The Functions of the Veil for Muslims - 1359 Words

The Functions of the Veil The practice of veiling has been a topic of controversy amongst several Muslim and non-Muslim scholars (Ruby, 2006). The â€Å"new hijab phenomenon† originated in Cairo approximately two decades ago. Although not a common practice in Cairo, by the year 2000 over 80% of women adopted some form of veiling. The practice of veiling has also been embraced by several other Muslim societies around the world (Carvalho, 2013). The Western world has associated veiling as a form of oppression, gender inequality, and has been an object of pity and fear (Bullock, 2007 Haleh, 2008). However, these stereotypes are not always reflective of the many who do wear it (Bullock, 2007). Two articles will be critically reviewed. The first article, Islam and Body Politics: Inscribing (Im)morality, was presented by politics professor Asma Barlas at the Conference on Religion and Politics in the University of Iceland. This article confronts the beliefs that the world has about Islam, women and veiling, and criticizes the blasphemy of Islamic religious figure, Prophet Muhammad. The second article, Meanings of modesty and the hijab amongst Muslim women in Glasgow, Scotland, is written by sociologist Asifa Siraj. This paper investigates the significance of modesty and hijab by interviewing thirty Muslim women in Glasgow, Scotland. These articles reflect the autonomy and empowerment that Muslim women experience through the hijab by providing a sense of identity, as well as a way toShow MoreRelatedSeparation Of Religion In Australia1245 Words   |  5 Pagesreligious garments. This is certainly not the first time Australian Muslims have been mocked, discriminated and harass ed for their faith and it was certainly not the last. The Burqa is a full face covering, which is chosen to be worn by a minority of Muslim adherents in Australia. If the burqa is to worn in public places within Australia (e.g. shopping centres, schools) it inhibits the ability of the Muslim adherent to fully function in Australian society. This may occur for a number of reasons includingRead MoreA Google Search For The Term Muslim Women 1735 Words   |  7 PagesA Google search for the term ‘Muslim women’ greatly illustrates the impression and image of Islam in western society; the page fills with pictures of women in coverings, most prevalently head-to-toe black with just their eyes visible, with several women depicted in fetters. This shows the way the western eye interprets Muslim women – constantly oppressed by the patriarchal, Islamic religion; however, it is also a representation of the perceived strangeness of a society not entrenched in our beliefsRead MoreThe Veil Is A Symbol Of Religion1312 Words   |  6 PagesThe veil is a symbol of both culture and religion. In Islam, many women choose to wear a type of veil for religious reasons. A female that covers her head may be deemed as a pious and modest individual. However, there are multiple explanations for why the veil became such an important symbol in the Islamic community as well as across the globe. Despite the fact that a veil is a rather simple object, it is nonetheless full of symbolism and rich history. Unfortunately, this symbolism and history isRead MoreThe Class Reinforced My Understanding About Islam968 Words   |  4 Pagesabout Islam and â€Å"Muslims.† it opened my eyes to various things that I would not think about on my own. These are details I just do not take the time to reflect upon. In short, my paper will focus on the concepts of acculturation and assimilation. I have noticed these concepts in the books and articles we have read throughout the quart er. In the book entitled A History of Islam in The America by Kambiz GhaneaBassiri, he discusses the fact that many of the enslaved African Muslims were obligated eitherRead MoreMy Understanding About Islam And The Muslims966 Words   |  4 Pagesabout Islam and â€Å"Muslims.† it opened my eyes to various things that I would not think about on my own. These are details I just do not take the time to reflect upon. In short, my paper will focus on the concepts of acculturation and assimilation. I have noticed these concepts in the books and articles we have read throughout the quarter. In the book entitled A History of Islam in The America by Kambiz GhaneaBassiri, he discusses the fact that many of the enslaved African Muslims were obligated eitherRead MoreUnveiling The Hijab : Oppression Versus Self Determination1719 Words   |  7 Pagesheaddress worn by Muslim women, and to a lesser extent, Muslim men, based on Qur anic interpretations relating to modesty. Since religious mandates are rarely enforced in modern society, especially in Western nations, the persistent practice of wearing veils by Muslim women has received increasing scrutiny from government agencies and certain feminist groups . A common misconception stems from the belief that hijabs are used as a tool of oppression against Muslim women. However, many Muslim feminists haveRead MoreIn recent years, a small piece of cloth has managed to cause quite a stir. The scarf, or hijab,1600 Words   |  7 Pageshijab, that Muslim women wear on their heads is making headlines around the world. Hijab is bann ed in French public schools and other European countries have adopted or are thinking about a similar legislation. In Australia, a radio presenter triggered both debate and outrage when he called for the face veil (niqab) to be banned from banks and post offices. In Canada on the other hand, it is allowed to be worn freely unless in places such as airports for security reasons. Even some Muslim countriesRead MoreEvaluate Feminist Views on the Role and Functions of Religion in Society Today.724 Words   |  3 PagesEvaluate feminist views on the role and functions of religion in society today. Feminists see religion as an instrument of patriarchy which means that society is based around male domination; they believe that this is a set of beliefs and practices responsible for women’s subordination. However functionalists believe otherwise and argue that its function is not to oppress women but to keep society stable whilst Marxists believe that religion oppresses the working class not females. Most religionsRead MoreShould Muslim Women Express Their Religious Clothing? Essay2219 Words   |  9 Pages Should Muslim Women Express Their Religious Clothing? Jayleen Mack Dr. Ukene Winston Salem State University Abstract Muslim women all throughout the world are being discriminated against because of the clothing that they wear. After recent terrorist attacks, the stigma of Muslims being terrorists has become even more apparent. This has led to multiple harassments and hate crimes against Muslim women, primarily in Western countries. The discrimination has become so bad thatRead MoreMillions of people around the globe immigrate into different countries every year. For some1300 Words   |  6 Pagesespecially with the Muslims who have recently been immigrating to France. In all of the European Union, France has the largest Islamic community, with approximately five million Muslims. Yet, recent laws have been targeting the Muslim community and restricting their right to practice their religion in public places. In 2011, France banned women to wear the burqa face coverings in public settings and set a 150 to 200 euro fine for offenders. Many of the French natives see the veil as subjugation of