Hijab

Head Veiling is not mentioned in the Qur'an, those convinced it is compulsary based their views on the Sunnah of the Prophet's wives and Hadiths of the Prophet
Comes from 'Hajaba' meaning to hide from view or conceal, it is referred to in the Qur'an and interpretted in many ways - most commonly in dressing modestly
It is seen in many different ways, an act of obedience to God, of honour and dignity, to show belief and faith, to be modest and pure, and also as a shield
- Women aren't forced to wear Hijab, it is not a sign of oppression or new, it is not required in private or a mode to restrict nor is it a sign of protest to Non - Muslims, it MAY be some of these things IF women are forced to wear them
No where in the Qur'an does it state any particular garments are compulsary

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Hijab 2

As long as women dress modestly, they are following the religion
The Qur'an's 'verse of the Hijab' was sent concerning the privacy of the Prophet's wives, doesn't refer to clothing and is (mis)interpretted so women should wear a veil at all times
Hijab comes from the idea that the Qu'ran teaches of the way individuals are judged and that should not be all about they way someone looks or their wealth. It is not just about dressing modestly but is the principle for both men and women (of modesty), it goes beyond the head scarf and also refers to behaviour, it has been previously used in the context of a barrier or screen
In desert situations (Arabia) men and women cover their faces for political reasoning, the idea of covering the face comes from this
"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty, that will make for greater purity for them, and Allah is acquainted with all that they do" 24:30

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Hijab comes from veil, used to describe headscarves worn by Muslim women - most common covers head + neck (leaving face clean)
Niqab covers face, leaves eyes clear
Burka most concealing, covers all of face and body

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Just as wearing a piece of clothing allows non religious women to be confident, Hijab does so for Muslim women
Part of their identity
Some find it liberating
Shows the world they are practising their faith
They want to be judged for what they do - not how they look
By covering up, they are not subject to objectification - can be judged as men are
A reminder focus should be on beauty of inner self
Hijab is a constant reminder of faith, helps women concentrate on their religion, it gives women an identity the same as clothes do for non-religious women

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Opposition comes from reaction - from wearing this, women are linked with terrorism, the more it is shown this way on the news, the more abuse they get for wearing Hijab
Feminist movement
- Believe Hijab not only covers the head, but the mind will and intellect
- Prevents them from being productive humans
- Seen as outdated

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Seen as a means of restricting freedom
Muslim women feel they are going against oppression, which non-Muslims feel with the thought that worth is proportional to attractiveness - by wearing Hijab they are rejecting this

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