The Islamic concept of hijab is not merely a piece of cloth but a comprehensive moral code that governs behavior, attitude, and appearance for both men and women. The Arabic word hijab means a barrier or partition and has evolved into a term commonly associated with modest dress, particularly for women.
In the Qur’an, the command for modesty is directed at both genders: “O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable than if they were known and not abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:59)
The hijab serves as a means of dignifying women, guarding them from objectification, and enabling them to be valued for their intellect and character rather than appearance. It is a personal choice made out of devotion and conviction, not a social imposition when practised in the true spirit of Islam.
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Freedom and Status of Women in Islam
Islam was revolutionary in its treatment of women, especially in a society where women had little or no rights. It granted women the right to education, ownership, inheritance, consent in marriage, and participation in public life over 1400 years ago. The Qur’an upholds the spiritual and moral equality of men and women: “Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:13). Freedom in Islam is not about discarding values or traditions but about choosing a life in line with divine guidance. A woman who wears the veil does so to express her identity, devotion, and autonomy in defining her appearance. Her freedom lies not in conformity with social trends but in the ability to exercise her moral and spiritual agency.
The Veil Ban in France: A Secular Misunderstanding
France, under the banner of secularism and national unity, has enacted several laws restricting religious symbols in public spaces. In 2010, it passed a law banning the face veil (niqab) in public, citing concerns over security, gender equality, and cultural cohesion. Human rights organisations have criticised the ban for disproportionately targeting Muslim women and curtailing their religious freedom.
The French model of secularism, laïcité, aims to separate religion from public life. However, in practice, it often suppresses public expressions of faith, especially among Muslims. The niqab ban is not about liberation but about coercing women into abandoning a religious practice under state pressure. Ironically, in the name of freedom, France denies women the freedom to dress according to their beliefs.
Numerous Muslim women in France have testified that they chose the niqab as an act of personal conviction, not family or community pressure. By banning it, the state forces them to stay indoors or compromise their faith, which is the very definition of social exclusion.
Double Standards and Global Implications
The veil is often seen in Western discourse as a symbol of oppression, while other forms of modesty, such as the habits of Christian nuns or Orthodox Jewish dress codes, are respected as religious expressions. This double standard reveals a cultural bias and undermines claims of universal human rights.
Furthermore, such bans contribute to the alienation of Muslim communities, reinforce Islamophobic stereotypes, and fuel identity crises among young Muslims. It sends a message that integration means assimilation and that religious identity must be hidden to participate in civic life.
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Islamic Perspective on Choice and Coercion
Islam emphasises intention and choice in all acts of worship. Forcing women to wear or remove the veil is equally un-Islamic. True Islamic societies must create environments where women can make informed, autonomous decisions based on faith, not fear or pressure.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never imposed the veil by coercion. His teaching inspired hearts, and women responded out of love and devotion, not compulsion. Therefore, any societal or legal policy, whether in a Muslim or non-Muslim country, must respect the woman’s right to make her own choices regarding religious observance.
Contemporary Relevance and the Way Forward
In a globalized world where identity, faith, and values intersect in complex ways, the need for mutual understanding and coexistence is greater than ever. Muslim women should not have to choose between citizenship and belief or between public life and personal faith. Societies that claim to champion women’s rights must respect diversity in how women define those rights for themselves.
The veil is not the enemy of modernity or freedom; ignorance, bias, and coercion are. It is time to allow women to speak for themselves, define their values, and participate in society without having to compromise their faith or dignity.
