What do you think?
Rate this book
Object Lessons
Veil
Object Lessons is a series of short, beautifully designed books about the hidden lives of ordinary things.
The veil can be an instrument of feminist empowerment, and veiled anonymity can confer power to women. Starting from her own marriage ceremony at which she first wore a full veil, Rafia Zakaria examines how veils do more than they get credit for.
Part memoir and part philosophical investigation, Veil questions that what is seen is always good and free, and that what is veiled can only signal servility and subterfuge. From personal encounters with the veil in France (where it is banned) to Iran (where it is compulsory), Zakaria shows how the garment's reputation as a pre-modern relic is fraught and up for grabs. The veil is an object in constant transformation, whose myriad meanings challenge the absolute truths of patriarchy.
Object Lessons is published in partnership with an essay series in The Atlantic.
The veil can be an instrument of feminist empowerment, and veiled anonymity can confer power to women. Starting from her own marriage ceremony at which she first wore a full veil, Rafia Zakaria examines how veils do more than they get credit for.
Part memoir and part philosophical investigation, Veil questions that what is seen is always good and free, and that what is veiled can only signal servility and subterfuge. From personal encounters with the veil in France (where it is banned) to Iran (where it is compulsory), Zakaria shows how the garment's reputation as a pre-modern relic is fraught and up for grabs. The veil is an object in constant transformation, whose myriad meanings challenge the absolute truths of patriarchy.
Object Lessons is published in partnership with an essay series in The Atlantic.
136 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2017
About the author
Rafia Zakaria
8 books208 followersRafia Zakaria is American attorney, feminist, journalist, political philosopher and the author of "The Upstairs Wife: An Intimate History of Pakistan", "Against White Feminism" and "Veil".
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 10, 2017
The author is a young lawyer who was born in Pakistan but now lives and works in the US representing Muslim victims of domestic violence. She has been heavily criticised in the US, and in Egypt while on a cultural exchange, for not wearing a veil or headscarf, accused by other Muslims of not therefore being a true Muslim. She responds that her interpretation of her faith does not consider the practice necessary.
Zakaria argues that the two entities, the veil and its wearer, have become synonymous, have morphed into one object that has become permissible or impermissible. The veil has consequently become more than an item of clothing. It can be seen as a partition, a boundary between the woman and the public sphere, or its wearing can be seen as a rebellion, a reclamation or choice, to retreat into a feminine space. The fissure created by the veil, by the moral scale attached to its avowal and disavowal, is the core obstacle that confronts Muslim feminism...".
The author cites a few of the many court cases where an argument has arisen over a witness or defendant being allowed to appear veiled. The conclusion is generally that if a court cannot see a person's face, they cannot tell if they are being truthful or not. Veils become barriers to the truth. Research has shown that the opposite holds true, however. Someone listening to a woman who is veiled will concentrate on the facts and substance of what is being said which, the author argues, is surely a better indicator of truthfulness than facial expressions or demeanour.
Many countries (e.g. France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Bulgaria) have imposed a ban on wearing full face veils in public. In Switzerland, where this became law in 2016, anyone flouting this ban will be fined the huge sum of €9200. The arguments there and elsewhere range from security issues, to the right of others to see with whom they are sharing the public sphere, to the argument that the burka is not a requirement of Islam. In Switzerland, there is a particular aversion to "the aesthetic transformation of the public sphere" by the wearing of such a garment. This is also demonstrated by the 2009 ban on the future construction of minarets in Switzerland. It is not only in Europe that legislation has been implemented. In 2017, Morocco enforced a ban on the manufacture, sale and wearing of full face veils in public and the Egyptian parliament is currently debating it.
Latterly, particularly in light of Trump's anti Muslim rhetoric and actions, the veiled woman may be seen not as submissive but subversive. There is no interest in the West in the ambiguities of the veil. "The refusal of the veiled woman to be visible is poised against security imperatives delineated by the Western state to protect its citizens", with the veiled woman's reconstruction as "the subversive, the potential or actual terrorist" serving to justify surveillance regimes.
"The veil as object appears now accompanied and offset by other veils: the veils of ignorance and bigotry, the veils of prejudice and hatred, of xenophobia and racism. These veils cannot be seen as easily as the veil that is the subject of this book, but they enable their own subterfuge, taking from all those caught in their folds the ability to see."
This is a timely, if not altogether original, work. I found it interesting to look at the veil from many different perspectives, aesthetic, social, political and religious. At times, the tone is angry rather than measured and it may be that a little editing would be wise. I was always taught that the one to lose his temper was the one to lose the argument. It's easy to understand why this is such an emotive subject however, and Zakaria's arguments have given me a lot to ponder.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Academic for an ARC.
Zakaria argues that the two entities, the veil and its wearer, have become synonymous, have morphed into one object that has become permissible or impermissible. The veil has consequently become more than an item of clothing. It can be seen as a partition, a boundary between the woman and the public sphere, or its wearing can be seen as a rebellion, a reclamation or choice, to retreat into a feminine space. The fissure created by the veil, by the moral scale attached to its avowal and disavowal, is the core obstacle that confronts Muslim feminism...".
