Note: This blog aims to illuminate truths often avoided due to religious, political, or social sensitivities. Intention of this blog post isn’t to cause harm but rather to encourage honest reflection, even when it’s uncomfortable. If discussing criticism of the burqa might upset you, it’s best to refrain from reading further. However, if you’re open to exploring different perspectives, continue with an open mind.
The world is a living embroidery of different cultures, each with its own rich tradition of dress. From the graceful kimonos of Japan to the colorful saris of India, traditional clothing reflects history, culture, and values. These garments are not simply fabric, they are narratives that preserve the past and evolve with time.
This blog explores the history and evolution of the burqa, a traditional garment that has transformed from simple clothing to a form of protection and now into a symbol of controversy and patriarchy.
The Veil of Mystery: Decoding the Burqa
The term “burqa” derives from the Arabic word “burqu'” meaning “veil” or “cover” It refers to a full-body covering that also includes a face veil. The history of the burqa is complicated and it went through different phases: protection, religion, societal pressure, and the human need for a unique identity.
The image’s creator tried to add a touch of cuteness to the image of Islamic dresses above, which is ironic.
Origins of the Burka
The history of the burqa is a journey through time, originating in the need for protection in an often lawless world. To truly understand its origins, we must look at two distinct phases of history: one in which it served as a shield against a turbulent environment, and another in which it became interwoven with religious and cultural narratives.
Shield from the Challenges of the Desert Environment
Arabian men opt for loose, breathable white clothing and the keffiyeh, which are apt for enduring harsh desert conditions and practical and aesthetically pleasing, especially amidst the desert landscape’s heat and sand. Conversely, Arabic women often don black attire, occasionally accompanied by a hijab covering their hair or sometimes with a niqab or proper burka.
While Burka and similar dresses were probably initially created to protect women’s hair, skin, and eyes from harsh desert weather, they have become totally different over time.
We all know that the black color absorbs heat, which proves impractical, especially during the scorching summers of the desert. The rationale behind this choice is intriguing—it aims to conceal women’s body shapes and minimize undue attention, all rooted in cultural and religious considerations, which we discuss next.
But we can’t ignore that this type of dress does offer some protection for Arabian women’s skin and hair from the harsh desert sun and sand. However, in today’s world, where almost all homes in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries in the middle east have air conditioning, artificial rain is used, and cars and public transport are air-conditioned, this dress is impractical and not the best choice for women.
Protection in a Lawless World
Centuries ago, the Central Asian and Middle Eastern regions were home to nomadic tribes living without the structure of organized religion or central authority. The absence of governance led to frequent inter-tribal conflicts, characterized by violence, theft, and kidnapping, as these conflicts revolved around four primary elements: wealth, land, power, and women.
In a world without ruling monarchs or established religious doctrines to provide ethical guidelines, violence was rampant, and women regrettably bore the brunt of this brutality. During this time, women were tragically treated as commodities, and their lives were heartbreakingly sold in slave markets.
In this bleak reality, the men of the time considered these women as personal possessions and subjected them as sex slaves to a life of unspeakable suffering. When these men grew tired of their enslaved companions, their fate was often to return to the market where they could be resold, or they were passed on to other male family members or friends who in turn subjected them to a life of sex slavery.
You may be curious as to how these women ended up in these slave markets. As mentioned earlier, nomadic tribes often engaged in conflict among themselves. After a victorious battle or ambush, they often claimed the women of the defeated tribe as spoils of war.
The danger to which the women were exposed, however, was not limited to external threats from rival tribes. Within their tribes, almost all men viewed women, apart from their mothers, wives, and daughters, through the lens of lust. The people of that era recognized the inherent bestial nature of men and implemented measures to protect their female relatives from the lustful desires of men, both within and outside their tribe.
To protect their mothers, wives, daughters, and daughters-in-law from these threats, a unique style of dress emerged: the Burka. This pre-Islamic burka wasn’t much different from the burka we see today. Its distinctive feature was a full-face covering that concealed women’s identities, allowing them to move freely without attracting unwanted attention from potential attackers or lustful men.
In addition to the Burka, male family members often accompanied women when they ventured outside their homes and into nearby markets or bazaars, providing an additional layer of protection. This attire served as a shield against those who sought to harm the vulnerable, born out of necessity in a world where law and order were often absent.
The Influence of Islam on Burka
The trajectory of the Burka underwent a profound transformation with the rise of Islam in the region. Key figures in the early days of Islam, including the Prophet Muhammad, were involved in significant conflicts with rival tribes. One such event, the siege of the Banu Qurayza, a Jewish tribe residing in Medina, left a lasting impact.
According to historical accounts, Muhammad’s followers believed that the Banu Qurayza had betrayed them, leading to a twenty-five-day siege of their fortified village. When the tribe ultimately surrendered, a tragic outcome unfolded: between 600 and 900 adult males from the Banu Qurayza were killed, with only a handful spared after converting to Islam. Notably, an examination of pubic hair was used to determine the fate of young boys, sparing those who had not yet reached this stage but subjecting them to enslavement. All women from the Banu Qurayza tribe were taken as captives, destined for a life of sexual slavery.
