Tell the faithful women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not display their beauty except what is apparent of it, and to extend their scarf to cover their bosom
- Source: Quran, 24:31 (English translation)
While many Muslim women choose to wear the head scarves in accordance with their -- or their imam's -- interpretation of the Quran, non-Muslims often see the veils (particularly the ones that cover most of the body and/or face) as a sign of religious oppression.
Others believe the veils are a sign of radicalisation, a move to Islamism -- the most extreme interpretation of Islam. The veil is often considered an obstacle to integration.
Australia’s most senior Islamic cleric -- an extremist -- sparked uproar when he described women without head scarves as “uncovered meat” inviting sexual attack.
In Turkey, scarves are banned in civic spaces, including schools, universities - state or private - and official buildings.
France banned the veil -- along with other forms of religious dress -- from public schools. Several German states have banned teachers from wearing veils, and in one state the ban also applies to all civil servants.
Several countries are grappling with such questions as to whether or not to allow Muslim women to be veiled in their passport-- or driving license photographs.
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