Figure 1.--The Koran requires that Muslim women be modest. It is, however, ambiguous as to just what garments are required. The Koran does not specifically require them to wear burkas. Interestingly, the Islacists would insist on a literalist interpretation of the Koran are those that are most likely to insist on burkas and other extreme modesty in dress.

Surah 4: The Women

Verse 15

"As for those of your women who are guilty of lewdness, call to witness four of you against them. And if they testify (to the truth of the allegation) then confine them to the houses until death take them or (until) Allah appoint for them a way (through new legislation)."

Surah 24: The Light

Verse 31

"And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments.... "

Created: 10:56 PM 11/9/2007
Last updated: 10:56 PM 11/9/2007