Why do Muslim men wear a head covering?

A head covering is part of proper, formal dress, especially when standing before God in prayer. At home or during leisure time it is not required.

A shirt has significance, and so do trousers. In the same way a head covering has significance, because it is part of one’s dress. When we appear before a higher authority, we dress properly. This is a perfectly normal human custom, and Islam follows it.

In prayer a person stands before God, the highest authority of all. That is why Muslims take care to be suitably dressed in the mosque, and many also cover their heads. The verse above speaks of exactly this, of putting on one’s adornment for every mosque.

The distinction is between public and private life, not between indoors and outdoors. On formal occasions, in prayer or when meeting elders, a head covering is part of proper dress. At home, when working in casual clothes or on an outing, nobody has to cover their head.

There is one more thought. A head covering can be a reminder of responsibility and dignity. Someone who is carefully dressed usually behaves with more care as well. With a cap on your head, you are hardly likely to think of misbehaving in the street.