So You Don't Cover Your Hair, But Do You When Your Pray?
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Salam alaikum,
I guess this is just a tradition. I participate in it myself, but I couldn't really tell you why! For one, it keeps the hair out of my face... but that's not a good reason, is it? -)
I wonder if this tradition is a hand-me-down from the Bible (1 Corinthians 115) -- I'd be interested to know more opinions.
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Peace,
I remember asking a covered woman once why she covers her hair for 'namaz' (ritual prayers) - and she answered because she feels immodest otherwise while calling the God.
I asked her whether she calls upon the God while cleaning herself in the shower while completely naked - ie. the statement of intent that sunnis do prior to 'ablutions'. She obviously did.
She understood the contradiction but chose to ignore it. You are always 'naked' to the God; whether you are fully covered in a sheet or completely naked is one and the same in privacy.
Regards.
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I would go nuts if for some reason I had to cover my hair all the time LOL I am too much of a sweater. I would just plain STINK at the end of the day. It's bad enough I have to wear shoes. Glad to be me right now If I wear a baseball cap to go hiking (keeps ticks out of the mane) I ring the sucker out by the time I get home.
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Salam alaikum,
I remember reading, on Mr. Yuksel's site (http//www.yuksel.org/e/religion/salaat.htm) that "in fact, if you wish you can pray nude in your privacy." I think the phrase "if you wish" is something worth paying attention to. If I want to pray nude, I "can" and if I want to cover myself with a sheet, I "can"...
As long as I never force my personal wishes upon someone else, there's no problem, right?
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As SAlaam Alaikum,
peace
so what's the point of covering your hair?
I don't know, can't say... but obviously there may be something to it if those who don't cover their hair in public, do when they are making salat.
salaam
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Peace Leena, NoProgressive,
When the truth is brought to people, their reaction is to turn away from it...
- When you ask them to follow what God has revealed, they say "No. We shall follow what we found our ancestors following," even though the devil were calling them to the torment of Hell!
The problem with following such things, ie. hearsay and one's ancestors in matters like this is that you are unwittingly giving authority and credence to those people who started these practices and then ascribe them as the God's laws.
That is the crime of associating with the God (ie. shirk).
Regards.
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Salam alaikum,
Sorry, truth, I may be misunderstanding you, I don't think you're accusing me of shirk...
Are you saying that if we don't pray in the nude, we are giving authority to wrong practices?
I thought there was no Quranic position on what one should wear when praying (did you see my previous post?) One should be able to chose for herself what she wears when praying... No? If she happens to prefer covering, then she's committing shirk?
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Salam alaikum,
Sorry, truth, I may be misunderstanding you, I don't think you're accusing me of shirk...
Are you saying that if we don't pray in the nude, we are giving authority to wrong practices?
I thought there was no Quranic position on what one should wear when praying (did you see my previous post?) One should be able to chose for herself what she wears when praying... No? If she happens to prefer covering, then she's committing shirk?
Peace Leena,
I agree that choice is fine. However you must ask yourself why you are doing what you are doing now?
Is it JUST choice or are you following what your ancestors do? How did you come to know about the covering of your head? Was it through contemplation, experiment or concrete knowledge? What are the hidden reasons you may be hiding from your consciousness?
Could you pray WITHOUT the covers JUST ONCE? That's a choice too you would agree. Try it ONCE - choose to pray without it and if you can't then what you are doing is not a choice at all; but rather a practice which you cannot discard but cling on to like those who follow their ancestor's practises.
Similarly for men (or women), try not tying your hands under your abdomen and keeping them by your sides while reciting. Why are you doing what you are doing - that's the real question - and you will find that if you are honest, then it's not a choice at all - but a noncritical following of ancestor's mistakes.
Regards.
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Salam alaikum,
In my case, it is just a choice. My personal ancestors did not take part in this practice, so it's not something I inherited or something forced upon me. But headcovering is a tradition that I believe people all over the world share, from at least some point in their history...
I already admitted that praying in the nude and praying with a sheet are both acceptable. In my life, I have definitely prayed without a covering, I have prayed with my hands in various different positions (whatever was comfortable) and many other things.
