Hijab for women was an old term for early arabs to reform there civilization, now we leave in 21st century and men and women should be treated equally. (here comes the down rates :P)

Hijab is not only a head covering but a covering or veiling of a woman's adornments like the hair, breasts and body shape. These attract the opposite sex. Also note: men are required to follow hijab as well. They may not show anything from their navel to below their knees and clothes should be loose. Early christians observed Hijab (Mary,Jesus' mother) and Nuns today continue to practice it. In fact the Bible even tells women to cover their hair. I Corinthinans 11. To wear hijab is a personal choice and should never be forced. It is meant to protect you and keep women from being objectified and is in no means making women 2nd class citizens. If you have ever worn hijab you may know the empowerment I am talking about. Thanks for asking a good question. Koran sura 24: Light 31 And say to the believing women that they cast down their looks and guard their private parts, and display not their ornaments, except those which are outside; and let them pull their kerchiefs over their bosoms and not display their ornaments save to their husbands and fathers, or the fathers of their husbands, or their sons, or the sons of their husbands, or their brothers, or their brothers’ sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their women, or what their right hands possess, or their male attendants who are incapable, or to children who do not note women’s nakedness; and that they beat not with their feet that their hidden ornaments may be known. But all turn repentant to God, O believers! May you prosper.

Surah "Al Ahzab" ayat no 59 Allah says; "O Prophet! Tell to your wives, and daughters and Muslim women, that they should keep putting a part of their wrapping covers over their faces. This is nearer than this that if they are recognized, they should not be annoyed. And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful".

No, Islam does not require the face to be covered up. That is a choice some women make if they feel more than the traditional hijab is needed. The face, yes, can be attractive, but women and men are not supposed to keep long eye contact or flirt, but cast their eyes down. Also if you read the verse I initially posted it says to cover up, except those which are outside. These include the hands, face,and some scholars believe the feet. Some Muslim women argue this includes the hair and we only have to cover our bosoms and body shape. However, in another surah of the qu'ran it mentions for women to take the hair covering and cover their bosoms. That's why I chose to wear the scarf. I respect the others opinions, however, I'd rather be wrong and have worn the scarf than wrong and not have. Also please understand the scarf is not a sexist, masochistic symbol. Women who wear it are not seen as inferior, at least by most Muslim men and most other countries. It is not true. I understand where that can be inferred, but as an American woman who was raised a Christian, I can honestly say I have never felt so equal to men. I don't ever have to wonder if my ideas are what was interesting or my looks. This is my opinion, as I know others feel differently. Woman are not forced to wear hijab and like the respect, trust, and and uniqueness of the scarf.