The author cites a few of the many court cases where an argument has arisen over a witness or defendant being allowed to appear veiled. The conclusion is generally that if a court cannot see a person's face, they cannot tell if they are being truthful or not. Veils become barriers to the truth. Research has shown that the opposite holds true, however. Someone listening to a woman who is veiled will concentrate on the facts and substance of what is being said which, the author argues, is surely a better indicator of truthfulness than facial expressions or demeanour.
Many countries (e.g. France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Bulgaria) have imposed a ban on wearing full face veils in public. In Switzerland, where this became law in 2016, anyone flouting this ban will be fined the huge sum of €9200. The arguments there and elsewhere range from security issues, to the right of others to see with whom they are sharing the public sphere, to the argument that the burka is not a requirement of Islam. In Switzerland, there is a particular aversion to "the aesthetic transformation of the public sphere" by the wearing of such a garment. This is also demonstrated by the 2009 ban on the future construction of minarets in Switzerland. It is not only in Europe that legislation has been implemented. In 2017, Morocco enforced a ban on the manufacture, sale and wearing of full face veils in public and the Egyptian parliament is currently debating it.
Latterly, particularly in light of Trump's anti Muslim rhetoric and actions, the veiled woman may be seen not as submissive but subversive. There is no interest in the West in the ambiguities of the veil. "The refusal of the veiled woman to be visible is poised against security imperatives delineated by the Western state to protect its citizens", with the veiled woman's reconstruction as "the subversive, the potential or actual terrorist" serving to justify surveillance regimes.
"The veil as object appears now accompanied and offset by other veils: the veils of ignorance and bigotry, the veils of prejudice and hatred, of xenophobia and racism. These veils cannot be seen as easily as the veil that is the subject of this book, but they enable their own subterfuge, taking from all those caught in their folds the ability to see."
This is a timely, if not altogether original, work. I found it interesting to look at the veil from many different perspectives, aesthetic, social, political and religious. At times, the tone is angry rather than measured and it may be that a little editing would be wise. I was always taught that the one to lose his temper was the one to lose the argument. It's easy to understand why this is such an emotive subject however, and Zakaria's arguments have given me a lot to ponder.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Academic for an ARC.
August 3, 2020
"Colonialism thrived because it tested on its own epistemology, theories of knowledge that painted brown and black peoples of the world as inferior, requiring civilization and taking by the ever-benevolent Westerners. In that era, depicting Muslim women as suffering bore the advantage of presenting Muslim men as not simply racially and intellectually inferior, but also morally flawed, unable to respect their own."
From VEIL by Rafia Zakaria, 2017 by Bloomsbury
#ReadtheWorld21 📍Pakistan
In VEIL, Pakistani attorney, journalist, and activist Rafia Zakaria combines personal, religious, and world history with law and policy, human rights and social justice - all surrounding the object of the veil.
The literal veil (niqab, chador, burqa) with the veiled existence of cloistered and secluded women, as well as western/colonial attempts to exploit and "pierce the veil" - she notes infamous incidents of the National Geographic photographer who captured the young Afghan woman in 1985 (without consent) and made thousands off her image, becoming one of the most iconic photographs of the era. The woman, Sharbat Gula, was found again in 2002 - and again not paid for her likeness to be plastered all over the glossy covers.
Zakaria notes the erotic exploitation of Algerian veiled women, modeled and styled as odalisques in boudoir photos for French colonial-era postcards, and countless cases of white (women) saviorism to educate and supposedly liberate Muslim women...without ever actually listening to them.
A small but powerful work.
I have some more of her work planned for this month - essays in anthologies, etc. I am very much looking forward to more of her writing.
This book is part of the "Object Lessons" series by Bloomsbury -"A book series about the lives of ordinary things."
From VEIL by Rafia Zakaria, 2017 by Bloomsbury
#ReadtheWorld21 📍Pakistan
In VEIL, Pakistani attorney, journalist, and activist Rafia Zakaria combines personal, religious, and world history with law and policy, human rights and social justice - all surrounding the object of the veil.
The literal veil (niqab, chador, burqa) with the veiled existence of cloistered and secluded women, as well as western/colonial attempts to exploit and "pierce the veil" - she notes infamous incidents of the National Geographic photographer who captured the young Afghan woman in 1985 (without consent) and made thousands off her image, becoming one of the most iconic photographs of the era. The woman, Sharbat Gula, was found again in 2002 - and again not paid for her likeness to be plastered all over the glossy covers.
Zakaria notes the erotic exploitation of Algerian veiled women, modeled and styled as odalisques in boudoir photos for French colonial-era postcards, and countless cases of white (women) saviorism to educate and supposedly liberate Muslim women...without ever actually listening to them.
A small but powerful work.
I have some more of her work planned for this month - essays in anthologies, etc. I am very much looking forward to more of her writing.
This book is part of the "Object Lessons" series by Bloomsbury -"A book series about the lives of ordinary things."
