Why Do Muslim Women Wear The Veil?

Literature focuses predominantly of women wearing the veil, however many Muslim men still wear the veil especially in North Africa (Killian 2003). Although there is no evidence within the Quran that all Muslim men and women should wear the veil, there is an underlying suggestion that Aisha, the prophet’s wife was veiled when delivering a speech along with the Prophet himself who was also veiled (El Guindi, 1999). The veil was worn by both men and women to show a symbol of power, authority and rank which has been adopted within many Muslims today. Killian (2003) suggests that within many European countries such as France, men dress in more of a westernised manner to show that they are not the predominant symbol that determines they are Muslim. There is the concept that the veil is the key signifier of Muslim identity, especially amongst

This goes against what the veil’s main purpose is for many Muslims. Muslims are using the veil as means of protecting themselves against racial exclusion such as France. Similarly, Shora (2009) has suggested that the veil can be used as form of political protest and a search for a non-westernized identity. This goes against the purpose of the veil, which as stated in the above section is used to show modesty and respect. These forms of resistance raise contradictions, while wearing the veil may give an individual a sense of power and security against other men from sexual harassment and abuse (ibid). There is the underlying suggestion that the veil may perceive Muslim women as dangerous and active from a westernised perspective which is portrayed in contemporary media. Attacks such as the bombings of the twin towers in 2001 and other suicide bombings in Morrocco and the Middle East represent memories from Islamic extremists which is then associated with Islam as a