The Veil: A Silhouette of Autonomy and Empowerment

Abstract

This study inspects controversies in the Western World about the veil worn by Muslim women in public. It merges two separate domains, Islamic Feminism and Western Feminism. These two domains need to be addressed to generate new opinions. Western Feminism believes that veil is a sign of oppression and masculinity. However, Islamic Feminists find the veil empowering and a sign of dignity. This study aims to unravel the underlying contradictions and blind spots that characterize the arguments in favor and against the veil. This juxtaposition can provide insight into new theoretical and empirical points of departure. All oppressions result from the political dynamics of the state in which the individual is living. It is utterly reductionist to criticize the choice to veil, which is an instrument of autonomy. This paper emphasizes that Islam does not oblige women to be victimized and dissatisfied. However, Islam strives to promote the autonomy of Muslim women. It is safe to say that Islam describes women as beauty with a brain.