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Saturday | 11 January 2025 | Epaper

Is Hijab a choice or patriarchal control?

Published : Friday, 22 November, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 357
Musfika Laiju
The topic of the hijab, niqab, and other forms of veiling has become a focal point of discussion globally, sparking passionate debates around freedom, control, identity, and the role of religion. For some, the hijab is a choice, a personal and religious statement embodying values of modesty and spirituality. For others, it represents the deeply embedded control mechanisms of patriarchal societies that seek to regulate women's bodies and behaviors under the guise of religious doctrine.

The Hijab is a Symbol of Faith or Control of Patriarchal social customs, wearing of the hijab, niqab, or burqa is often interpreted by many as a personal choice and an outward expression of the Islamic faith. In countries where veiling is encouraged or required, proponents argue that it offers a way for women to protect their modesty and focus on their inner qualities, rather than becoming subject to external appearances. For many Muslim women, wearing the hijab is indeed an empowering choice.

But critics argue that this "choice" is frequently limited by societal pressures, family expectations, and sometimes even state-imposed mandates that deprive women of true autonomy. In some cases, the expectation to wear the hijabor risk punishment for refusingcan turn the garment into a tool of social control, one that reinforces the idea that women's bodies are inherently provocative and need to be concealed.

The Weaponization of Religious Texts is one of the key arguments against mandatory veiling practices. It is that religious texts are frequently used selectively to justify patriarchal control. In societies where the hijab is imposed, religious authorities often interpret scripture to validate strict dress codes, emphasizing that women must conform to specific standards to be considered "pious" or "respectable."

However, Islamic scholars and progressive Muslim voices argue that these interpretations are rooted more in cultural traditions and historical patriarchal norms than in the core principles of Islam. They point to verses that highlight equality and justice, calling for a re-evaluation of practices that oppress rather than liberate.

Veiling beyond Islam a broader patriarchal trend is worth noting that veiling and modesty norms are not exclusive to Islam. In many cultures and religions, such as Orthodox Judaism, Hinduism, and certain Christian communities, women are encouraged or required to adhere to specific modesty standards. The common factor across these practices is not the religion itself but the patriarchal frameworks that reinforce women's subordinate status and seek to control how they present themselves publicly.

Historically, dress codes have often been used as a means to control and restrict women's autonomy, signaling that their role is to remain within the private sphere. This suggests that veiling, in various forms, is less about religious obligation and more about societal conditioning that reinforces the idea of women as "the weaker sex" needing protection and control.

Voices of resistance and choiceinmany countries, including Iran and Saudi Arabia, women are challenging mandatory veiling policies. Recent protests have highlighted that many women see the mandatory hijab as an infringement on their personal freedom rather than a symbol of religious devotion. Movements like #MyStealthyFreedom, initiated by Iranian women, have raised global awareness and underscored the demand for a woman's right to choose whether to wear the veil.

However, it is also important to acknowledge that for some women, the hijab remains a symbol of resistance against Western cultural imperialism. These women argue that attempts to ban the hijab in places like France or Quebec represent a different form of control, where governments dictate what women can or cannot wear under the banner of secularism.

With the Global Impact of Patriarchy on Women's Dressin both Muslim-majority and Western countries, women's bodies and clothing continue to be subjected to scrutiny and control. The politicization of the hijab points to a broader trend, when society regulates women's dresswhether by enforcing or banning certain garmentsit is often a reflection of patriarchal attitudes that fail to recognize women as independent agents capable of making their own choices.

The true issue at hand is not the hijab itself but the societal structures that seek to either mandate or forbid it. These structures often fail to respect women's autonomy, regardless of whether they are rooted in religious fundamentalism or secular governance.

TowardsGenuine Choice and Autonomy for women should be central to the hijab debate is the emphasis on genuine choice. The ability for women to decide for themselves free from coercion, judgment, or external pressure-is the real goal. For some, that choice will lead to wearing the hijab; for others, it will lead to choosing not to. Women's rights advocates argue that true empowerment means defending each woman's right to choose her own path, without fear of repercussion or the imposition of patriarchal values disguised as tradition or secularism.

A Call for Solidarity and Understanding; As societies become increasingly interconnected, it is essential to foster an environment where women's autonomy is respected across cultural and religious boundaries. The hijab debate is one of many that illuminates the pervasive influence of patriarchal norms, yet it also offers an opportunity for reflection and growth.

In a world that frequently defines women by their appearance, women's movements, communities, and allies are calling for a re-evaluation of the power structures that have historically limited women's freedoms. True progress will come when all womenwhether in Tehran or Parisare empowered to make choices about their lives and bodies without fear of social, legal, or cultural retribution.

The veil, whether worn or discarded, should be a matter of personal expression and not a symbol of societal control. The path forward lies in fostering mutual respect, understanding diverse perspectives, and championing each woman's right to make her own choices in accordance with her values and beliefs.

If we initiate a balanced dialogue and recognize the complexity of the hijab debate and the precise perspective held by women around the world, Empowering women with the freedom to choose can pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future.

The writer is a human rights advocate



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