Muslim Women Turn More to the Veil

By Heba Kandil
SOURCE: Middle East Times, 1/10/03
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After years of wearing tight trousers and bikinis, partying and drinking alcohol, 29-year-old Maha now wears an Islamic veil and says she has never been happier. Encouraged by an Islamic revival and a rise in religious programs on Arab satellite channels, Maha and a growing number of young women among Egypt's wealthier classes have augmented their Western wardrobes with variations on the veil, or hijab, such as colorful headscarves and long flowing shirts.

Conservative robes, scarves and veils have been a part of the culture in Egypt's rural and poorer areas for centuries. But the veil is now on the rise among the country's urban and traditionally more liberal classes, who, a few decades ago, wore daring mini-skirts and strapless tops.

"Ever since I veiled and learned more about Islam I've become less angry and have had more patience and inner peace," said Maha, an office administrator who asked that her real name not be used.

Egypt, unlike ultra-conservative Muslim states Saudi Arabia and Iran, does not require women to wear a veil. Those who choose to cover up – wearing a wide range of styles from elegant scarves to full-length gowns - live and work side by side with unveiled women and their male colleagues.

Why more and more young women are choosing to wear the veil is the subject of much debate. Some seem to bow to peer pressure in a society where overt signs of modesty are considered a virtue – even if coupled with heavy make-up and jewelry. Others say they want to avoid harassment.

"For some poor people who live in nasty neighborhoods, the veil protects women because it sends a message that they're conservative and not easy prey," sociologist Hania Sholkamy said.

Others are inspired by a more austere message from conservative Islamic preachers who spread their beliefs via satellite TV.

Analysts say such a message may be finding an increasingly receptive audience since the September 11 attacks on the United States. Many Arab Muslims, angered by the perceived prejudice of the West towards Islam, are spurning Western standards of dress and culture.

"In Islam, there's this direct link between religion and politics," said Hayat Alvi, professor of Middle East politics at the American University in Cairo, adding that the veil could be as much a political as a religious statement.

The affect of the veil on women's rights is a central issue of debate. Liberals say veiling is a step backwards for women's emancipation in Egypt and dates to a pre-Islamic culture that helps perpetuate male dominance.

Supporters of the veil say such views reflect prejudice against what is a personal religious choice that does not prevent women from playing a full role in society.

Traditionally, Islamic scholars interpret a verse from the Koran telling women to draw veils over their bosoms as an injunction to cover the hair, neck and ears. They also point to a reference in the hadith, or traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, stating that women should start wearing the veil once they reach puberty.

But many who have decided to wear the veil say it is not always an easy choice, even in predominantly Muslim Egypt.

When Nerin Salem, a former co-pilot at a charter airline, showed up for work wearing a tight headscarf and her flying uniform, she was sacked.

"The veil doesn't obstruct me from doing anything. It's not up to anyone to either prevent women from wearing the veil or enforcing that women wear the veil," Salem said.

She is fighting her former employer's decision in court. The company justified its move saying she was not wearing the correct uniform because the veil was not part of the official dress of blue trousers, white shirt and pilot's cap.

On the flipside, unveiled women say they fear they may be stigmatized for not covering their hair, arms and legs if they become a minority as more of their neighbors, friends, and classmates adopt the Islamic cloak.

Heba Ali, a Muslim 28-year-old health consultant who is not veiled, said most women in Egypt's largely traditional society were vulnerable to the sometimes overwhelming pressure to wear the veil.

"I think I have the internal strength to fight what we call the cultural norms and veiling is definitely part of it. But most Egyptian women are susceptible to the pressure of hijab," Ali said.

Reuters

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