What Is Veiling?

Islamic Civilization and Muslim Networks

by Sahar Amer

Ranging from simple head scarf to full-body burqa, the veil is worn by vast numbers of Muslim women around the world. What Is Veiling? explains one of the most visible, controversial, and least understood emblems of Islam. Sahar Amer's evenhanded approach is anchored in sharp cultural insight and rich historical context. Addressing the significance of veiling in the religious, cultural, political, and social lives of Muslims, past and present, she examines the complex roles the practice has played in history, religion, conservative and progressive perspectives, politics and regionalism, society and economics, feminism, fashion, and art.

By highlighting the multiple meanings of veiling, the book decisively shows that the realities of the practice cannot be homogenized or oversimplified and extend well beyond the religious and political accounts that are overwhelmingly proclaimed both inside and outside Muslim-majority societies. Neither defending nor criticizing the practice, What Is Veiling? clarifies the voices of Muslim women who struggle to be heard and who, veiled or not, demand the right to live spiritual, personal, and public lives in dignity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Islam, Religion, History, Middle East, Womens, Muslims

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 2, 2014

Reviews

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear and detailed explanation of hijab, the Muslim tradition of veiling. Amer includes a long history, a learned discussion of the religious teaching and tradition, the effect of Euro-American dominations, and current factors like feminism, anti-Muslim sentiments, and legislation.
There were ideas that were new to me, like that putting on the veil can be a statement against a history of Western domination, when de-veiling was done by force. I think that the veil should be a choice, to not wear, or TO wear, but now I have some much better arguments.
There was a very good glossary in the back, but I do wish it had pictures. I wish the whole book had more pictures in fact.

[Aamina]

Ooooh this is good. Extremely detailed. If your ever confused why some Muslim women veil and others do not, pick this up.

Oh and Muslim women are not the only ones that veil.

It's more than just choice.

[Sarah Sparkle]

This is an interesting book. It's pretty accessible and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about the history and politics of Islamic veiling. I have a couple of qualms though. One is that I'm kind of confused by the assertion in the description that the book is neither criticizing nor defending the practice of veiling; it seems to lean towards a pro-veiling stance and definitely isn't neutral in any case. The other is that I feel like the chapter 'Veiling and Feminism' could perhaps have been better-researched? It didn't adequately address the topic in my opinion. I'd be interested to know whether other feminists agree.

[Phillippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading in today’s world. Fascinating and informative. I listened to the audiobook but would like to read a hard copy so I have easy access when the topic comes up in conversation as this is an area which is seldom understood and clouded in conjecture based mostly on dominant media discourses. Highly recommend.

[Hara Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched in a diverse range of topics, from religious texts to hijabi artists. Very interesting as an intro to the world of veiling.

[Reema Almalik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very valuable resource for my research in my Islam in America class. Amer offers a unique perspective on veiling and what it means to veil from both a historical and modern perspective.

[Mills College Library]

297.576 A51211 2014

[Biju P.R.]

I read it as a part of my current writing project about Lovescape. I mention veiling and its politics in the book. SO this book was useful entry point.

[Darius · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a well written book that really questions our deep biases and prejudices that we have, sometimes even without knowing it. This book is especially good for those who have little experience with similar litterature, and will offer a good all-round reader and give a solid basis for understanding any future books you might read.

That said, there are a few things i simply could not agree with. While I firmly believe there should be a certain level of accomodation for those choosing to veil, the critique of people being told to de-veil (especially in cases where a person wears a burqa) for the purpose of making identification documentation makes little sense. Identification of the person is entire point of...well...identification documents. The key word here is 'identification'. This is not a new practice, it is not aimed at any particular minority so it should not come as a surprise that every citizen should do it,regardless of their religious beliefs or cultural leanings.