August 30, 2017
First off, I’m really happy to see another book about an issue that affects Muslim women, written by a Muslim woman, rather than by some randomer who thinks you don’t need experience and cultural/religious knowledge to write about issues pertaining to Muslims.
I had expected this book to be different. I haven’t read any other books in the objects series, but I guess I had thought this book would be focusing on the object of the veil and explaining the cultural and historical significance of it. It does kind of do that. But overall, the book is quite focused on the personal. Most of the chapters start off with a personal anecdote of Zakaria, before often branching off to speak about the veil in a more ‘objective’ way.
The chapters were interesting, but at times I felt like Zakaria didn’t really make the connections that I had hoped she would. For example, a lot of her anecdotes are obviously pertinent to the issues that she’s discussing, but sometimes it’s difficult to make the connections because she doesn’t make them. It seems like she’s shifting from personal anecdote to universal discursion, without anything tying the two together.
She also says a lot of interesting things about her life as a non-hijabi amongst Muslim people. How she often feels judged because of it, that she’s not Muslim enough, or her contributions are not taken seriously. But the book suggests that hijabi Muslims don’t face similar issues, or that the issue isn’t being hijabi or non-hijabi, but rather the outdated and mysogynistic views that many Muslims still hold and try to suggest is a part of the faith. Sometimes I felt like Zakaria was so focused on her personal experiences, and her own anecdotes, that she wasn’t necessarily open-minded about other Muslim experiences – particularly when it comes to the experiences of hijabis.
I did really enjoy how Zakaria tied Islamophobia with colonialism, particularly in regards to Afghanistan. As someone with a masters in postcolonial studies, I’ve researched into how Westerners often use the guise of saving brown women in order to colonise, and start narratives of the savage brown men. I think Zakaria made some really good points, and I appeciated all of the examples that she provided.
All in all, I did enjoy this book. There’s obviously a few things that I didn’t agree with, and I think the book, overall, could have used more focus. As it stands, the chapters often seem disconnected from each other. I would recommend reading this if you are interested in learning about the veil in the context of Muslim women. But maybe take it all in with a grain of salt. You could balance it out by reading Mirror on the Veil – which is a collection of essays about veiling by Muslim women. Or by supporting the Cut From the Same Cloth – a collection of essays by British hijabis which is currently looking for funding.
I had expected this book to be different. I haven’t read any other books in the objects series, but I guess I had thought this book would be focusing on the object of the veil and explaining the cultural and historical significance of it. It does kind of do that. But overall, the book is quite focused on the personal. Most of the chapters start off with a personal anecdote of Zakaria, before often branching off to speak about the veil in a more ‘objective’ way.
The chapters were interesting, but at times I felt like Zakaria didn’t really make the connections that I had hoped she would. For example, a lot of her anecdotes are obviously pertinent to the issues that she’s discussing, but sometimes it’s difficult to make the connections because she doesn’t make them. It seems like she’s shifting from personal anecdote to universal discursion, without anything tying the two together.
She also says a lot of interesting things about her life as a non-hijabi amongst Muslim people. How she often feels judged because of it, that she’s not Muslim enough, or her contributions are not taken seriously. But the book suggests that hijabi Muslims don’t face similar issues, or that the issue isn’t being hijabi or non-hijabi, but rather the outdated and mysogynistic views that many Muslims still hold and try to suggest is a part of the faith. Sometimes I felt like Zakaria was so focused on her personal experiences, and her own anecdotes, that she wasn’t necessarily open-minded about other Muslim experiences – particularly when it comes to the experiences of hijabis.
I did really enjoy how Zakaria tied Islamophobia with colonialism, particularly in regards to Afghanistan. As someone with a masters in postcolonial studies, I’ve researched into how Westerners often use the guise of saving brown women in order to colonise, and start narratives of the savage brown men. I think Zakaria made some really good points, and I appeciated all of the examples that she provided.
All in all, I did enjoy this book. There’s obviously a few things that I didn’t agree with, and I think the book, overall, could have used more focus. As it stands, the chapters often seem disconnected from each other. I would recommend reading this if you are interested in learning about the veil in the context of Muslim women. But maybe take it all in with a grain of salt. You could balance it out by reading Mirror on the Veil – which is a collection of essays about veiling by Muslim women. Or by supporting the Cut From the Same Cloth – a collection of essays by British hijabis which is currently looking for funding.
May 29, 2017
Veil is part of the Object Lessons series, and the first of these which I have read. Zakaria presents a challenge to Western prejudices about wearing the veil. Her writing is intelligent, and her stance is insightful. An important book, certainly.
January 13, 2026
Goodreads might not be the best place to admit this, but the main reason I started reading this book was because I've been struggling with my hijab lately, and I was hoping this book might give me a new sense of purpose, or at least "enlighten" me. While it did not give me that purpose, it enlightened the f out of me for sure. It made me learn the different meanings we, and the West, associate with the hijab. It made me look at it from a broader, sociocultural perspective, rather than just a religious one. And it made me realise how it is not necessary to take the hijab as a singular, constant choice which cannot be shaped according to context. It made me realise that I should not feel like a hypocrite because I choose to do it in some areas of my life and not others, because my choices are shaped by context, so it does not matter whether my intention and feelings for it change as long as they are present. As long as I respect it and hold on to it.
