Dr. Fatma Al Sayegh: The hijab: A symbol of dignity, propriety and women's modesty

The banning of religious symbols in French public schools has evoked the issue of the veil in Islam, as well as that of the core Muslim beliefs and practices. Although some regarded the French action as purely an internal matter, many Muslims saw it as a hostile and premeditated action, directed not only against Muslim women living in France but also against Islam as a religion. Since then, much has been said about the wearing of the veil by Muslim women.

Basically, there is no binding prescription for the veil in Islamic law, but there are suggestions, as in the 33rd verse of the Holy Quran: "Oh Prophet, say to thy wives, and thy daughters, and the women folk of the believers, that they let down some part of their mantles over them, that is suitable for their being recognised and not insulted" (33:59).

In another verse, "And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty, that they should not display their beauty and charms except what (normally) appears of them, that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and display their beauty only to their husbands, their fathers" (24:31).

This verse is interpreted as evidence of the exhortation to Muslim women to veil themselves. Accordingly, the hijab became a basic practice for all Muslim women. Moreover, it represents a symbol of women's dignity; a cover that shelters them from the public's eyes. This is the wisdom behind the hijab.

In Islamic literature, nothing more illustrates the interaction of Quranic prescription and customary practices than the development of the hijab and seclusion (harem) of women. Both are believed to be customs assimilated from the conquered Persian and Byzantine societies and viewed as appropriate expressions of Quranic norms and values. The connection between the hijab and the seclusion appeared only when, during Muslim conquests of Persia and India, many noble women went into seclusion as a sign of prestige.

Opponents of the veil, however, claim that the Holy Quran does not stipulate the veil or seclusion. On the contrary, it tends to encourage women's active participation in the public life and emphasises equal religious responsibility of both sexes. They also point out that while on pilgrimage (ritual consecration) men and women are required to uncover their face and hands.

Muslim jurists interpret the imposition of the veil as a way to shelter and protect women from being exposed to the public glare. In fact, the concept of the veil already existed in countries that were conquered by Muslims, and where the veil was considered a symbol of class distinction. It was the right of free women to wear it. In contrast, the slave who did this was liable to be punished. When Islam arrived, it imposed the hijab as a common practice for all female believers, regardless of their status. In fact, in Islam modesty is required of both sexes.

Through the years, the concept of the hijab went through certain stages of development, according to the nature of the society where it was worn and according to the time in which it was adopted. Although it is not specified in Islam, the hijab's colour has also developed over the years, according to the area in which it is worn and the status of those wearing it.

Black seems to be favoured by noble women and by those from the upper strata of society. It represents women's propriety and dignity. With the spread of Islam, the custom of wearing the veil spread quickly.

In fact, it became the most visible sign of religion in secular societies. It was this sign that some secular societies found alarming. Although it might be seen as purely internal issue, France's action has many implications. The most serious of all is the standpoint which interprets this action as a part of the so called "clash of civilisations". Muslim communities worldwide viewed France's action as hostile and irresponsible – one that could affect the lives and freedom of millions of Muslim women in France.

It also affects the mere concept of France's values and what it stands for, as far as human dignity and freedom are concerned. France, which is multi-cultural and one of Europe's freest societies, has chosen to adopt a strict law that deprives some of its citizens of their rights.

Although France's action is criticised by many human rights groups, who see it as a breach of civil liberties, the French Parliament went ahead and approved it, thus creating a rift between France and millions of Muslims worldwide. It also affected the image of France as a free society in the eyes of many, including some westerners. By adopting such a law, France has opened the way for other European countries to follow suit. Whether France's action has far-reaching political implications or not remains to be seen.

Dr. Fatma Al Sayegh, History Department, UAE University