But as I understand it and like I said before, if there is NO directive saying "you must wear this while praying", why is it harmful for us to wear whatever we want? Even if we are just copying someone else, since there is no set uniform, it shouldn't be an issue. (Like if your parents had always prayed in a certain room of the house and you pray in that room, too, is that something you didn't consciously choose to do?)
I can liken my choice to how, as a child, one may have pulled the covers of the bed over his head and wrote in a diary or anything similar. There is a feeling of comfort in it. But I do not say that it is correct to do so.
Likewise, about the hands, when I'm standing for a while (ex. in a line at the store), I cross my arms and rest them against my body. This is natural. But if a "Free-minds" Muslim saw me praying in this natural position, would he confront me for mindlessly following a wrong practice?
I think you're suggesting that no one could come to the headcovering conclusion on their own, or maybe you're suggesting that the choice of headcovering is a wrong choice? -)
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Truth,
But also, you should pray before God in something that you are comfortbale with. Not something that you feel uncomfortable with.
If you feel comfortable naked, ok. But others may not.
I understand your point on people taking tradition and making it suddenly an obligation.
salaam
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Peace Leena,
I already admitted that praying in the nude and praying with a sheet are both acceptable. In my life, I have definitely prayed without a covering, I have prayed with my hands in various different positions (whatever was comfortable) and many other things.
I think this depends on what you are actually saying in relation to "prayed". Many traditionists would not agree with the specific ritual prayer "namaz" being acceptable, except in their own particular way. Clothed a certain way, posturing a certain way, etc. They may tolerate differences but this is only in so far as believing that their own way is the correct way.
But as I understand it and like I said before, if there is NO directive saying "you must wear this while praying", why is it harmful for us to wear whatever we want? Even if we are just copying someone else, since there is no set uniform, it shouldn't be an issue.
Then consider going to your local masjid/mosque/temple and performing the rituals without a head covering. If you cannot then you must ask yourself why you cannot or would not. The traditionists (of any persuasion be it Quakeers, Orthodox Jews etc.) believe in set uniforms. Uniforms are an integral part of traditionist practises.
I can liken my choice to how, as a child, one may have pulled the covers of the bed over his head and wrote in a diary or anything similar. There is a feeling of comfort in it. But I do not say that it is correct to do so.
The smoker and drug injector also feel 'comfort' in what they do, though they acknowledge it may not be correct. Comfort is not an adequate criterion.
I think you're suggesting that no one could come to the headcovering conclusion on their own, or maybe you're suggesting that the choice of headcovering is a wrong choice? -)
If you follow a practice that is outside of the scope of attaining the ultimate reward "heaven"; for example painting your house in blue or yellow, then you may rightly say that whatever you pick is 'right'.
On the other hand, adopting practises that self-styled "scholars" have created as requirements - I see traditionist men's adoption of the beard as a better example in this regard - is wrong. If you wear a head cover, or grow a beard for 'religious' reasons then you are following what the God has not authorised. If you believe that there is a 'reward' for such practises then you are astray. The reason you are doing what you do is important.
Women are not wearing their head covers out of choice - they are wearing them because it is an established cultural norm (what their ancestors do) or some 'scholar' has decreed that they do so. And conformity to that cultural norm or decree is what is being handed down from generation to generation. By accepting that decree or ruling one is allying themselves to a position that goes against the fact that the God has not decreed that women must cover their heads.
The real issue is not actually about covering heads as much as it is about forbidding women the showing of their hair to certain others. A covered woman is particular about who she shows her hair and that should clue you into the fact that this is not about choice, but about following some sort of rules that have been manufactured/derived.
Contemplate the following verse carefully in this context...
- Tell them "Bring your witnesses to testify that God has forbidden this (and this)." Then even if they testify, you should not testify with them; and do not follow the wishes of those who deny Our signs and believe not in the Hereafter, and make others the equal of their Lord.
Regards.
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Salam,
It seems that you're finding any way you can to be in opposition with me, that's so common on forums...
I do not believe headcovering is a religious or rewardable thing. I already said that. I also said that covering is my own choice. You actually do not know how or when I cover or don't cover. I think you have, at least once, accused me of something which I haven't committed.
