Essay on The Hijab - 1234 Words

How Identity is Represented Through Gender: Femininity and the Hijab An individual’s identity can differ depending on several different physical and biological factors including sexuality, gender, age and class. Throughout Ruby Tabassum’s article entitled Listening to the Voices of Hijab, identity is related to gender in a number of ways. I have decided to discuss this specific article because the idea of how femininity is portrayed is a significant aspect of Canadian culture nowadays. I am also interested in focusing on how the identities of Muslim women are recognized in society and how individuals interpret the meaning behind wearing the hijab. Throughout this article, I have distinguished several different reasons for wearing†¦show more content†¦This is a significant aspect of the course because the article examines the strengths and weaknesses of femininity through a cultural Muslim perspective and the reading is a prime example of how ideologies regarding race affect those involved. In class we have discussed the si gnificances of social constructs and how assumptions are made on the basis of physical characteristics. In this situation, identity is related to gender as Muslim women are categorized as both good/respectful and rebellious/evil individuals because they are apart of a culture where they are both oppressed and liberated simultaneously. The hijab used as a symbol of the Muslim culture is just one characteristic of how it can be perceived; the hijab is also a sign of life, safety and personal identity (Tabassum, 2006, p. 37). Tabassum (2006) interviews an individual by the name of Raheelah who identifies the hijab as not just a piece of clothing that covers a Muslim women’s face, but also as a portrayal of themselves as a person (p. 37). I think that this is an important aspect of Canadian culture for feminine identity to be recognized appropriately and respectively rather than being looked down upon. There are several stereotypes within society which makes it difficult for any female to portray themselves as decent and demonstrate morality; thus the hijab is one way for Muslim women to take advantage of its purpose and be recognized as proper as the hijab somewhatShow MoreRelatedHijab, Veil Or Scarf?1983 Words   |  8 PagesHijab is mentioned in many different ways but, some of the most common names that are used are headscarf, veil or scarf. There’s various types of the hijabs and some of them are referred as Burqa (a long and loose garment covering the whole body from head to feet), Chador (cloth that is wrapped around the head and upper body leaving only the face) and Niqab (covers the whole face except the eyes). The headscarf is traditionally worn by Muslim women in the existence of adult male outside of theirRead MoreIs the Religion of Hijab Oppression691 Words   |  3 PagesHijab, is it another word for oppression? In the fifteen hundred years of existence this norm in the religion has ignited dispute that has still not been resolved all over the world. According to BBC news Hijab has been banned in countries like France, Netherlands, Syria, Belgium and Spain. As they believe that wearing Hijab is domineering and degrading towards women. I strongly believe that banning the Hijab is a desecration of one’s religious beliefs and freedom; it is also an object of controversyRead MoreFaith and the Hijab Essay examples1707 Words   |  7 Pagescoverings? Finally what objections are there against women wearing the head coverings? Why Hijab and the Origins The word hijab translates into to hide or to conceal. It is a head covering, usually a scarf, that covers the hair and the bosom and at most times leaves the face exposed. The origins go all the way back to the prophet’s time, when the Quran was being written. What the Quran says about the hijab is: O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters and the believing women, that they shouldRead MoreThe Unfair Treatment of Muslim Women833 Words   |  3 Pageswears is called a hijab. Some Muslim women also wear a veil to conceal their face, also known as a niqab. The long dresses that they wear are called burkas. The requirements for these dresses are that they should be loose, but thick enough as to not show the color of their skin. Many Muslim women also wear shaylas, which are veils that cover the head and chest. Muslim girls start wearing these pieces of clothing around the age of puberty. A lot of them choose to start wearing hijabs and some of theRead MoreEssay on The Veil2050 Words   |  9 Pagesbecause of the Quran nor the prophet, nor the Islamic tradition, but simply because those rights conflict with interests of the male elite (ix). The Hijab (curtain or veil in Arabic) in early Islam was not to put a barrier between a man and a woman, according to Mernissi, but between two men. The verse in the Qur’an that mentions the Hijab says that it descended in the bedroom of the wedded pair to protect their intimacy and exclude a third person. That was because of God’s order to his prophetRead MoreWearing a Uniform of Oppression Essay702 Words   |  3 Pages Having lived my whole life by the teachings of the Islamic faith, I understand the appreciations and values associated with the Hijab. However, also living in Canada, a pro-western society, I also see how some might see it as an oppression set upon Muslim women; objectively isolating them from the rest of society. I believe that the Hijab means much more than just a piece of cloth covering a woman’s hair. It represents their identity and their pride. It is considered to be the flagRead MoreMuslim And Non Muslim Women1425 Words   |  6 Pagesladies trust that God has instructed them to monitor their modesty and wear the hijab with poise and self-regard, where they are satisfied to be recognized as perfect and virtuous Muslim ladies, however, there are various Muslim and non-Muslim both are think about that whether the wearing of Hijab, Naqab and Burqa is a Muslim women identity, are they truly essential for them and the misconception of wearing these outfit. Hijab may appear like a simple head cover worn by Muslim ladies for a long timeRead MoreThe Islamic Religion And Culture1216 Words   |  5 PagesThroughout the Islamic religion and culture, the Muslim veil has developed into a symbolic concept that cannot be easily contained under one meaning. The veil, which is also referred to as the â€Å"hijab,† is both material and conceptual. Depending on the person’s cultural beliefs and practices, the veil is a fabric which comes in multiple forms. Despite these variations, the concept of modesty and veil is holistic. This concept has evolved into a significant hallmark of many Muslim women. However, theRead More`` Shafana And Aunt Sarrinah, Soft Revolution `` By Alana Valentine And Shrinking Women1043 Words   |  5 Pagesunknowing,† – Shafana. Here the veil is symbolic of the uncertainty that waits when escaping the societal criteria and transitioning to adulthood and life wearing the hijab. Shafana uses a mono logue to expose her feelings of the unfamiliar, she explains the deep sea; this becomes a symbol for what she will endure while wearing the Hijab. â€Å"We still don’t know half of what is in the deep sea, deep oceans because their veiled with darkness†¦ which is not just veiled †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Therefore her transition is a mysteryRead MoreThe Functions of the Veil for Muslims1359 Words   |  5 PagesThe 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