Culture Shock! Egypt - A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette

106 CultureShock! Egypt

Veiling

The practice of veiling intrigues Westerners beyond

belief. Some think it represents the most horrible, archaic

subordination women endure in a modern world. Others see

veiling as mysterious. Few foreigners view veiling as practical

or benefitting women in any way. Western ideas vary about

what constitutes veiling in Egypt and throughout the Middle

East. So, why do women veil and who veils?

Many scholars believe that veiling was a tradition much

older than the Qur’an. Apparently, only very wealthy

or influential women veiled at the time of the Prophet

Muhammad’s early life. When Prophet Muhammad fled

from Mecca to Medina (AD 622), some of his followers

suggested that his women should be placed in an honoured

category, so they would be noticeable to all who saw them.

Subsequently, veiling became a visible symbol to indicate their

Stopping to chat; these women are wearing the most commonly seen type

of veil.