Why do many Muslim women not wear a headscarf and wear make-up if the Holy Qur’an says otherwise?

Because every person is free and answers to God for themselves. The teaching is clear: women should draw their covering over their bosoms and not display their adornment in public. But no one may be forced; one can only advise kindly.

The verse above says that believing women should draw their coverings over their bosoms. The face is not mentioned there. Muslims hold different views on the exact form. A simple, comfortable form that covers the hair and the chest and lets women move freely in daily life fits the purpose of the verse well. A covering that leaves a woman barely able to work or go shopping is not what is meant.

On adornment and make-up the teaching is clear. A woman’s beauty belongs in her home, not on the street. Wearing heavy make-up in public displays exactly what the verse wants to keep covered. The purpose behind it is protection and dignity. Without words, the clothing says that this woman is not available.

Why then do many not follow it? One reason is that people are free. God has given every person a will of their own, and each is answerable to Him for their actions. Parents, teachers or the community can explain and advise. They cannot and may not force Islam on anyone.

Another reason lies in the change between generations. When habits are changed too quickly and too harshly, young people easily draw the wrong conclusion and think that now everything is allowed. That is why patience matters. Good change happens gently, through example and conviction.

So when a Muslim woman dresses differently from what the Holy Qur’an teaches, that says something about that one person, not about the teaching.