Meenakshi Jha comments : An interesting article ! 'Veil' is yet another example of how the religion (as interpreted by men)in every culture has been used as an excuse to formulate codes of conduct that keep women subjugated. And the writer very rightly concludes that 'veil' is symbolic of the power struggle.
When Faegeh says - "A number of feminist scholars have argued that it is time for a feminist interpretation of all the sacred texts. Such views are being expressed openly and there are even demands for legal changes. Muslim women are questioning the monopoly of patriarchal interpretations of the sacred texts, not on the basis of the secular rally for women's emancipation, but for the human equality granted to women by Islam."
It is indeed heartening to learn that muslim women scholars are working towards positive change. When women begin to tackle the problem of fellow women, there indeed seems hope that changes will most certainly come.
Meenakshi Jha
Priya comments : It was enlightening to read about the 'hijab' in the context of patriarchy.It is sad that women down the ages, through many societies haven't had ownership over themselves. Promising to be a huge struggle to promote egalitarianism over conditioning and vested interests. It is interesting to note that in matriarchal societies, a woman's breasts are not viewed as objects of sexual desire to be kept under wraps so as to protect from unwanted advances, but rather as a tool for nourishment. So, while they may or may not be covered, the dress-code for the upper torso is never elaborate. Unfortunately, with the spread of Westernisation and its insiduous patriarchal images of what is deemed 'desirable' such values are going the way of the lowest common denominator.A sort of monotony in what women should look like and dress like. Although many strides have been made because of feminism, our work is not complete. Not least that matriarchy too shouldn't slide towards consumerism! Thank you Faegheh for that wonderful article.
Traci Wilson comments : I am doing a study on Muslim women and veiling. I understand where veiling derived from however, I am interested as to why there are different types of veils and use of words for them. What are they, who wears them, and who choses, who does not?
Rojie Laniton Famor comments : when i read the thought, i find it hard to understand but in a latter implementation,and with an open mind i find something that is very interesting....thats why i made this topic as one of my reports...thanks to this
