In this memorable lecture clip featured on The Deen Show, the renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmed Deedat addresses a question from the audience about the Islamic hijab (veil) and whether it represents oppression of women. With his characteristic directness and humor, Sheikh Deedat turns the question on its head, demonstrating that modesty in Islam is not a form of oppression but a form of protection and dignity in a world that increasingly exploits and objectifies women.
The Hijab: Protection, Not Oppression
Sheikh Deedat begins by pointing out that the Bible itself commands women to cover their heads — the apostle Paul wrote that a woman who uncovers her hair should shave it off. Catholic nuns have always covered themselves, and Mary the mother of Jesus (peace be upon him) is never depicted without a head covering. Yet when Muslim women follow the same practice, it is suddenly labeled “oppression.” The double standard is glaring.
“The nuns of the Roman Catholic Church — nobody gives them a second look. If Mary the mother of Jesus came along dressed modestly, you would not give her a second look. But when Muslim women cover themselves, suddenly it is oppression. The real question is: who is actually being oppressed?”
The Exploitation of Women in Modern Society
- Women’s bodies are used to sell everything from cars to farm equipment — reducing women to objects of commercial exploitation
- The Quran acknowledges that physical attraction to women is the strongest allure for men — and provides modesty as a protection, not a punishment
- The Bible commands head covering for women (1 Corinthians 11:5-6) yet most Christian denominations ignore this directive
- Islam’s standard of modesty applies to both men and women and is designed to preserve dignity and prevent exploitation
“I ask: what does a woman in a bikini have to do with a secondhand truck or a tractor? Nothing — except that the man is being used. The woman is being dangled as bait. Islam says: you are playing with fire, and you will pay the price.”
Sheikh Deedat’s response remains as relevant today as when it was first delivered. In an age where the exploitation of women’s bodies has only intensified through advertising, social media, and entertainment, the Islamic standard of modesty stands as a dignified and rational alternative that honors women rather than objectifying them.
