations, where uniforms are mandatory. Strict Uniform Policies in Military and Law Enforcement Among the most enforced dress codes are those in military and law enforcement, where personnel must wear uniforms at all times while on duty. These uniforms are not just for identification but are also essential for discipline, unity, and authority. United States Army Soldiers Mandated to Wear Uniforms on Duty “This paragraph is punitive with regard to Soldiers. Violation by Soldiers may result in adverse administrative action and/or charges under the provisions of the UCMJ. a. All personnel will wear an Army uniform when on duty, unless granted an exception by the commander to wear civilian clothes. The following personnel may grant exceptions:” ( U.S. Army, 2021, p. 16 ). Some argue that uniforms are primarily for safety and practicality , as seen in military, police, firefighting, and construction professions where camouflage, bulletproof vests, and flame-resistant gear provide protection. However, many uniforms serve no direct safety purpose but are enforced for discipline, professionalism, or identity —such as formal military attire, business dress codes, and school uniforms . If secular societies justify these mandates despite their lack of protection , why is the hijab treated differently when it serves similar purposes ? Like uniforms, the hijab offers practical benefits , including sun protection, comfort, and reducing objectification . If dress codes in workplaces and institutions are accepted as necessary , the same reasoning should apply to the hijab. This inconsistency extends to sports , where certain outfits are falsely claimed to enhance performance, mobility, and cooling Gymnastics leotards, tennis skirts, and beach volleyball bikinis are enforced despite no proven advantage over full-body alternatives If strict dress codes in professions and sports are accepted even when their practicality is questionable , why is the hijab criticized when it serves similar functions ? Let's examine a few instances where female athletes have objected to mandated sportswear , highlighting concerns over comfort, practicality, and fairness in uniform regulations. European Handball Federation Punishes Female Team for Not Wearing Bikinis In 2021, the Norwegian women's beach handball team was fined €1,500 for wearing shorts instead of the required bikini bottoms, while male players were allowed to wear longer shorts The European Handball Federation (EHF) enforced the fine for violating uniform regulations ( NPR, Sky News, & CNN, 2021 ). German Gymnasts Challenge Uniform Norms at Tokyo 2021 The German women’s gymnastics team wore full-body unitards instead of traditional leotards during the Tokyo 2021 Olympic qualifications as a stand against the sexualization of female athletes and to promote comfort and freedom of choice in sportswear ( Business Insider; Reuters; CBS News; Time; Sports Illustrated, 2021 ). In fact, female athletes have long challenged restrictive dress codes. In the past, they fought to wear less for greater mobility, just as many today push back against mandated minimal attire, advocating for more coverage and choice. Early Challenge Against Mandated Women's Sportswear In 1887, a Wimbledon champion defied tradition by wearing calf-length attire instead of a corset and full-length dress, challenging restrictive women’s sportswear ( Time, 2019 ). This demonstrates that, throughout history and even today, both men and women have been subjected to enforced dress codes, whether in public spaces or private settings like workplaces. This extends even further to children and adolescents, who are often required to follow strict dress codes in schools, extracurricular activities, and public spaces, reinforcing societal expectations from an early age. Leotard Requirements for Young Girls in Gymnastics Young girls in gymnastics are typically required or encouraged to wear leotards for both training and competitions ( Pinnacle Gymnastics; GymnasticsHQ; ChalkBucket, n.d. ). Mandatory dress codes extend beyond clothing to include strict regulations on hairstyles and grooming, often requiring individuals to alter their natural appearance. This directly contradicts the widely promoted ‘my body, my choice’ principle, highlighting yet another inconsistency in enforced bodily conformity. Workplace Grooming Discrimination and the CROWN Act In 2021 , Jeffrey Thornton filed a lawsuit against his former employer, alleging racial discrimination after being told he needed to cut his locked hair to comply with company grooming policies. His case was one of the first to invoke California’s CROWN Act , which prohibits discrimination based on natural hair textures and protective hairstyles ( Business Insider; CBS News; CNN; KPBS; Revolt; Sac Observer; Teuk Law; California Employment Law Update; KBTX, 2021 ). To be clear, this is not an argument about whether the hijab should be a choice or a requirement. Since the mandating of the hijab would usually happen in a theological state where the main and often only reason is “it is what God commanded”.Rather, it is a critique of the hypocrisy of those who claim to defend personal freedom while simultaneously enforcing their own dress codes in secular contexts. Yet, even beyond the hijab, scrutiny intensifies when it comes to the niqab (face covering). While general dress codes spark debate, covering the face provokes even stronger opposition. Critics frequently cite security concerns, communication barriers, or cultural discomfort to justify restrictions. However, just as secular societies regulate clothing, they also impose rules on face coverings—further exposing inconsistencies in these critiques. Unlike the hijab, which is often debated as part of dress codes, opposition to the niqab extends beyond clothing and into broader societal concerns. Many argue that full-face coverings create challenges in communication and cultural integration, reinforcing the idea that they are incompatible with social norms. One of the most common concerns about the niqab is that it creates a barrier to social interaction. Critics argue that facial expressions are key to communication, allowing people to convey emotions, build trust, and engage in conversations. Some believe that covering the face disrupts these interactions, making