In the 6th century, during the nascent days of Islam, newly converted Muslims and followers of the Prophet Muhammad were engaged in a widespread wave of conflict and violence, spanning across Mecca, Medina, and various regions in Saudi Arabia.
These campaigns included theft, violence, sexual assault, the capture of women and boys, coercion for conversion to Islam, and the seizure of territories, even sacred structures, from other tribes.
The darkest aspect of these conquests involved the practice of taking women from Jewish, Christian, and other Pagan religions as captives, frequently subjecting them to sexual slavery after a victorious conquest if they declined to convert to Islam as mentioned earlier.
While some may argue that this perspective is incorrect if they delve deep and reflect on real Islamic history, they will realize that this perspective is not incorrect; it is simply one they may not have seen or have been told not to see.
As Prophet Muhammad aged, he grew insecure about his wives, according to the Quran. In response to an incident involving one of his wives that raised concerns, Muhammad addressed the issue by introducing a verse to his emerging religious community.
Quran 33:59 states:
O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the believing women to draw a part of their outer coverings around them (when they go out). That is more likely for them to be known and not be molested. And ever is Allah Forgiving, Merciful.
This verse legitimizes the Burka-style clothing, and this is how the Burka and similar attire are sanctioned through references in Islamic texts. Over time, this practice became deeply ingrained in Islamic culture, with many followers adopting the Burka and similar clothing as an expression of their faith and a symbol of modesty.
In the Muslim community, ‘Sunna’ or ‘Sunnah’ is a significant aspect. For those who do not know, it means following or imitating what Muhammad did, said, and thought, as depicted in the Quran and Hadiths. This practice serves as a guide for Muslims who strive to live in accordance with the teachings and example of their Prophet. Almost every practicing Muslim follows the Sunnah, and they also adhere to Islamic clothing, as mentioned in the Quranic verse above.
The Complex Present: A Symbol of Controversy
In today’s world, the Burka and similar types of garments remain prominent in numerous Muslim-majority nations, including Afghanistan, Turkey, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and more. Additionally, it is prevalent in regions with significant Muslim populations, such as India, the UK, France, Germany, and Sri Lanka, among others. However, the original purpose of this attire, rooted in the need for protection, has evolved into a symbol of oppression.
The world we live in today is not the same as the 6th century Middle East, where numerous tribes fought each other for wealth and women. Therefore, in my humble opinion, women do not need extreme attire to cover their faces or hair to feel secure. This doesn’t only apply to the burka but also includes clothing like the Saree because some people wear it with a ghunghat which serves a similar purpose as the burka, and it also came into being because of Islamic invasions of India. We will discuss Ghunghat in detail in our next blog.
Some religious and extreme Muslims say that the burka is a must for any practicing Muslim woman, while others believe that it is not as important. Non-Muslim individuals often oppose the burka due to its perceived extremism and patriarchal symbolism, viewing it as irrelevant in today’s world and as a means of oppressing Muslim women. Some Non-Muslim may choose not to voice their opinions to avoid sounding rude, while others may feel it’s not their place to comment.
Many women, including Muslim women, see it as a tool of subjugation, characterized by enforced dress codes influenced by patriarchal, societal, and religious pressures.
The Burka’s journey from a practical means of protection to a symbol entwined with complex issues of cultural identity and personal choice raises questions about the relevance and implications of traditions in the contemporary world. This transformation reflects the dynamic nature of human traditions and highlights the ongoing evolution of cultural symbols.
Women’s Rights and Identity Beyond the Burka
In today’s world, the burka evokes discussions about women’s rights, cultural identity, and personal choice. In most cases, women wouldn’t willingly choose to wear garments like the Burka, Hijab, Niqab, or Chador unless they were taught from childhood that it’s a crucial aspect of their religion and that it’s what Allah expects of them.
In a perplexing development, some educated Muslim men and women are actively advocating for the Hijab and Burqa, even as they paradoxically align themselves with pseudo-feminists in countries like Canada, India, the USA, and the UK. The promotion and normalization of these garments have grown increasingly conspicuous in recent times, permeating various facets of popular culture, from movies and TV shows to advertising and websites.
Meanwhile, in regions like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria, genuine feminists persist in raising their voices against restrictive clothing styles. Yet, regrettably, some Western feminists often ignore their fervent appeals.
This concerning trend seems to originate from the circumstance that, in Western countries where women’s rights have made significant strides, some individuals and self-proclaimed feminists have shifted their focus.
With fewer pressing women’s rights issues in their own nations, they extend support to radical ideologies, convinced they are advancing the cause of women’s rights. This includes normalizing the hijab or burqa, as well as advocating for the inclusion of individuals who identify as women but preserve male biology in women’s spaces—actions that appear to contradict women’s rights.
They do so with the belief that they are acting in accordance with their values, even if it raises questions about the direction of their advocacy for gender equality or women’s empowerment.
