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It not only serves to distinguish them from non-Muslims and to conceal them from public view of males, but it is also an outward display of their submission to the Islamic system. In many of the more traditional Muslim societies, women tend to remain outside the public sphere of men, devoting themselves to child rearing and taking care of the home. Women without the hijab are often the target of rape, and Islam does not recognize a civil authority to enforce criminal law. Modest clothing is not mandated by the [[Quran]] and is based entirely upon tradition as an outward display of submissiveness to men.

It not only serves to distinguish them from non-Muslims and to conceal them from public view of males, but it is also an outward display of their submission to the Islamic system. In many of the more traditional Muslim societies, women tend to remain outside the public sphere of men, devoting themselves to child rearing and taking care of the home. Women without the hijab are often the target of rape, and Islam does not recognize a civil authority to enforce criminal law. Modest clothing is not mandated by the [[Quran]] and is based entirely upon tradition as an outward display of submissiveness to men.

The practice of hijab among Muslim women is one based on interpretation by religious scholars, although the Quran does not mandate it. Instead, it comes from the [[Hadith]], which supposefly reveal the teachings of the Prophet to his followers and companions. In one tradition from Hadith, the [[Prophet Muhammad]] is quoted as saying: "...If the woman reaches the age of puberty, no part of her body should be seen but this—and he pointed to his face and hands."  

The practice of hijab among Muslim women is one based on interpretation by exclusively male religious scholars, although the Quran does not mandate it. Instead, it comes from the [[Hadith]], which supposefly reveal the teachings of the Prophet to his followers and companions. In one tradition from Hadith, the [[Prophet Muhammad]] is quoted as saying: "...If the woman reaches the age of puberty, no part of her body should be seen but this—and he pointed to his face and hands."  

From these and other references, the vast majority of Muslim scholars and jurists, past and present, have determined that Muslim women's clothing must cover the entire body, with the exception of the face and the hands, and that the attire should not be form fitting, sheer or so eye-catching as to attract undue attention or reveal the shape of the body. There are similar, yet less obvious requirements for a Muslim male's attire. A Muslim man must always be covered from the navel to the knees, and he should similarly not wear tight, sheer, revealing, or eye-catching clothing. In addition, a Muslim man is prohibited from wearing silk clothing or gold jewelry. A Muslim woman may wear silk or gold.  

From these and other references, the vast majority of Muslim scholars and jurists, past and present, have determined that Muslim women's clothing must cover the entire body, with the exception of the face and the hands, and that the attire should not be form fitting, sheer or so eye-catching as to attract undue attention or reveal the shape of the body. There are similar, yet less obvious requirements for a Muslim male's attire. A Muslim man must always be covered from the navel to the knees, and he should similarly not wear tight, sheer, revealing, or eye-catching clothing. In addition, a Muslim man is prohibited from wearing silk clothing or gold jewelry. A Muslim woman may wear silk or gold.