it difficult to form personal connections and fostering detachment in public settings. The niqab is also often seen as a cultural symbol conflicting with Western values . Full-face coverings are said to make others feel uneasy or alienated , particularly in societies where direct eye contact and visible facial expressions are the norm . Some view it as a rejection of social cohesion, arguing that it separates wearers from the broader community However, the assumption that the niqab hinders communication overlooks multiple key factors Do the Niqab and Burqa Hinder Communication? Firstly, the niqab does not completely hide the face—it leaves the eyes visible , which are among the most expressive features of human communication . Psychological research confirms that a significant portion of emotional expression comes from the eyes , signaling happiness, discomfort, surprise, and attentiveness. Additionally, cultural norms on eye contact vary —some societies emphasize direct eye contact, while others consider it inappropriate or even disrespectful , particularly in interactions involving younger individuals and authority figures. This variation highlights that communication is not dependent on constant facial visibility "People are able to perceive emotions in the eyes of others and can therefore see emotions when individuals wear face masks." ( Calbi et al., 2023 ). "Unlike animals, we communicate all kinds of information with our eyes. One subtle glance might express doubt and another joy, all without a word." ( Thomas, 2017 ). "Gaze direction is known to be an important factor in regulating social interaction." ( Hietanen et al., 2008 ). Secondly, verbal tone carries significant weight in communication . The way someone speaks—their tone, pitch, emphasis, and pauses —can convey emotions just as effectively as facial expressions People frequently engage in verbal communication without any visual cues , such as during phone calls, radio broadcasts, or dimly lit conversations . If facial expressions were truly indispensable, these common forms of communication would not be possible "Whatever the content of the things we say, it's our tone that communicates what we're feeling when we say them." ( Happiness in This World – Psychology Today, 2010 ). "A tone of voice is integral to speaking and communication." ( Indeed, 2025 ). Even when the entire face is covered, such as with a burqa , people still rely on spoken words, gestures, and body language to understand one another. Communication is not limited to the face alone —posture, hand movements, and overall demeanor provide strong indicators of intention and engagement . Sign language and other non-verbal communication methods further illustrate that facial expressions are not the sole means of human interaction "Experts in interpersonal communication have estimated that nonverbal communication constitutes approximately 70 percent of what is involved in communication. In other words, only about 30 percent of communication involves the actual words that we use." ( The Hearing Journal, 2016 ). "Examples of body language include facial expressions, eye gaze, gestures, posture, and body movements. In many cases, what we don't say can convey volumes of information." ( Cherry, 2023 ). Furthermore, even in societies where people fully reveal their faces, facial expressions are not always reliable indicators of truthfulness or intent . Many individuals, including actors, politicians, and criminals, have mastered the art of deception , using their expressions to manipulate perception. A person may appear warm and trustworthy while harboring malicious intent , while another may seem reserved but be entirely sincere Security professionals are trained to analyze speech patterns, behavior, and inconsistencies rather than relying solely on facial expressions. "Several decades of empirical research have shown that none of the non-verbal signs assumed by psychological folklore to be diagnostic of lying vs. truthfulness is in fact a reliable indicator of lying vs. truthfulness." ( Vrij, 2000, 2008; Vrij et al., 2019 ). These factors demonstrate that the argument against the niqab based on communication barriers is fundamentally flawed . Human connection is not limited to visible facial expressions —it is a complex interaction involving tone, body language, and context . If people can effectively communicate over the phone, through masks, and in non-visual settings , then it is inconsistent to claim that face coverings alone prevent meaningful interaction Can the Hijab and Niqab be Culturally Integrated? As already stated, another common criticism of the hijab and niqab is that they are merely a cultural practice that conflicts with Western values, rather than a religious obligation. However, this assumption is incorrect, as they are fundamentally a religious practice rooted in Islamic teachings , not a cultural tradition tied to any specific region or ethnic group. While interpretations of Islamic dress codes vary, many Muslim women wear the hijab as an act of devotion and obedience to their faith rather than due to societal or cultural pressure. Unlike purely cultural garments, which can be adopted, modified, or abandoned based on regional customs, the niqab is worn by women across diverse backgrounds , including those who convert to Islam from non-Muslim cultures. This demonstrates that it is a religious commitment rather than a cultural artifact Furthermore, reducing the hijab to a cultural symbol disregards the personal religious conviction of the women who wear it. Just as other religious groups observe specific dress codes—such as Catholic nuns wearing habits, Jewish women covering their hair, or Sikh men wearing turbans—the niqab serves as an expression of faith and modesty. Labeling it as merely "cultural" allows critics to dismiss it as unnecessary or outdated , when in reality, for many, it is a sincere act of worship Thus, the argument that the hijab is merely a cultural relic incompatible with Western values is misleading . It is a faith-based practice , observed by women from various backgrounds who choose to wear it as part of their religious commitment rather than due to cultural norms Does Covering the Face Pose a Security Concern? Beyond concerns about communication and cultural