Read
May 27, 2017*ARC received fron Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
Dnf at 48%
Tossing for personal reasons. I felt this book was a lecture against something that many women (including myself) CHOOSE to wear. If someone feels differently about it, that's fine, but I'm not interested in reading about it.
Dnf at 48%
Tossing for personal reasons. I felt this book was a lecture against something that many women (including myself) CHOOSE to wear. If someone feels differently about it, that's fine, but I'm not interested in reading about it.
August 23, 2017
Women used as a metaphor, a simile, a parable, a fable, a euphemism, a reverie, an allegory, a theoretical framework, a point of departure, a point of no-return, a point of contrast, a point unrequited, a point of contention, a point of reference, a point within a point, a point without a point.
Enough author lady. Say what you mean, say it, don't spray it.
Chris Roberts, Mad God
Enough author lady. Say what you mean, say it, don't spray it.
Chris Roberts, Mad God
October 4, 2017
Another volume in the wonderful Object Lessons series. In this one the author, a young Muslim lawyer, explores the veil in all its manifestations and in all its varied meanings and significance throughout history. It’s a personal view but a balanced one and I found the book enlightening and thought-provoking.
June 10, 2017
With this book, I was expecting less memoir, and more hard facts; instead, this is a strong blend of both. Zakaria addresses a variety of paradigms and stereotypes, both in support of and against wearing a veil, showing how the incredibly wide varieties of interpretations and enforcements of the veil only create more confusion about its place.
I was disappointed that there was never a proper introduction to the veil--it delves into the paradigms and biases right away, without any neutral chapter defining the various types of veils and perhaps a brief history of the veil as an object proper. While it didn't make any of the arguments less convincing, it did create a bit of disconnect--what exactly is the official description of a full-face veil as you are referring to it in the book?
All the points made really made me think about the issue, and how there really isn't any definitive "good vs. bad" when it comes to the freedoms, feminism, or stereotypes regarding the veil. The one thing that still strongly resonates is how many feminist groups see the veil as something oppressive and deeply un-feminist, suggesting that veil-wearing women cannot be feminists at all; they would have to ditch the veil permanently to be considered a feminist. This seemed to be deeply unfeminist, at least in my views, as feminists can be of any race or religion, and should be able to express themselves anyway they choose to without fear of oppression because of that expression.
Although this was an ARC copy and I cannot quote directly from this just yet, I do want to end on a thought that Zakaria pointed out, that pretty much sums up the reason for this controversy--if the veil didn't have any religious link/connotations, it would likely be ignored and rarely mentioned.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to review!
(Cross posted on my blog.)
I was disappointed that there was never a proper introduction to the veil--it delves into the paradigms and biases right away, without any neutral chapter defining the various types of veils and perhaps a brief history of the veil as an object proper. While it didn't make any of the arguments less convincing, it did create a bit of disconnect--what exactly is the official description of a full-face veil as you are referring to it in the book?
All the points made really made me think about the issue, and how there really isn't any definitive "good vs. bad" when it comes to the freedoms, feminism, or stereotypes regarding the veil. The one thing that still strongly resonates is how many feminist groups see the veil as something oppressive and deeply un-feminist, suggesting that veil-wearing women cannot be feminists at all; they would have to ditch the veil permanently to be considered a feminist. This seemed to be deeply unfeminist, at least in my views, as feminists can be of any race or religion, and should be able to express themselves anyway they choose to without fear of oppression because of that expression.
Although this was an ARC copy and I cannot quote directly from this just yet, I do want to end on a thought that Zakaria pointed out, that pretty much sums up the reason for this controversy--if the veil didn't have any religious link/connotations, it would likely be ignored and rarely mentioned.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to review!
(Cross posted on my blog.)
December 8, 2017
I am a fan of this series of long form essays about various objects. Zakaria looks at the veil as an object from both Muslim and non-Muslim perspectives. Thinking about the veil both from times to when it is perceived as a sign of oppression and as when it is perceived as a sign of liberation or freedom is very interesting. It was also intriguing to consider when judgements are made about those who wear the veil -- are they submissive or subversive? I live in a community where a number of people make decisions about their attire based on their religious beliefs -- it is both a decision they make daily based on their beliefs as well as an outward representation to others that identifies them as part of a group. This comparison would make for an interesting discussion. Zakaria's essay was very well done and really made me stop and think about my own perceptions as well as the representation and discussion I see in the media. Highly recommend this thought-provoking read.
