How Muslim Women Dress and Impact This Society

After giving some thought to this report, I decided to write about the reasons behind the ultra-conservative ways some Muslim women dress, from a small headscarf to a full-length jilbab. I have always been curious as to the reasons why they dress this way and if these reasons are the choice of the women themselves. According to the Islam Boutique website, there are seven conditions of the Muslim dress code for women, all revolving around protecting women "from the lustful gaze of men." These conditions reinforce the idea that no part of a woman's body should be seen and that her clothing should not attract unnecessary attention. After further research, I found that there are other reasons Muslim women adhere to these guidelines including religion, modesty and comfort. For all of the reasons I have found, the one common thread seems to be the belief that the familiar honor resides in the conduct of its women.

"Honor depends on a woman remaining chaste; should she be violated in any way, the men of the family risk being seen as weak and perhaps even being ostracized. Thus, in order to be respected by men, and protected from them, in public a woman should not flout her looks" (womeninworldhistory.com)

The controversy surrounding how women dress has been going on since long before the Middle Ages. Through my research, I have found that what constitutes modest clothing has changed over time and has reflected the practices of a certain region and the social positions of certain people. I have also found that, unfortunately, how a woman dresses in some regions has more to do with her lack of rights than protections or respect. Women activities in the Muslim world are less denied women such as education and civil rights.

Sadly, there have also been incidences in the Western world where Muslim women have been harassed for how they dress in our society, which make us just as bad as the people who force their ideas on their own societies. Women should be allowed to dress as they wish wherever they call home, but more importantly, women should not be defined by what they wear but who they are. They do have freedom of speech through their clothes and personalities. They are bounded to some religion rules that make them be submissive to their higher power. Women do have rights and virtues to dress and feel wanted and worthy, but this dilemma does not work on the Islamic religion.

Works Cited

"Historical Perspectives on Islamic Dress." Women in World History Curriculum. Web.

24 Aug. 2009.

Muslim Dress Code. Web. 24 Aug. 2009. www.islamicboutique.com>.