integration, the most frequently cited objection to the niqab is that covering the face poses a security risk. Critics argue that concealing one’s identity can be exploited for criminal activity, making niqab bans necessary for public safety. However, this argument is inconsistent when examined against existing societal norms regarding face coverings. Mandatory Face Coverings During COVID-19 and After "More than 50 countries require people to cover their faces when they leave home." ( Al Jazeera, 2020 ). Even after the World Health Organization (WHO) ended COVID-19’s global health emergency in May 2023 , some countries continued enforcing face-covering mandates in certain settings. In January 2024 , Spain proposed a nationwide hospital mask mandate due to rising flu and COVID-19 cases across Europe. Some regions had already implemented such measures, but the proposal faced resistance from regional leaders. Health Minister Monica García defended the mandate, citing scientific evidence on protecting vulnerable populations ( Reuters, 2024 ). While face coverings in health, safety, and security settings are often justified as necessary, there are also instances where covering the face serves no practical function yet is widely accepted . One such example is cosplay, costumes, and themed masks , where people voluntarily obscure their identity without facing criticism or security concerns Face Coverings for Entertainment, Tradition and Fashion Beyond health, safety, and security reasons, face coverings are widely accepted in entertainment, cultural, and recreational settings without criticism. During Halloween and costume parties , people wear full-face masks as part of their outfits. Similarly, carnival celebrations such as Venetian Carnival in Italy, Mardi Gras in the U.S., and Brazilian Carnival feature elaborate masks that completely obscure the face. Cosplay and fan conventions also normalize full-face coverings, with attendees dressing as characters like Darth Vader, Spider-Man, and Stormtroopers , often wearing helmets or full-body suits. Additionally, cultural traditions such as Krampus festivals in Central Europe and Mexico’s Day of the Dead incorporate masks that fully conceal identity. Despite these widespread practices, the niqab is often singled out for criticism, revealing an inconsistency in how society views face coverings. Furthermore, unlike the niqab or burqa, many masks were historically associated with actual crime —not as isolated incidents of misuse, but as a widespread and recognized practice. The origin of Venetian masks dates back to the Middle Ages when people started to reunite and celebrate together dressing up with masks and flashy clothes. Gradually it became even more popular and institutionalized by the Republic of Venice, reaching its peak during the Carnival of Venice. But that is not all! During the period of the Venetian Republic, people used to wear masks for many months throughout the year and not only to celebrate Carnival. In fact, Venetian masks were also used as a 'precaution' in risky business, such as gambling or shady exchanges between merchants and smugglers. (Venezia Maschere, n.d.). Balaclavas, once associated with crime and concealment, are now widely used in everyday life. They are worn for winter sports, utilized in military and law enforcement, and have even become a mainstream fashion trend. We can see this from fashion brands like Numéro and L’Officiel , which showcase balaclavas in their winter collections and shopping guides. "Arguably the most intimidating cold-weather accessory, the face-covering design of the balaclava saw it adopted by terrorists and criminals as a way of concealing their identity whilst committing atrocious acts." ( Heddels, 2023 ). "Favoured by bank robbers and shotters, the balaclava once ran long and deep in criminal circles – and its Hollywood adaptations – before it became a style staple thanks to a few visionaries and their unprecedented rebranding prowess." ( Culted, 2023 ). These are just two examples, but there are many other masks with historically negative associations, such as war, crime, gambling and drugs, that are now widely accepted in modern society. While both the niqab and burqa are rooted in religion and actually go against these practices. When the Face Has to be Uncovered But what if someone argues that there are situations where a woman must uncover her face for identification or legal purposes? Critics may claim that the niqab poses a challenge in contexts such as business transactions, legal testimony, or security screenings. However, Islamic scholars have already addressed such concerns, clarifying that in situations where identification is necessary, a woman is permitted to uncover her face. For instance, Ibn Qudaamah stated, "If a person deals with a woman when selling or renting, he may look at her face so he knows who she is, and may go back to her when the money is due [...] But in cases where it is necessary, and there is no wrongful desire, then there is no harm in it” (IslamQA, n.d.). Similarly, Shaykh al-Dardeer emphasized the necessity of facial identification in legal matters, explaining that "it is not permitted to give testimony against a woman in niqaab until she uncovers her face so that it may be known who she is and what she looks like” (IslamQA, n.d.). Furthermore, Ibn Qudaamah reinforced this principle, stating that "the witness may look at the face of the woman against whom he is testifying so that his testimony will speak about her in specific terms” (IslamQA, n.d.). These rulings demonstrate that Islamic law does not impose absolute face-covering in all situations but rather provides pragmatic allowances for cases where identification is required. It is also important to note that the scholars of the above website generally view the niqab as mandatory, unlike the majority of Islamic scholars who consider it recommended but not obligatory. References Man Punished for Nudity in Spain: • Barron’s. (2024). Spanish court upholds fine for nude police station visitor . Retrieved from https://www.barrons.com/news/spanish-court-upholds-fine-for-nude-police-station-visitor-f86727f1 • Channelstv. (2024). Spanish court upholds fine for nude police station visitor . 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