The hijab has become one of the most visible and debated symbols of Muslim women’s identity. In feminist circles, it is often framed either as a tool of oppression or as an act of rebellion. Both views miss the deeper reality: in Islam, hijab is not about politics or culture—it is an act of worship.
1. Misconception: Hijab Is a Symbol of Male Control
ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰ أَن يُعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَ
"That is more suitable that they will be recognized and not be abused."
[Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:59]
The Qur’an frames hijab as a means of dignity and protection, not male control. In feminist debates, it is often reduced to a patriarchal demand, overlooking its divine origin. Muslim women wear it out of devotion to Allah, not submission to men.
2. Misconception: Hijab Denies Women’s Visibility and Voice
Aisha (RA), one of the greatest scholars in Islamic history, wore hijab while teaching men and women alike. Hijab never prevented her from being a voice of authority in religious matters. Feminist critiques often conflate modesty with silence, when in Islam, modesty elevates voice over appearance.
3. Misconception: Hijab Is Only About Clothing
قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا فُرُوجَهُمْ... وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ
"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their modesty… and tell the believing women to lower their gaze."
[Surah An-Nur, 24:30-31]
Hijab is not only a piece of cloth but part of a larger ethic of modesty for both men and women. Feminist debates often reduce it to fabric, missing its spiritual and moral context.
4. Misconception: Hijab Contradicts Women’s Empowerment
إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ
"Indeed, the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you."
[Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:13]
Feminist discourse often defines empowerment through visibility, body autonomy, and breaking tradition. Islam redefines empowerment through taqwa (God-consciousness). Hijab shifts the focus from appearance to character, making empowerment about inner strength.
5. Misconception: Hijab Is Always Forced, Never Chosen
While forced hijab exists in some societies, it is a cultural misuse, not a Qur’anic principle. Many Muslim women wear hijab by choice, yet feminist debates often erase their voices by framing all hijab as forced.
Conclusion
Hijab is misunderstood in feminist debates because it is viewed only through political, cultural, or patriarchal lenses. In Islam, hijab is first and foremost an act of worship, rooted in dignity, modesty, and devotion. When stripped of this context, it becomes misrepresented. For Muslim women, hijab is not a contradiction to empowerment—it is a redefinition of it, one that centers faith, integrity, and spiritual freedom.
