To Hijab or Not to Hijab: French Senate

Votes on banning the hijab for Muslim

women under the age of 18
April 13th, 2021

Context about the headskarf

What is the hijab? Who is recommended to wear the hijab? Is it obligatory

or non-obligatory by Muslim women in Islam to wear the hijab? Are women
oppressed behind the hijab? Are you bald, hot, or can you hear behind the hijab?
These are a few of many controversial questions that arise from wearing the
hijab. In the 21st century we are seeing numerous changes being made to the
hijab by fashion influencers, society, and culture who defy the true meaning and
purpose of the hijab. With this said, the key element is to dress modestly as a
whole but also to show good behaviour, manners, speech, and public appearance
(Beliefnet, 2021).

Some women decide to wear the veil or the hijab as a turban over their
heads and show neck and some parts of their body and others would cover fully
their body and only show face, hands and feet with loose and non-see-through
garments (BBC Religions, 2009). Also, we see other groups of Muslim women who
would cover fully their bodies and only show their eyes behind the veil (niqab).
These are just to list a few methods of hijabs being worn a certain way based on
Islamic house of thoughts and principles. We also do see Muslim women who
decide not to wear the hijab at all but do still practice the Islamic faith and
religion.
Image 1

Image 2

Image 3
 There is a fascination to see how the hijab has evolved throughout time.
But what is the true meaning behind the hijab and who wears the hijab? The hijab
is a head covering element for many Muslim women. According to Beliefnet
(2021) the word "hijab" comes from the Arabic "hajaba," which means to conceal
or hide from view. In general terms, it refers to Islamic modest dressing for
women. But it has come to signify the headscarf, which is the covering many
Muslim women use to hide their hair, neck, and often bosom. Muslim women are
required to observe the hijab in front of any man they could theoretically marry.
This means the hijab is not obligatory in front of the father, brothers,
grandfathers, uncles, or young children (BBC Religions, 2009).

French Senate and the new ban on the hijab for youth in France

Without further ado, the reason for writing this article was a must
especially with what is currently seen within certain Europe countries stance
towards the hijab. Rasha (full name) from ArabPodGirl connected with Hiba
Hamed (wears the hijab) via social media to create a podcast for the community.
The podcast was a great hit entitled “To Hijab or Not to Hijab”. During the same
time of discussing and publishing the podcast. Hiba and Rasha noticed
coincidently the French senate in France releasing the “separatism bill” on March
30th, 2021.

According to Vogue Arabia culture article (2021):

The French senate voted in favor of the “prohibition in the public
space of any conspicuous religious sign by minors and of any dress or
clothing which would signify an interiorization of women over men.” In
addition, hijabi mothers would be prohibited from accompanying school
field trips and burkinis would be banned at public swimming pools.
These laws, which are part of the proposed “Separatism Bill” are not yet
in effect – they will first need to be confirmed by the National Assembly.
More education, research, and study need to be looked at why the French
senate decided to bring forth this notion. Is it due to past terrorism attacks
non-related to Islam? Is it due to the fear of Islam (Islamophobia)? Is it a
patriarchy and misogynist attack on feminism and visible minority veiled
women? Is it due to conserving the French culture and traditions? Or is it due
to influx of immigration to France during the pandemic? These questions
need to be addressed to understand the underlying cause and root of such
bill to come in motion.

Image 4

Rasha quotes from being a Muslim non-hijabi….

 Hiba quotes from a Muslim hijabi perspective on the new “separatism
bill” which is not yet in effect in France:

Women should be entitled to decide whether to wear the hijab or not to

wear the hijab if she is represented modestly with a good character in public and
based on the Holy Quranic verses on what is mandated by a woman to wear and
behave. In addition, a women’s body is not entitled for a man to tell her how to
dress or how to behave as men themselves are also required to dress modestly
(BBC Religions, 2009) nor is it the oppressive governments job to do so. Education
is an essential component needed to learn about the hijab. Education will help
reduce the stigma and ignorance from different religions, parties, and the
oppressive system towards the veiled visible minority Muslim women.

Written by:
Hiba M. Hamed

Resources:
https://en.vogue.me/culture/french-senate-votes-hijab-ban/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/beliefs/hijab_1.shtml
https://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/islam/galleries/why-the-hijab.aspx
https://www.euronews.com/2021/04/12/handsoffmyhijab-online-criticism-grows-over-
proposed-french-law-banning-hijab-for-children
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2021/04/07/veil-a07.html

Images resource list:

Image 1 from: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/lovejoyfeminism/2016/10/dont-limit-
immigrant-women-give-them-options.html

Image 2 from: https://www.hijabstylefashion.com/2017/12/chic-turban-styles-for-hijabista-

woman.html

Image 3 from: https://www.themonastery.org/blog/should-women-wear-hijabs-when-visiting-

muslim-countries

Image 4 from: https://en.vogue.me/culture/french-senate-votes-hijab-ban/