January 16, 2022
I loved this engaging philosophical exploration into the political connotations of the Muslim veil. Being a Pakistani Muslim woman who wears the headscarf, a lot of Zakaria’s observations rung true to me, especially the fear and suspicion the veil has come to inspire in the Western world. Zakaria emphasizes that in banning this physical veil, anti -Muslim proponents don’t realize that they themselves are operating within a theoretical veil, a veil that stops them from seeing the prejudice, hatred, xenophobia and racism that anti-Muslim policies promote.
With regards to the stereotype of veiled women being oppressed, Zakaria highlights the need to reconstruct the meaning of power so that it is more inclusive of people who make choices not conformative with Western versions of freedom and equality.
She also takes a deep dive into the harmful effects of colonialism:
"Colonialism thrived because it tested on its own epistemology, theories of knowledge that painted brown and black peoples of the world as inferior, requiring civilization and taking by the ever-benevolent Westerners. In that era, depicting Muslim women as suffering bore the advantage of presenting Muslim men as not simply racially and intellectually inferior, but also morally flawed, unable to respect their own…(today) Western Muslim women’s visible expressions of agency, manifested by their demands to decide for themselves how they wish to practice their faith or whether or not they wish to veil, require a new paradigm that justifies their exclusion, ostracism and even imprisonment.”
I give this book 4 stars instead of 5 because even though Zakaria writes extensively about how the veil is politically misrepresented, I feel like this book would have been more impactful by including the firsthand perspectives of veiled women themselves, what the veil means to them, and the harmful effects of their perspective being disregarded.
I’d recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn about the veil from a political philosophy point of view.
With regards to the stereotype of veiled women being oppressed, Zakaria highlights the need to reconstruct the meaning of power so that it is more inclusive of people who make choices not conformative with Western versions of freedom and equality.
She also takes a deep dive into the harmful effects of colonialism:
"Colonialism thrived because it tested on its own epistemology, theories of knowledge that painted brown and black peoples of the world as inferior, requiring civilization and taking by the ever-benevolent Westerners. In that era, depicting Muslim women as suffering bore the advantage of presenting Muslim men as not simply racially and intellectually inferior, but also morally flawed, unable to respect their own…(today) Western Muslim women’s visible expressions of agency, manifested by their demands to decide for themselves how they wish to practice their faith or whether or not they wish to veil, require a new paradigm that justifies their exclusion, ostracism and even imprisonment.”
I give this book 4 stars instead of 5 because even though Zakaria writes extensively about how the veil is politically misrepresented, I feel like this book would have been more impactful by including the firsthand perspectives of veiled women themselves, what the veil means to them, and the harmful effects of their perspective being disregarded.
I’d recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn about the veil from a political philosophy point of view.
March 20, 2018
I couldn't understand what she was saying!
March 1, 2023
Short but informative read offering a discussion on the meaning of the veil in different contexts and how it can be used to empower women. As a person with almost no background knowledge I felt like this was a very good introduction to the topic, helped by the fact that I really enjoy the author's writing style and was also interested in the personal stories she shared throughout the book.
October 15, 2024
“The veil has been marked and graded, and then attached to a constant and unforgiving moral judgement that is deemed to be a woman’s unshakable burden. What is judged by means of an object is also reduced to an object and so it is with the veil… the single object is then judged permissible or impermissible and is always the signifier of one of another truth: either the rightness of western opposition to the veil, or the correctness of the Islamist insistence on it.”
The feminist and religious examination of the veil from the authors perspective was enlightening and refreshing.
The feminist and religious examination of the veil from the authors perspective was enlightening and refreshing.
March 9, 2022
personally, i could have done without the fancy language, it would have allowed me for an easier reading comprehension. notwithstanding, i found it to be an insightful reflection on how the veil takes many facets depending on context.
April 20, 2018
really interesting use of personal narrative interwoven with broader analysis - particularly in her recounting of her experience of being veiled at her wedding. would def recommend.
July 28, 2022
At times disorganized and unfocused but still a very worthwhile read.
October 8, 2020
Veil by Rafia Zakaria is a study of one of the more controversial cross-cultural issues of the day. Zakaria is an attorney and political philosopher. She is a regular columnist for Al Jazeera America and Dawn Pakistan and has written for many publications around the world including The Hindu, The Calcutta Stateman, China Daily The Korea Herald and Le Monde. She is the first Muslim American woman to serve on the Board of Directors of Amnesty International USA for two consecutive terms.
The object lessons presented by Bloomsbury Academic are usually mundane and ordinary item we see in our daily life like bread, golf balls, hair, and phone booths. This edition contains a more controversial issue of the veil and its connection with repression. Countries have tried to ban the wearing of a veil or niqab -- the full head covering. It is a mixed subject and speaks to both repression and religious freedom. Just because some people in the West see it as a repressive symbol does not mean that the women who wear the veil see it that way.
I grew up in an ethnic Polish neighborhood and headscarves or "babushkas" were worn by many women outside of the house and especially in church. Historically, through the Renessiance, European women wore head coverings out of modesty. Even in the traditional marriage ceremony, the bride wears a veil that only the groom can remove. In religious texts, the veil is brought up:
"For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head."
“And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers...
