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This magnificent view was sent by a Sister, who read Andy’s query in the comments section: http://peacenow.blurg.co.uk/?p=26#comments

Why Veil (Niqaab) is Important to me – Ummi Ruqayyah 

I would like to try and answer the reason as to why the veil is so important to a Muslim woman. First and foremost, she is fulfilling her obligation to her Almighty Lord and then to herself. Islam is not just a religion but a way of life. The duties of a Muslim not only guarantee success in this world but also in the hereafter.    The Quran urges the believing men and women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty and then urges the believing women to extend their head covers to cover the neck and the bosom: “Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty……And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms….” (Quran 24:30, 31).
Why is the modesty of women important? The Quran is still clear: “O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women that they should cast their outer garments over their bodies (when abroad) so that they should be known and not molested” (Quran 33:59).

The Holy Quran’s command is reinforced by the Sayings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Of God Upon Him), in turn practised by the Companions who are our Guiding Stars. When Allah (God) ordained that a women must cover herself to preserve her modesty, surely there is worldly benefit for her, as it acts as a protection from wanton desire and molestation, not only that, it accords me a special status as a Pearl of Islam.  I feel priceless like a diamond, which is most coveted, and hidden from full view.  
 
I feel that the female body is constantly exploited, through selling cars, and even the most mundane items. She is displayed as the object of every man’s desire (the more flesh, she reveals the better).  Is it not surprising we hear numerous cases of rape, sexual harassment (women accepted or rejected for their attractiveness or lack of), stalking, etc?  The least disadvantage has to be that the female has become worthless, with an ogle here and there.    I believe strongly that the veil emancipates the Muslim women from the pressures of living up the expectations that society has imposed upon her. She does not have to use her body to get recognition or acceptance. The veil grants the women an aura of respect and sanctity.
 
Further, I wanted to emphasise how the veil has been part of the Major religions like Christianity and Judaism.  The veil is not a new concept pertaining to Islam alone. The mystery of the veil goes as far back as Judaism and Christianity. According to Rabbi Dr.Menachem M. Brayer (Professor of Biblical Literature at Yeshiva University) in his book, The Jewish woman in rabbinic literature, it was the custom of Jewish women to go out in public with a head covering which, sometimes, even covered the whole face leaving one eye free.

St. Paul in the New Testament made some very interesting statements about the veil:

“Now I want you to realise that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonours his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonours her head – it is just as though her head were shaved. If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or shaved off, she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head”

(I Corinthians 11:3-10).
 
I hope this is useful for you.
By Ummi Ruqayyah  “The Veiled One” 
16 October 2006