The Hijab

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the controversy surrounding the practice among Muslims known as 'hijab', which is a practice that is based on religious doctrine. The paper notes that some believe that the wearing of the veil secures personal liberty in a world that typically objectifies women and others argue that hijab allows women freedom in movement and control over their own bodies.

Outline:
Introduction
Hijab Religious Doctrine
Women in Islam - Islam for Today
Modesty for Men and Women
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The work entitled: "Women in Islam: Hijab" relates that Hijab means "...a veil, curtain, partition, or separation. In a meta-physical sense, Hijab means illusion or refers to the illusory aspect of creation." (Syed, 2001) Hijab means to "cover, drape, or partition" (Syed, 2001) however, it is important to understand that there is more than one type of Hijab. Khimar is one form of hijab, which means "veil covering the head" while the word Litham of Niqab means "veil covering lower face up to the eyes." (Syed, 2001) The term hijab in contemporary times refers to women covering their face, which is referred to as purdah on the Indian sub-continent and chador in Iran. (Syed, 2001; paraphrased) While the hijab itself is not written in the Quran, the Quran does lay down the principle of modesty. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• The Islamic Hijab (2002) Al-Balagh Foundation. Online available at: http://home.swipnet.se/islam/hijab.htm
• Syed, Ibrahim B. (2001) Women in Islam: Hijab. Islam for Today. Online available at: http://www.islamfortoday.com/syed01.htm
• Parker, Kim (1996) Women, Islam and Hijab. Emory University. Postcolonial Studies. Online available at: http://www.english.emory.edu/Bahri/Veil.html
• Mahmood, Nadio (nd) Is the Islamic Hijab a Woman's Right. Reality with Bite. Online available at: http://www.geocities.com/realitywithbite/hijab.htm
• Heart and Soul (2007) Men Who Veil. Religion & Ethics - Islam June 2007 Religions - Islam- Beliefs. BBC online available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/beliefs/hijab_6.shtml

More papers on The Hijab:

• Term Paper # 144273 : "Ethical Issues Regarding the Hijab"
• Essay # 67369 : "Reflections on the Hijab (Veil)"
• Analytical Essay # 138371 : "The Hijab, Religious Freedom and French Secularism"

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