In the mid-1920s, King Amanullah of Afghanistan stood before an audience at his palace in Kabul to give a speech on the many ways forward for his kingdom. Speaking slowly and with carefully chosen words, he said, “Islam does not require women to cover their bodies or wear any kind of veil.” He gave an example of Prophet Muhammad’s wives, who took part in battles unveiled, and he made specific reference to the prophet’s first wife, Khadijah, who was a wealthy businessperson who bankrolled his career both before and after the birth of Islam. Standing next to the king was his wife, Queen Soraya Tarzi, who was to Amanullah what Khadijah was to the prophet. As her husband finished his speech, the queen smiled and looked at the king with pride and affection as she gently tore off her veil, sending shockwaves throughout Afghan society.
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