Revival of Controversial Attire: Influential Factors Leading to its Resurgence
Traditions are like treasured stories from our ancestors, handed down through the generations. But as time moves forward, the original meanings behind these traditions can lose their relevance. It’s important to consider whether these customs are causing any kind of harm, whether it’s to our mental, emotional, or physical well-being. Sometimes, harmful traditions naturally fade away, while in other cases, there are people who work to revive and keep them alive.
In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the use of garments like the Burka, Niqab, Chador, and Hijab. This shift is often associated with the influence of oil wealth and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism and political Islam. Notably, the adoption of these traditional dresses had been on the decline previously.
The influx of oil wealth into specific Islamic countries played a pivotal role in this shift. While global powers like Russia and the USA were involved in conflicts and competition, certain Islamic nations, such as Iran, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Syria, Egypt, Somalia, Tunisia and Afghanistan, experienced significant turmoil and instability. This led to a regression in their societal progress and values over time. During this period, radical Islam gained prominence, and extremist ideologies like Wahhabism proliferated, giving rise to groups like Al Qaeda, Taliban and ISIS.
Countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar witnessed rapid development driven by their oil wealth. However, this prosperity was often accompanied by the ascent of political and radical Islam. Although these countries generated many job opportunities, a significant portion of these roles were considered menial, leading to a reluctance among Arab citizens to pursue them. Consequently, people from countries like India, Pakistan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka, including non-Muslims, were attracted to these opportunities.
When the migrant workers arrived in Middle Eastern countries, they encountered a noticeable cultural difference, despite sharing similar cultural and religious backgrounds. In the Middle East, these laborers adopted the customs and practices of wealthier employers.
Upon returning to their home countries, these individuals brought back money and the influence of radical Islam and Arabic culture with them. This led to a resurgence in the practice of wearing the hijab and burka within their own families and communities. Over time, the use of these garments became more widespread and even found its way into popular culture through movies and TV shows. This normalization of these clothing styles contributed to their integration into the identity of many individuals in these regions.
The Ever-Evolving Nature of Tradition
The evolution of the Burka, transitioning from a practical safeguard in a chaotic world to a symbol of modesty and religious devotion, and eventually to a controversial attire associated with oppression, underscores how traditions change over time. It reminds us of the importance of continually assessing the relevance and impact of our customs in today’s world.
The story of the Burka is intricate, shaped by history, culture, and individual rights. As we delve into its origins and its journey to becoming a source of controversy, it serves as a reminder of how traditions adapt in response to evolving societal dynamics. Like many traditions, the Burka raises important questions about cultural identity, personal choice, and the role of traditions in our lives.
Critics may label this blog as hateful, racist, or Islamophobic, but I stand by the assertion that the contents of this blog reveal a deeper reality than the narratives woven by past generations about religion, attire, and other misconceptions that have contributed to a fabricated sense of identity.
Women can embrace both traditional and modern attire, displaying elegance, modesty, and class without the need to conceal their faces or hair as a demonstration of their devotion or love for a higher power. This does not include Muslim women in the aforementioned attires because there are many women who do that for example nuns, or Hindu women who wear ghunghat.
In this male-dominated world, there are indeed certain dangers and issues that women face. However, hiding their hair or faces is not the solution. Instead, they need to be empowered and educated about traditional attire—when and how to wear it, and when not to wear it. Modesty and class are not solely determined by what a woman wears, but rather by how she wears it, when she wears it, and the level of respect she upholds in her attire.
It doesn’t matter what you wear—if a person doesn’t see you first as a human, then as a woman, you won’t get respect no matter what you wear. Whether it’s a girl in a crop top and tight jeans or a woman in a burka, if someone sees with eyes of lust, the problem lies with them, not the clothes. Different occasions call for different clothes, and if you disregard this unspoken rule, you might face criticism or ridicule. Clothes alone don’t determine attractiveness, modesty, or class—it’s the person wearing them and how they carry themselves.
Remember, If a divine being exists, it’s unlikely that he, she, or it would mandate specific clothing for women while allowing men a wide range of attire choices.
Final thoughts
After reading the blog, some readers might say that it’s not our place to judge or comment on how individuals choose to dress; after all, it’s their prerogative. They might point to Sikh men who proudly wear turbans as an example. If we respect their choice, then why should we scrutinize the attire of Muslim women? It’s a valid point, to some extent. However, it’s imperative to approach such matters from multiple perspectives.
We must examine what, why, and for whom certain attire or actions are intended. While personal freedom is paramount, we also need to acknowledge the broader context. Extremes, in any form, are inherently problematic. Whether it’s like or dislike, an extreme stance can lead to harmful consequences.
Consider the notion of love being portrayed as blind, implying we have no control over whom we love. While seemingly harmless, such a sentiment can pave the way for disturbing justifications. In the extreme, it might even lead to the defense of abhorrent behaviors like pedophilia. Likewise, extreme dislike can spiral into hate, prompting individuals to commit regrettable acts fueled by animosity.
If you are a young Muslim man or woman reading this blog and you somewhat agree with the content, then I want to tell you: do not believe me. Instead, do your own research, learn, and make the right decision.
