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Questions & Answers

Veil

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Prayer, Fasting and Worship › Veil

The question

Is it right or wrong to wear a veil outside of church?

The answer

It is not a matter of right or wrong. It has become less customary in this generation for women, especially in metropolitan areas, to wear scarves on their heads in public. Older women and those residing in smaller towns and villages in the Middle East may still practice this form of public modesty. However, the spiritual implication of covering a woman's head is to preserve her modesty and not flaunt her beauty. The Book of Genesis reveals that Rebekah was obviously not wearing a veil while she spoke to Isaac's servant. However, as Isaac approached and she learned of who he was, "So she took a veil and covered herself" (Genesis 24:65). The scarf is a means and not a goal. If the goal is simply just to wear the scarf to cover their heads, women may technically do so, adding fashionable and attractive coverings, applying excessive make-up, and wearing inappropriate clothes, etc. The goal is for women to be modest and sensible in their appearance at all times.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 1381 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.