The first quote defining the covering of a woman's hair is from 1 Corinthians. The second is from the Koran. While Paul tells women to cover their heads, the Koran simply states they must guard their modesty. What it boils down to is interpretation and in many Muslim countries where women do not have a voice, the interpretation comes down to men's interpretations. Telling a Muslim woman residing in a Western country that she cannot wear a head scarf contradicts one of the key Western aspect of freedom of religion. Banning it merely reinforces others to wear it.
Zakaria does present some Western concerns, not so much for a head scarf but for the niqab. Security and identification in travel present one issue. We are a culture that focuses on the face -- "Look at me when I am talking to you.", selfies, portraits, and Skype. We identify by face. In a lesser degree, the same was said about wearing a hoody -- you have something to hide, you are a thug, you are up to no good. Zakaria also presents some interesting court cases on the matter of the veil and how it is used and possibly abused.
Veil is different from other object studies because it is controversial and not really something we take for granted. Dust, eggs, and cigarette lighters of previous object studies do not touch on deeply held beliefs or fears. This is one that will create some controversy in what was until now a level and secular series. Like it or hate it, it will give the reader something to think about.
September 8, 2017
Publishers love creating series and Bloomsbury not only came up with the brilliant ‘Thirty Three and a Third’ one, where authors enthuse about their favourite album, but also, more recently, hit upon the even more versatile ‘Object Lessons’ series where everyday objects - anything from a remote control to a shipping container or an egg – is presented in a new light. Rafia Zakaria’s ‘Veil’ is a welcome addition to this burgeoning brand.
Zakaria considers the West’s “preoccupation with the veil”, as manifested by the burka bans in various European countries and incidents such as the Dawson case in 2012, when Judge Murphy ruled that although a full face veil may be worn in English courts, it must be removed before an individual takes the stand.
Her inquiry into what it means to wear the veil was not, however, motivated by any such high profile public case but rather inspired by the personal experience of observing the interactions between a fully veiled woman and a man in a Karachi hospital waiting room. Her reflections are also informed by her own experiences at different stages of her life of sometimes wearing a headscarf or a veil and sometimes electing to wear neither.
Although she states that no universal lessons should be drawn from her own decisions after grappling with these choices, Zakaria clearly laments the way in which the wearing of the veil is regarded by many – Muslim and non-Muslim alike – as being integral to a Muslim woman’s faith, and deeply regrets the way in which this issue has become the greatest obstacle to unity amongst Muslim feminists.
Having said all that, Zakaria’s analysis challenges the false binary whereby veiled is equated with a state of oppression and unveiled with liberation by, for example, confirming that in certain circumstances the veil can be empowering for women, as when the masculine gaze is particularly insistent and imperious.
By the time the reader has finished the book they’ll undoubtedly have a much better understanding of the issues surrounding the veil but without the satisfaction of feeling that one response to the veil fits all situations.
Zakaria considers the West’s “preoccupation with the veil”, as manifested by the burka bans in various European countries and incidents such as the Dawson case in 2012, when Judge Murphy ruled that although a full face veil may be worn in English courts, it must be removed before an individual takes the stand.
Her inquiry into what it means to wear the veil was not, however, motivated by any such high profile public case but rather inspired by the personal experience of observing the interactions between a fully veiled woman and a man in a Karachi hospital waiting room. Her reflections are also informed by her own experiences at different stages of her life of sometimes wearing a headscarf or a veil and sometimes electing to wear neither.
Although she states that no universal lessons should be drawn from her own decisions after grappling with these choices, Zakaria clearly laments the way in which the wearing of the veil is regarded by many – Muslim and non-Muslim alike – as being integral to a Muslim woman’s faith, and deeply regrets the way in which this issue has become the greatest obstacle to unity amongst Muslim feminists.
Having said all that, Zakaria’s analysis challenges the false binary whereby veiled is equated with a state of oppression and unveiled with liberation by, for example, confirming that in certain circumstances the veil can be empowering for women, as when the masculine gaze is particularly insistent and imperious.
By the time the reader has finished the book they’ll undoubtedly have a much better understanding of the issues surrounding the veil but without the satisfaction of feeling that one response to the veil fits all situations.
May 14, 2017
We're told that the issue of the Muslim full veil is down to one Saudi cult, and that it's really not necessary, not prescribed, and just an unfortunate circumstance of male choice. Well, this book knocks that on the head – it's down to sexism. Yes, the book starts in a Karachi hospital waiting room, where the women shrink and cower from the men, in their sexism laying that same charge upon those awful gazing males. The author herself proves her milieu to be sexist – the school girls she once counted herself among deeming males to be so wicked because they want to look, while females want to pretend they can't look.