Secondly, the author makes the falacy of interpreting requirement by law in western countries to de-veil as a form of colonialism. Yes, it is true when speaking of colonial activities overseas, but it is not a colonial practice when done on the home soil. It can be viewed as a cultural experience, that is the cultural practice of being "unveiled" and openly visible in a physical sense, just as veiling can be a cultural practice too. If a country chooses to encat a law forbidding veiling on its own territory, we can debate on pros and cons of it, but it is no way a form of colonialism.

Despite the few gripes, I thoroughly enjoyed the books and would recommend it to others.

[Anne Dunham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderfully eye-opening look at the varied ways in which Muslim women wear, or do not wear, a veil. As a westerner, I, like many others, have little knowledge of this long-standing custom that has come under such scrutiny in the last few decades. I know the custom is somehow associated with the Muslim religion, but until I read this book, I had no idea how it has evolved and changed over the centuries. When I stop to think about it, it is not so foreign. Until the last few decades Catholic nuns have followed the custom too and Catholic women covered their heads in church. I have even thought about how practical it would be on bad hair days.

The term veiling is a general term that has many nuances and many differing ways of manifesting itself. The book includes a glossary of many terms that are used for different ways of veiling, often varying by country, class, and social status, that may include anything from robes and face veils that completely cover the body, to a scarf draped over the hair. And it is done by women for many different reasons, from piety and modesty to taking a stand for liberating women to dress as they would like to.

As a result of reading this thorough and non-judgmental book presented by a woman who is both Muslim and a scholar, I have learned much and am fascinated to learn more from Muslim women I encounter. They, like the rest of us, are concerned about the same kinds of issues all women--and men too--face. I would recommend this book as a good read indeed.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prof. Sahar Amer has written an excellent introduction to this subject. Her thesis is that veiling or non-veiling is multi-valent in its meaning to the women who veil or who don't. Many non-Islamic individuals and many Islamic individuals, however, view veiling as a requirement of women. Some of the reasons women may veil or not veil include making a political statement, going along with their particular culture, acting in a way that strengthens their religious faith and obedience to Allah. Women may choose to veil only when engaged in daily activities, eschewing work, or adapt the degree/kind of veiling they do depending upon their daily activity. All of the chapters I found very interesting and Prof. Amer made many points that I need to think about. One of the most interesting chapters discussed how some Muslim women artists (e.g. painters, rappers) express what veiling means to them. Another one was the growth in fashionable hijab, which now has resulted in hijab fashion magazines, "beauty" contests, and a multi-million dollar generating fashion industry. I highly recommend this book as an introduction to learning about veiling and non-veiling. I would like to see her course, or some course like this, as an option in "the World's Greatest Courses"--I'd take it!

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this on my library's new NF shelf. I thought it was rather interesting. It's easy in the West to look at a veil and assume that anyone wearing it must be oppressed. But like most things, this is a way too simplistic way of looking at things. This book goes to the culture and history of what went on when Islam started hijab. (Everyone who was not a slave in that area wore veils at the time.) It discusses the different scriptural bases, as well as interpretations thereof, for the way(s) in which hijab is currently practiced. Interesting to me was how the author's mother did not wear a veil growing up in Egypt, but today, it is much more prevalent. Also the different and sometimes rather personal reasons for veiling--or not. Example: one person may choose not to veil, interpreting hijab as a directive to not draw attention to yourself. Another person may choose to veil as their own personal commitment to God. A government forcing someone to unveil can be felt as every bit as oppressive as a government that forces everyone to veil. Very helpful in understanding a very visual cultural practice that often gets judged quickly and not always accurately.

[Bobby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will become regular reading for my costume history students. Important information concerning the veil - historically, within the context of religion, and in our contemporary cultural discourse. Eye opening.

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely insightful book on the various aspects of hijab. The author combines personal experience and academic knowledge to explain for people who may not necessarily be familiar with Islam the myriad reasons why a Muslim woman might choose to wear the hijab.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

My church book group started this book, but ran out of time before summer break. I am glad that I continued with it, as it is a topic that I know virtually nothing about. I found the book to be objective and informative, and I learned much from reading it.

[Shelley Szermeta gravenstine]

Didn't finish