The hijab is also cultural and extremely widespread and controversial. Some countries such as Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan have a law stating that all women are to cover themselves, while other Islamic countries such as Egypt and Morocco give the choice of free dress code. "In Tunisia and Turkey the veil is prohibited in governmental buildings like courts, universities, schools, town halls". In Turkey, because of the banning of hijabs, all women march for the free will to wear the hijab (Islam, Masqood Ruqaiyyah Waris, 2006). "Across the globe there are numerous instances of women having to defend their right to wear the hijab. The Quran clearly states that there is no compulsion in religion (2:256). Women who choose to wear hijab do not make the decision lightly. In fact many women testify that they faced great animosity from their Muslim or non-Muslim families when they decided to cover" (Why Muslim Women Wear The Veil, Aisha Stacey, 2009). While some cultures allow for free will, others force women to veil themselves, but ultimately the decision should lie in the hands of the women …show more content…
Most people assume that the hijab or veiling is mandatory, but neither the Qur 'an nor hadiths state that any particular types of veiling is necessary. However, the Qur 'an may be interpreted so that the hijab is viewed as mandatory. Any male " feeling that it is right for him to try to force a woman in matters of religion is ironically going against the true spirit of Islam" (Islam, Masqood Ruqaiyyah Waris, 2006). No one except the woman herself decides whether or not wearing the will strengthen her faith and submission to God. The only reason why a woman should veil herself is if she herself wants to. The pressure from others should not decide for her, but her decision should be based on the desire to please Allah, willingness to submit to him. "Hijab represents a woman’s submission to her Creator and her connection with the faith. It is clear from the Qur’an and the Hadiths that hijab is a religious obligation, which a woman has to undertake" (Arab News Why Hijab Is Important In Islam, 2015). The necessity for a practicing Muslim women may be greater, so in this case the minimal degree of veiling for prayer should be the hijab. Although, many women decide to cover themselves completely, by