فصلنامه مطالعات راهبردی زنان
پیاپی 36 (تابستان 1386)

A controversial issue concerning hijab is the way governments approach it. In general, from the perspective of political philosophy, governments can force people to do or not to do an act. The range of a government’s enforcements is equal to its range of rights. From an Islamic perspective, too, an Islamic governor can force people to do or not to do an act (whether they agree or not) since the governor has sovereignty over people. In addition, because the common good of individual acts has priority over the personal good and because securing the happiness of the people in the other world the fundamental end of an Islamic government Islamic governors can force people to perform their worshiping duties. Since observing hijab is obligatory for any Muslim men and women, an Islamic governor has the right to enforce it. In fact, whatever explains the philosophy of hijab is counted as the justification of government’s right to impose hijab.

According to the holy Quran, man’s inclination towards hijab and covering is due to internal and natural characteristics bestowed up him/her since the creation of Adam and Eve. In the holy Quran, Allah tells the Prophet (pbuh) to order men and women believers not to look at strangers [nāmahram] and cover their genitals so that they can guard cleanliness and internal virtues and attain perfection. Allah also tells the Prophet to order women not to show their body and ornaments to strangers, to cover themselves with their scarves and chadors, and through distancing themselves from stranger men and simulating behaviors to safeguard society and immune themselves from harassments. The traditions narrated by the infallible Imams in relation with the interpretations of Quranic verses related to hijab emphasize on the same point.

Considered as an internal force regulating sensual drives and instincts, chastity [æfāf] is among the moral virtues much emphasized in Islam. The high attention to chastity in the Quranic verses and traditions is indicative of its significance in Islam because without chastity man cannot walk in the path of moderation and attain real happiness. One should not consider chastity as an equivalent for hijab. In fact, chastity has various dimensions one of which is hijab and in this case their relationship is a whole-to-part relationship. In addition, chastity is a common quality among all human beings and is not limited to time and space; it is common among men and women. Chastity sheds light on various dimensions of man’s life. Man is invited to have chastity in his/her acts, speeches, and thoughts. As a result, a major part of Islamic precepts are devoted to chastity.

Hijab is a concept that needs a precise explanation because of its widespread usage. In mysticism terminology, it refers to a veil between the creator and the creatures and the wayfarer must try hard to remove it in order to attain the position of unity with Allah. In jurisprudence, hijab refers to covers women should wear to hide all parts of their bodies with the exception of their faces and hands. It is also used in the Quranic verses and traditions where its verbal meaning (i.e. separation and impediment) is intended. As a result, using this word for the covers of women is rather new. Hijab as used in jurisprudence can be considered as a synonym for “cover” because any type of cover is hijab. In addition, chastity [æfāf] as a moral virtue is different from hijab which is a religious precept. Tabarroj which means showing ornaments by women to sexually stimulate men is against chastity and is considered as a mischievous act prohibited in Islam.

Women’s hijab is a precept common among all Abrahamian religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) each of which has emphasized on its significance with the only difference being on the limits of hijab and the philosophy behind it. In Judaism there is an emphasis on the overall covering of the body and the head although in the case of single girls the hair can be visible if it is not decorated. In other words, in Judaism, observing hijab is dependant upon marriage whereas in Christianity bachelorhood is considered sacred and, as a result, Christians try hard to strictly observe hijab and avoid the application of cosmetics in order for the removal of the grounds of deviation in the society. In fact, monasticism and avoiding worldly pleasures are among the principles of Christianity to which the philosophy behind covering goes back to. In Islam, too, observing hijab is specifically related to the preservation of the sanctity of woman and society. In this religion hijab is limited to the covering of all the body with the exception of the face and hand.

Women’s hijab in our national and Islamic culture enjoys a high status and its necessity is accepted not only in all Islamic faiths but in all divine religions. This precept is eternal because it is explicitly stated in the holly Quran. Thus, it is the Islamic government’s duty to promulgate it and prepare the grounds for its realization in the society. However, that the Islamic government resort to retribution and punishment to enforce hijab is neither admitted in Islam nor is there any instance for it in the history of the conducts of the Prophet and the infallible Imams. The wise people’s conducts does not admit it either. As a result, it is necessary that the government, in order for the realization of religious values like hijab, use positive strategies, try to promote the knowledge level of people, and give priority to culture-making and indirect education.