The issue of the hijab (veil) has been divisive for the Muslim community in North America. Muslims themselves see different meanings in covering their heads. The wider North American society also reacts in diverse ways to the Muslim veil; some read into the practice elements of oppression of women and extreme patriarchal attitudes. Others see it as a harmless mode of self-expression.
In North America, many Muslim women seek ways to strengthen their sense of purpose and selfhood while taking advantage of avenues of education, employment, political participation, and freedom of expression. Yet there are elements of the wider culture that trouble them; some of them have devised means of containing the impact of those aspects on their community. It is within this context that the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) invited scholars in the fields of Anthropology, History, Sociology and Islamic Studies to carry out a systematic study of issues surrounding different practices of the hijab among Muslims.
This book covers anthropological, historical, and sociological analyses of the current ideals and practices of the hijab among Muslim women, as well as the recent debates on the subject. It also indicates some of the current issues relating to opening up the interpretation of the Qur'an and the Hadith to a woman's perspective.
Sajida Alvi is Professor of Indo-Islamic History and holder of the Chair in Urdu Language and Culture at McGill University.
Homa Hoodfar is Associate Professor of Anthropology at Concordia University.
Sheila McDonough is Adjunct Professor of Religion at Concordia University. |
