A Critical Analysis of Orientalists' Viewpoints on Islamic Hijab in the Last Century

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Comparative Interpretation, Bent al-Hoda Higher Education Complex, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran.

2 Department of Islamic Theology, Bent al-Hoda Higher Education Complex, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran.

Abstract

Objective: Islamic clothing, especially Hijab, has been one of the most challenging issues in the history of Orientalism studies. The present study aimed to review the viewpoints of orientalists on Islamic Hijab in the last century.
Method: This research was conducted using Spragens' critical-analytical method.
Findings: The results showed that:
·                 The criticisms of orientalists are based on biased and ideological foundations rather than scientific and objective analyses.
·                 Orientalists consider Hijab a sign of backwardness of Muslim women, while it is a symbol of the religious and cultural identity of Islamic societies.
·                 Media are effective tools to counter negative propaganda, as they can strengthen the culture of Islamic Hijab by changing misconceptions and dispelling doubts.
Conclusion: The study proposed strategies such as indirect valuation by governments, norming, symbolizing, and justifying public opinion toward lifestyle changes to raise awareness and counter orientalists' negative views. It also emphasized the importance of using mass media to promote and institutionalize Hijab culture in the contemporary world.

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