As the title suggests, the purpose of this book is to present a comprehensive range of arguments surrounding the recurring issue of the hijab (including full body cloak) worldwide. It also sheds light on the legal aspects of the argument which took place in Karnataka in early to mid 2022.
The book opens by shedding light on the diminishing prevalence of the hijab in various Islamic countries and the lighthearted manner in which Bollywood used to treat veiling in their well known songs. However, it highlights the significant impact of the Islamic revolution of Iran in 1979, which led to a resurgence of orthodoxy and a shift in attitudes towards the veiling.
They also mention a similar incident in France in 1989, which marked the beginning of demands for veiling in educational and public institutions. The book highlights the ongoing struggle of the French government to address these issues. And how, for these reasons, France has been a target of terrorism in the last few decades.
The book covers several important points. To list a few:
-the scriptural context of hijab,
-its status as a religious practice and personal choice,
-the comparison of veiling to other religious symbols like the crucifix, bindi, mangalsutra, and Sikh turban.
- the Quranic definition of hijab and purdah (veiling).
- the question of whether everything in scripture should be taken seriously (especially those related to the treatment of non-believers).
- Possible repercussions on women who don't wear it.
- Effects on veiling on their physical and mental health.
- It also delves into the historical origins of veiling and its implications in modern societies, particularly in inclusive countries like India.
- Touches upon the origin of ghoonghat tradition in the Hindu society.
- Poses the question of what would happen if other religions too started using scripture to justify their essential religious practices at educational, and professional organizations.
Moreover, the book highlights the far-reaching ripple effects of these debates, which are not confined to a single country or region but have an impact on a global scale.
In summary, the book argues that the notion of hijab or veiling as a compulsory religious practice lacks solid proof. Highlighting how hijab/veiling has often been used as a tool for the subjugation of women, with dire consequences for those who choose not to adhere to it, as seen in the cases of Mahsa Amini in Iran and countless women in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. It also observes a shifting perspective in the birthplace of Islam, as even the land of Mecca is moving towards dissociating hijab from being an essential religious practice.
This book is to the point, on such a complex and contentious matter. Great research and references. A scholarly work indeed. Highly recommended.