Veiling: The Qur'ān and Hadith Versus Feminist Notions

The Niqāb and burqa are outer garments, and methods of veiling used by Muslim women around the globe. This seemingly simple affair is met by tremendous controversy when put into practice. Why? In this paper, we will first dissect the prominent anti-feminist critique of the veil as a salient source of its politically charged nature. Second, we will provide a succinct overview of the historical purpose and practice of veiling in Islam as it is positioned throughout the Qur’ān and other pieces of Islamic literature in an effort to negate the anti- feminist narrative of veiling. Lastly, we will identify the consequences that anti-feminist critiques of the veil present for Muslim women. Overall, this paper argues that an analysis of the Qur’ān and Islamic texts on the significance of veiling practices can work to eliminate the Western notion that the veil is inherently anti-feminist. This said analysis is essential as the perpetuation of this false narrative results in negative consequences for the Muslim world.