This is to indicate the veiling of the persons (Ashkhas) of all senses, limbs, veins, joints, hair, chest, ears, and others, by establishing the Outward, which is symbolized by the clothing and the head-coverings (Al-Maqani’). This is to demonstrate that he who does not establish the Outward (Zahir) among the Opposites (Al-Addad) is like one who does not cover his body with clothing.

The Master al-Sadiq—peace be from him—pointed to this meaning by his saying: "Would any of you like to walk in the market naked?"

Know that He—the Almighty—commanded the wearing of headcovers (Al-Khumur) for women specifically, and clothing for both women and men generally, to alert us through this distinction to the necessity of practicing dissimulation (Taqiya)—symbolized by clothing and headcovers. This is more mandatory for the "believing women"—who symbolize those who have not yet reached [maturity in] Monotheism (Tawhid)—among the Opposites, than it is for the "believing men" who have reached it.

This is because the liberated scholar (Al-‘Alim al-Tahrir), through his knowledge, navigates among the Opposites more [skillfully] than the weak; he is not feared to divulge secrets to them like the weak in knowledge—those who do not know which outward gnostic matters are suitable to speak about with them.