It seems that you demand that one must not do anything that in any way aligns with what is called "sunnah" or what scholars have termed as required. If I eat with my right hand, or shave my armpits or happen to sleep on my side, I am automatically rejecting Allah and committing shirk... that's not true.
God has not decreed that women must cover their heads.
Exactly, but you must also remember he has not forbidden women from covering their heads. The ayah that you posted for me to read is more accurately applied to what you are saying to me. You are saying that the only acceptable choice is not covering. I disagree with you.
I already said covering and not convering are acceptable, so why do you continue to argue with me? It seems that you are not giving me a choice, what does that say about your position?
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truth,
do you have a problem praying traditioanlly? in the way that most mUslims pray? you know... covering the head, and folding the arms.
if so, wouldn't you, yourself be transgressing the same limits you warns us again (we must be comfortbale with anything that Allah has not forbidden)?
salaam
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Peace,
Salam,
I do not believe headcovering is a religious or rewardable thing. I already said that. I also said that covering is my own choice. You actually do not know how or when I cover or don't cover. I think you have, at least once, accused me of something which I haven't committed.
You must understand that I am presenting the arguments against the practise of covering as commonly known and I am not attacking your personal behaviours which I obviously do not know or claim to know.
It seems that you demand that one must not do anything that in any way aligns with what is called "sunnah" or what scholars have termed as required. If I eat with my right hand, or shave my armpits or happen to sleep on my side, I am automatically rejecting Allah and committing shirk... that's not true.
To follow a recipe book/self help guide for some aspect of your life is fine. You are missing the point that these things are not followed out of free choice. The use of a frayed piece of wood (miswaak) to clean one's teeth is done by the traditionists because they believe it brings rewards and that it was "sunnah"; and that following "sunnah" brings with it rewards.
They believe these practises are divinely ordained because the prophet allegedly did them, and not following them is equivalent to rejecting the God. That is not what I believe - but rather what the traditionists believe.
I believe you can do any of these things, or a hundred other things in their place as long as there is no underlying hidden motive or belief.
God has not decreed that women must cover their heads.
Exactly, but you must also remember he has not forbidden women from covering their heads. The ayah that you posted for me to read is more accurately applied to what you are saying to me. You are saying that the only acceptable choice is not covering. I disagree with you.
But see you are missing the point here. I already mentioned that it is not actually about the choice to cover one's head.
The issue of "hijab" is about prohibition - forbidding women to show their hair to certain others. So it IS about prohibiting behaviour. Women are forbidden to display their hair to specific others ("non-mahrams"). But we prohibit other things, like driving a car while intoxicated you might say - why not this?
Because this is being prohibited in the name of the God. That is what makes it such a contentious issue.
I already said covering and not convering are acceptable, so why do you continue to argue with me? It seems that you are not giving me a choice, what does that say about your position?
I am advocating choice; which traditionist women do not actually have! They are deceiving themselves that they have choice in this issue - they are shackled to the prohibition to show their hair to certain others according to a set of derived rules which they attribute to the God falsely.
If they choose to be truly free then they would turn their backs on the nonsense of whether they show others their lifeless keratin that grows from their scalps.
It's funny how much the sunni/shia religions fetishise keratin. Men are commanded and encouraged to grow as much of it as they can on their faces and display it for everyone to see and admire. At least a fistful they say, but more if you can! And women are commanded to shave certain parts of it, and forbidden from showing any of it (in most cases save their eyebrows, lashes, and sometimes moustaches) except to their copiously bearded male relatives.
Regards.
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Salam alaikum,
I think we have understood each other adequately. -) Ma sha' Allah...
It's funny how much the sunni/shia religions fetishise keratin. Men are commanded and encouraged to grow as much of it as they can on their faces and display it for everyone to see and admire. At least a fistful they say, but more if you can! And women are commanded to shave certain parts of it, and forbidden from showing any of it (in most cases save their eyebrows, lashes, and sometimes moustaches) except to their copiously bearded male relatives.
This is a very perceptive observation... and humorous as well. -)
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As Salaam Alaikum,
Today when I woke up for fajr, I didn't cover my hair. It didn't feel bad at all.
