The Subjugation of Muslim Woman by Islamic Fundamentalism - Research Paper Example

The dress to be worn by Muslim women has been a widely debated subject during the past and present times. The dress that they are to wear is determined by Muslim men. The majority of Muslim scholars and jurists have agreed upon some basic requirements for the dress of Muslim women. The dress must cover the entire body of the woman, with the exception of the face and hands. The veil is known as hijab in Arabic, and wearing it has been interpreted by Islamic scholars as being a religious obligation for Muslim women.

It is contended that every Muslim woman is obliged to wear the hijab on attaining the prescribed age (Ssenyonjo, 2007, P 653-710). As such, many argue that the hijab is not a religious symbol of Islam. The clerics have disregarded the fact that the apparel worn is a subjective choice. They have prescribed a repressive dress code for women, justifying their iniquity by falsely claiming that the Quran ordains the same. Many Muslim women wear the veil and it has become a part of their life. Some proponents of the veil have suggested that it provides a psychological feeling of safety and completeness for Muslim women.

In addition, these supporters of the veil have stated that the latter acts as a shield that protects, reassures and isolates the wearer from the other members of society. The vehement advocates of the veil declare that the unveiled woman is as good as being naked (Djebar & Fanon, 1996, P 847). The veil culture is so deeply embedded in some Muslim societies that no woman dares to venture out into the public, without this accoutrement. Those who support the veiling of women, attempt to convince women that they are better off wearing the veil.