As regards proving its subject is a worthy entry to the Object Lessons series, this book hits the nail right on the head. In a world with so-called World Hijab Day, of all things, and increased Islamic terrorism despite it, the veil is definitely a charged article, as an alleged visual signifier of a religion. But I felt the book was still a little awkward – it's the smaller picture. Surely the discussion about the veil being, for want of a better word, stupid is but a small part of the greater truth, that which declares Islam is stupid. Religion is stupid. Obviously our Muslim author is not going to say that, but it's the case – a cheese-seller should not complain about the odour of his stock. The hawks who wanted a post-9/11 war on Afghanistan, alleging it would remove the burka and liberate the women, were equally armed only with are-fresheners. This eratically-edited series (sometimes perfect, some unreadably bad) has a peculiar entrant here, one that's very loaded but doesn't quite completely pin the subject down.
As regards proving its subject is a worthy entry to the Object Lessons series, this book hits the nail right on the head. In a world with so-called World Hijab Day, of all things, and increased Islamic terrorism despite it, the veil is definitely a charged article, as an alleged visual signifier of a religion. But I felt the book was still a little awkward – it's the smaller picture. Surely the discussion about the veil being, for want of a better word, stupid is but a small part of the greater truth, that which declares Islam is stupid. Religion is stupid. Obviously our Muslim author is not going to say that, but it's the case – a cheese-seller should not complain about the odour of his stock. The hawks who wanted a post-9/11 war on Afghanistan, alleging it would remove the burka and liberate the women, were equally armed only with are-fresheners. This eratically-edited series (sometimes perfect, some unreadably bad) has a peculiar entrant here, one that's very loaded but doesn't quite completely pin the subject down.
July 7, 2021
This book is part memoir and part argumentative investigation related to the veil.
The bad things about the book were first its dull language, unattractive heading titles and not so engaging nature of the book. Also the memoir part was short and I found it a bit made up. Especially the part where the author visits Cairo University and professors there, who have great world's exposure, start asking Rafia that are you really a Muslim because you are not wearing a scarf or veil! The same thing happened with her in USA too, question asked by a teacher there. I am not buying it.
However, there are good things about the book. First, the perception about the veil by the West and the East is presented well. Second, I totally agree with her that veil as an object is catalysed by the context of the wearer to produce new and unexpected meanings. Third, the way book has established the arguments where hatred, prejudice and racism towards veil is expanding in the West are really good.
Forth, how the veil, a sign considered to be of morality and modesty, is being used for immoral and immodest things are known to many of us were delightful to read.
The major question raised in the book was that can the veil be an instrument of feminist empowerment? The answer is, YES.
One thing that I really was looking for in the book was a thorough discussion over veil in Islamic Perspective. Unfortunately, this book doesn't offer that. However, I personally believe that to have veil in clothing or not is totally a personal choice of the wearer. Meanwhile, the books is small and quick to read. If you are interested then you can have it from liberty books.
The bad things about the book were first its dull language, unattractive heading titles and not so engaging nature of the book. Also the memoir part was short and I found it a bit made up. Especially the part where the author visits Cairo University and professors there, who have great world's exposure, start asking Rafia that are you really a Muslim because you are not wearing a scarf or veil! The same thing happened with her in USA too, question asked by a teacher there. I am not buying it.
However, there are good things about the book. First, the perception about the veil by the West and the East is presented well. Second, I totally agree with her that veil as an object is catalysed by the context of the wearer to produce new and unexpected meanings. Third, the way book has established the arguments where hatred, prejudice and racism towards veil is expanding in the West are really good.
Forth, how the veil, a sign considered to be of morality and modesty, is being used for immoral and immodest things are known to many of us were delightful to read.
The major question raised in the book was that can the veil be an instrument of feminist empowerment? The answer is, YES.
One thing that I really was looking for in the book was a thorough discussion over veil in Islamic Perspective. Unfortunately, this book doesn't offer that. However, I personally believe that to have veil in clothing or not is totally a personal choice of the wearer. Meanwhile, the books is small and quick to read. If you are interested then you can have it from liberty books.
September 9, 2017
I have to say that I expected something else from the Object Lessons...this is not so much about the object veil but rather about the personal ideas of the author in regards to veils. And I mean this in a pure matter of fact way. I thought I'd get information an out the history, the material and the ways to wear a veil and got personal memories and beliefs instead. While I did find it very interesting to read about the author's choice not to wear a veil although being a female Moslem and having her share some experiences and perceptions she made, I still believe the book was lacking a bit of connection and logical next steps. Yes, the veil does offer a personal space, does provide a shelter and can also mean strength but the author makes it all sound like strength in a world dominated by males, shelter from males in situations in which a mere glance in the face of a man can be interpreted as showing romantic interest. Still, I enjoyed to learn more about veils from the perspective of a Moslem woman living in the Western world. I especially liked the passage about Western Christian feminists fighting for "freeing" Afgan women and therefore supporting the war in Afghanistan not bringing anything similar to freedom but only pain and a new level of imperialism.
November 11, 2017
"I wore the full-face veil for the first time on my wedding day. I was eighteen years old and I had never worn it before. In Pakistani Muslim tradition, this was the day of the ceremonial giving away of the bride, the day I was to say goodbye to my family (theatrically, and before an audience of a few hundred) and go off to be with my husband and his family. The fabric I had chosen over a year before for my wedding dress had been selected for hue and sheen—a fiery red-orange—and it was utterly opaque. I could see nothing. For navigation, I had the assistance of two younger cousins, unveiled and full of giggles. It was September in Karachi, I was pouring sweat and also blind.
