Muslim Women and Hijab : A Study into the Subjects of Female Identities, Empowerment, and Body Image (original) (raw)

Introduction: The Islamic practice of covering is referred to the Arabic word Hijab rather than "Veil," as it is the proper phrase to describe such a practice, which translates as " Covering." As the term "Hijab" is quite interpretive, there is a wide range of clothing options, from simple headscarves to burqas that enclose the body and face. It addresses more than dress guidelines; it also addresses moral limits and respect for women. It is a component of modest behaviour and neighborhood harmony. Hijab and the term scarf are now used interchangeably. The concept is occasionally expanded to include cultural clothing codes like the chador of Iran, the Shalwar Kamij of Pakistan, and the burqa of Afghanistan and Kashmir. The term veil or Hijab, however, has been transformed into a contentious issue in discussions in the Muslim world by Western media. The media illustrates inequity by making many arguments defensive and presenting women as victims. To be clear, a Muslim refers to someone who adheres to and practices the Islam faith, centred on the principles of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the sacred text, the Quran. Surat-un-Nur 24:30-31, one of the four ayahs in the Holy Quran that mentions the veil, is adequate to bolster the argument. Furthermore, tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons, or their brothers or their brothers' sons or sisters sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know nought of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed. (Surat-un-Nur 24:30-31) Islam did not concoct the practice of veiling women. Long before the birth of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, people began to wear veils. Veiling was a prac