But what did feel bad, is that I didn't throw over a nice overgarment that i usually wear... instead I wore my torn up pajama t-shirt, and some sweats....
Why would that feel bad?
Surah 7 31
O Children of Adam!
Wear your beautiful apparel
At every time and place
Of prayer eat and drink
But waste not by excess,
For Allah loveth not the wasters.(hint, hint.... if we're suppose to be wearing beautiful appearls, we sure aren't suppose to be making salat naked)
salaam
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Hi all,
As Salaam Alaikum,
Today when I woke up for fajr, I didn't cover my hair. It didn't feel bad at all.
But what did feel bad, is that I didn't throw over a nice overgarment that i usually wear... instead I wore my torn up pajama t-shirt, and some sweats....
Why would that feel bad?
Surah 7 31
O Children of Adam!
Wear your beautiful apparel
At every time and place
Of prayer eat and drink
But waste not by excess,
For Allah loveth not the wasters.(hint, hint.... we're not suppose to be making salat naked)
I dont wear head cover normally, but yeah, we were always told that we ought to cover our heads when we pray to Allah, or read Quran etc.
The reason my mom gave was, it was out of respect. which sounds fine, by me.
The reason others in the family and society gave was prayers wont be accepted if even a single hair is visble. This, I found ridiculous. Its like they say angels wont visit ur house if u have photographs of humans or animals in ur home. Which again, I feel is a ridiculous and baseless superstition.
So, I suppose covering ur head, while praying is not a compulsion. But if some one wants to do, out of respect, its ok.
As for praying naked, why would any one want to pray naked? ??
I agree there is no shame in front of God. It is He who created us. And He sees us all the time. But yet, why would someone want to perform salat naked? I mean, Why would some one do any similar activity naked?
I mean, its like saying, 'cooking in the kitchen naked'? yeah, u can do that, if u want to. But why would u want to do that? It doesnt make any sense.Peace!
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Peace to all
I can't believe that a muslim suggest to pray to Allah in the nude, this is the most rediculous thing I heard in my life
well there is a story in the Quran I think it is sura no 9 that promises the pagan who used to do tawaf naked around the Kaaba with horrible punishment, it even ordered the believers to kill them if they do stop their foolish act.
while the story was not about praying naked in public but we can understand that just being naked and to associate a religious practice to it is crazy
I'm sure that this is one of Satan's tricks to fool the believers so they commit a horrible sin indeed, the point is he willmanage to convince them that there is nothing wrong with it
well when Allah created Adam and his partner then they listened to Satan and disobayed Allah, what happend next?, I'm sure you all know because it is written in the Quran, Satan ripped their cloths to expose each one to the other, whar Adam and his wife did? they felt shame and tried to cover themselves, however Allah used this story to give us the following example that He created what we make cloth from to cover our shame
26- "O children of Adam! We have indeed sent down to you clothing to cover your shame, and (clothing) for beauty and clothing that guards (against evil), that is the best. This is of the communications of Allah that they may be mindful."
27- "O children of Adam! let not the Shaitan cause you to fall into affliction as he expelled your parents from the garden, pulling off from them both their clothing that he might show them their shame, he surely sees you, he as well as his host, from whence you cannot see them; surely We have made the Shaitans to be the guardians of those who do not believe."
(26)
(27)
-> From the above it is logical to understand that being naked in public is forbidden by Allah,
-> Also we can't consider being alone is not public because logically speaking you are not alone and you are standing in front of Allah, ie. IT IS PUBLIC,
-> If you will still argue that it is not public, then according to the Quran, there is two angels who are seeing and recording everything you do, that must be public for sure
-> Sure we get naked while having a bath or while having sex, but that act of having a bath or having sex is not associated to God, but to pray naked which is an act associated to God, then it means one thing, a total desrespect to Allah
Please read the first few verses in sure no 9, the sura that do not have the Bismellah
It should also be noted that in 726 where Allah is telling us "O children of Adam! We have indeed sent down to you clothing to cover your shame" was followed in 727 with what happened to our parents "O children of Adam! let not the Shaitan cause you to fall into affliction as he expelled your parents from the garden, pulling off from them both their clothing that he might show them their shame"
please note shame suppose to mean Genitals
Peace