Veil by Rafia Zakaria offers a great and important perspective and is evenly divided between chapters that consider the veil as an object of "Submission", "Purity, Necessity, Unity", "Rebellion", "Feminism", or subversiveness.
Zakaria shares personal and subjective experiences which makes one realise how both wearing it and not wearing it have profound psychic resonances for those who make these choices, as well as for those who regard it with animosity or curiosity.
This book offers both personal views and facts. While Zakaria has a lot of thoughts on the meaning of the veil, I wished the content would've gone a bit deeper such as focusing on the object of the veil and explaining the cultural and historical significance of it. There's so much to say about the challenges, frustrations, and offenses facing women who veil and I would've loved to learn more about Muslim women who weren't just cast as victims (which is the main focus in the book) but empowered veiled women leaders.
It is a great book and I enjoyed reading it, therefore I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in having a much better understanding of the issues surrounding the veil.
Veil by Rafia Zakaria offers a great and important perspective and is evenly divided between chapters that consider the veil as an object of "Submission", "Purity, Necessity, Unity", "Rebellion", "Feminism", or subversiveness.
Zakaria shares personal and subjective experiences which makes one realise how both wearing it and not wearing it have profound psychic resonances for those who make these choices, as well as for those who regard it with animosity or curiosity.
This book offers both personal views and facts. While Zakaria has a lot of thoughts on the meaning of the veil, I wished the content would've gone a bit deeper such as focusing on the object of the veil and explaining the cultural and historical significance of it. There's so much to say about the challenges, frustrations, and offenses facing women who veil and I would've loved to learn more about Muslim women who weren't just cast as victims (which is the main focus in the book) but empowered veiled women leaders.
It is a great book and I enjoyed reading it, therefore I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in having a much better understanding of the issues surrounding the veil.
January 3, 2021
The book takes on niqab as an object of empowerment for women who are otherwise not free. The author gives several examples of how niqab has been and still is a symbol of rebelliousness in the west and a source of bodily "autonomy" for women in east and muslim countries. There is also a discussion on how west's fear of niqab is hurting and dehumanising muslim women all over the world. There is a chapter on colonial history to un-veiling women as a way of conquest. There is author's personal experience involved as to what and what not defines a muslim woman. A non-hijabi muslim woman is questioned for validity of her faith and a niqabi woman is objectified to the point of dehumanisation and in some cases alleged "mental illness". I am just angrier now.
In conclusion: fuck nosey white people who think their ways are universal and also patriarchy and muslim men who perpetually contribute in making muslim womens lives hell.
In conclusion: fuck nosey white people who think their ways are universal and also patriarchy and muslim men who perpetually contribute in making muslim womens lives hell.
March 26, 2022
This study of the veil is beautifully written. The mixture of memoir and history, personal and cultural, is effective at connecting Zakaria's theoretical concepts with lived experience. The brevity of the book is wonderful, and it pulls off a magic trick: The pacing makes the book feel much shorter than 100 pages, but the information feels commensurate with what is provided by a 200 page study. Of course, there are shortcomings to this approach - I would have liked further explanation of the religious basis for debates around the veil - but I understand the authorial compromise. Overall, a great study. I would especially recommend this to people looking to get specific examples of broader themes. I'll be reading other books in the Object Lessons series now.
March 17, 2018
I am generally sick of discussions surrounding Muslim women's clothing - what new thing can be said? It's an issue that is discussed ad nauseum with the same trite discussion points. I rather enjoy Rafia Zakaria's columns in the NYT and elsewhere so I was curious to see the lens with which she would discuss this issue. Overall, her approach is thoughtful, multifaceted, and complex and steers clear of much of the reductive discussion that usually accompanies hijab/veils/etc. Overall, I recommend.
June 24, 2018
I am obsessed with the object lesson series because I'm a sucker for a focused, linear discussion about one thing and only one thing. While I think the Shopping Mall book is my favorite, I did think that Veil is a great book to educate the reader about what makes veils in all their forms so significant.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley so I could give an honest review of this book!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley so I could give an honest review of this book!
June 12, 2019
Definitely learned quite a bit and gained new perspective from this book. its a pretty quick and easy read, but yet feels pretty intellectually weighty. Only criticism is a handful of typos and awkward sentences at times distracted from the book's flow. Would definitely like to check out more books from this series.
February 1, 2020
This is a powerful book that succinctly captures the political and religious controversy surrounding a garment. The author shares first hand experiences with her decisions to cover throughout her life. She offers other tragic stories that have sparked global outrage and put the veil at the centre of human rights issues.
January 21, 2019
This book takes a look at the view of the veil not just from a western perspective but from within the Muslims world. From the sacred to the profane the veil means many things to many people and it's interesting how one person's idea of submission is another's idea of power. It's worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews