Abstract
The present phenomenological study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of veil-taking women. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 purposefully selected Pakistani veil-taking women. Construct validity of the tool was checked through expert opinion from 5 experts from social sciences and qualitative research fields. Respondents reported three main reasons for taking the veil: Islam and Quranic values, family norms, and fashion. All the participants looked at their veil approvingly and considered it a sign of respect, freedom, and empowerment. However, some women reported that they had faced prejudice, discrimination, and stereotypical attitude due to their veil. The study suggests that wearing a veil or not should be the right of a woman. Neither should a person be ridiculed, harassed, or discriminated for taking; nor for not taking it.
Highlights
Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in the world (Davary, 2009)
Numerous pieces of literature point out that most Muslim women would take the veil as a sign of their faith and loyalty to their religion (Arshad et al, 2012; Rumaney & Sriram, 2021)
The study found that veil is viewed differently in Pakistani society. This is related to the findings of Wagner et al (2012) that veil was a diverse sociopolitical scenario that indicated the complex relationship between the self-perception of women regarding their veil and stereotyping from society
Summary
Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in the world (Davary, 2009). The veil is one of its most prominent yet debatable symbols. Many take veil as a sign of oppression, which is a sign of male domination and gender disparity (Hamel, 2002; Badr, 2004; Hasan, 2018); others think that it gives respect, power, and dignity to women (Hoodfar, 2003; Rumaney & Sriram, 2021). Earlier studies (Arthur, 1999; Nasser, 1999) pointed out that most women take the veil because they take it as a sign of respect and dignity. Roald (2001) pointed out that many Muslims believed women should veil due to cultural and societal reasons They think that females are more sensitive and should cover their bodies to protect themselves from dirty eyes.
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