I refer to Arbibi Ashoy's letter entitled 'Focus on vital aspects of Islam' (Aug 20). Covering the aurat is indeed in the Quran. In Surah An-Nur, verse 31, Allah states that:

"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like palms of hands or one eye or both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer dress, like veil, gloves, head covering), and to draw their veils all over Juyubhinna (their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husband's sons, their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sisters, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim women, their sisters in Islam), or small children who have no sense of shame or sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful!"

Another command from Allah to cover one's aurat is in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 59, which Allah says: Oh Prophet tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed.

As the writer has rightly put it, "The most important aspects of a Muslim's life is determined by the Quran. We cannot question the Quran because it is the word of God." Thus, how can one question the necessity of wearing headscarves?

Furthermore, yes it is true that Muslims must spend more time concentrating on the vital aspects of Islam which are the liberating of Muslims from oppression, murder, illiteracy, poverty, war, crime and cruel leaders. But if Muslims themselves are not able to tackle such 'petty' matters, how are they to be successful in resolving all the serious things?