Orthodox Veiling VS Islam and Judaism Veiling – Meaning and Differences

People often assume veiling means the same thing in every religion. “A head covering is a head covering,” they say. But in reality, what it means in Orthodox Christianity is nothing like what it means in Islam or Judaism. The cloth may look similar, but the purpose, the spirit, and the command behind it are completely different.

Veiling in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Islam, and Judaism

Eastern Orthodox Christianity

Who veils:

• Women, especially in church and during prayer.
• Nuns wear a monastic veil at all times.

When to veil:

• In church services, during prayer, and when approaching the sacraments.
• Monastics: at all times as part of their habit.

Why to veil:

• Biblical obedience - 1 Corinthians 11:5–6: women cover their heads as a sign of authority and humility before God.
• Modesty before the Holy - not about hiding beauty from men, but honouring God in His house.
• Tradition of the Church - unbroken since the early Church.
• Separation of sacred and everyday life - church attire is distinct from street attire.

How to veil:

• Usually a scarf, mantilla, or simple head covering - like the Theotokos.
• Does not hide the face - veiling is not about erasing identity.

"But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered."
1 Corinthians 11:5–6 KJV (St. Paul teachings)

"For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels"
1 Corinthians 11:10 KJV (St. Paul teachings)

"But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering."
1 Corinthians 11:15 KJV (St. Paul teachings)

Islam

Who veils:

• Women:
• Hijab: covers hair and neck.
• Niqab: covers everything except eyes.
• Burqa: covers entire body, with mesh over eyes.
• Men: required to cover their "awrah" (the area between the navel and the knees).

When to veil:

• In public or in presence of unrelated men.
• Always for prayer.

Why to veil:

• Obedience to Qur'an/Hadith - interpreted as covering the body to prevent attraction.
• Marker of religious identity - visual sign of belonging to the Muslim community.
• Guarding modesty - primarily in relation to men who are not family (non-mahram).

How to veil:

• Full range from simple headscarf to complete body covering, depending on sect, country, and belief.

"As for those who abuse believing men and women unjustifiably, they will definitely bear the guilt of slander and blatant sin. O Prophet! Ask your wives, daughters, and believing women to draw their cloaks over their bodies. In this way it is more likely that they will be recognized as virtuous and not be harassed. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
Surah Al-Ahzab 33:58-59

"Asma, daughter of AbuBakr, entered upon the Messenger of Allah wearing thin clothes. The Messenger of Allah turned his attention from her. He said: O Asma', when a woman reaches the age of menstruation, it does not suit her that she displays her parts of body except this and this, and he pointed to his face and hands."
Sunan Abu Dawood 4104

"Sauda, by Allah, you cannot conceal from us. Therefore, be careful when you go out. She ('A'isha) said: She turned back. Allah's Messenger was at that time in my house having his evening meal and there was a bone in his hand. She (Sauda) cline and said: Allah's Messenger. I went out and 'Umar said to me so and so. She ('A'isha) reported: There came the revelation to him and then it was over; the bone was then in his hand and he had not thrown it and he said:" Permission has been granted to you that you may go out for your needs."
Sahih Muslim 2170

Judaism

Who veils:

• Married women - cover hair to signal marital status.
• Men - cover head with kippah/yarmulke in reverence before God.

When to veil:

• Married women: in public, outside home, or in presence of unrelated men.
• Men: during prayer, study, or constantly (Orthodox practice).

Why to veil:

• Modesty laws (tzniut) - hair covering for married women is seen as private for the husband.
• Sign of covenant identity - marking oneself as part of the Jewish people.
• Respect before God - men cover head in prayer or at all times.

How to veil:

• Women: scarf (tichel), wig (sheitel), hat.
• Men: small cap (kippah), sometimes hat over it.

"What is the law of Moses? That she feeds him, sets his bed for him, and nurses his child. And what is the law of Jewish women? She goes out with her head uncovered, spins wool in the marketplace, and converses with every man."
Ketubot 72a

"Shmuel said: A woman’s hair is ervah.” Meaning: A man should not recite the Shema in the presence of a woman whose hair is uncovered, because hair is considered part of her nakedness. This established the basis for covering women’s hair in public, particularly for married women."
Berakhot 24a

Key Differences in Veiling Meaning

Conclusion

Why This Matters for Orthodox Christians...

Veiling, in all three religions, comes from very different roots. Islam makes it a social boundary, aimed at regulating male-female interaction. Judaism ties it to law and marital status. Orthodoxy gives it to us as an act of worship - a visible confession that we stand before the Living God.

We do not veil out of shame or to shield ourselves from male weakness. We veil because the Church is holy ground, because the angels are present, because the apostolic command still stands.

And while we pray for those outside the Church, we do not pretend our reasons are the same. Only in Christ do outward acts find their true meaning - only in His Body, the Orthodox Church, do such traditions become life-giving rather than burdensome rules. Without Him, the cloth is just cloth. With Him, it is a crown of humility before the King.

➡ Faith in Every Detail - Stickers & Bookmarks.

➡ How Orthodoxy Differs from Islam and Judaism.

➡ Orthodoxy VS Other Christian Traditions.