Gender Roles
Gender roles in Muslim culture may be difficult to explain to students, since it is something we often have trouble understanding ourselves. After all, aren't we involved in wars over there to protect the rights of the "poor, suppressed" women who are "forced" to wear a veil? American men and women often seem to view Muslims as being "backward" or "old fashioned" in dress and custom. In reality, they are merely different, and these differences are due in large part to their beliefs (which we have no right to judge) or the climate of their countries (which we might not understand).
Generally, Islamic societies are partiarchal and male dominated, at least in public. The males are expected to be the providers for their households. Men are permitted to have up to four wives, provided that he can financially and emotionally support each wife equally. Arranged marriages are normal, but not always practiced. Family is the key social unit in Arab culture. Family and friends are honored and respected above all else. Large families are desireable, and male children are preferrable. When children grow and marry, the sons stay with their family and the daughters move in with their husband's families.
Women
Women are typically (not always!) subordinate in Muslim countries. Although the Qur'an can be interpreted to support gender equality, women in some Muslim countries cannot leave the house without being accompanied by a man. Women sometimes are not permitted to touch, let alone speak to men who are outside of the family without permission from their husband, brother, or father.
Men and women typically have different living quarters. A woman's living quarters is referred to as the harem. This word has nothing to do with belly-dancers or mistresses of sultans. It is merely the special place in the house set aside for women only.
Men and women typically have different living quarters. A woman's living quarters is referred to as the harem. This word has nothing to do with belly-dancers or mistresses of sultans. It is merely the special place in the house set aside for women only.
To Veil or Not To Veil...
One thing your students may already know about Muslims is that "they wear veils." Furthermore, many western thinkers are under the impression that all muslim women are forced to wear the veil and that it is a sign of male oppression and dominance. Those from thsi school of thought seem to think it is the duty of the westerners to "rescue" those women and give them rights. This debate is one that is central to what we may teach our students about Muslims, and it is one of the subjects that is very difficult to understand. Good, reliable resources are also difficult to find.
So, what're the facts when it comes to the veil debate?
To begin, there are different types of veils. The hijab, the least restrictive covering, is the one most referenced and most familiar to western vocabularies. The veil comes in other lengths and gradually covers more of the body. the Burqa and Niqab cover the whole body and face, leaving only an opening for the eyes, if that.
Next, the pivital question in the debate: Are Muslim women forced to wear the veil? Yes and no. It depends upon the country in which you live and how you interpret the Qur'an. Some interpret the Qur'an's words as implying that it is only the wives and daughters of the Prophet Muhammad who must draw their cloaks around them. With this interpretation, it is inferred that not all Muslim women must wear a veil, only those who are related to the Prophet. So then, not all Muslim women veil.
However, many women still choose to veil even if they do not interpret it as a religious requirement dictated by the Qur'an. While the West believes that veiling women is oppressive, many Muslims argue that the veil is liberating. Muslim women who are veiled need not worry about fashion or style like American or European women. American women, for example, are encouraged to wear "fashionable" clothing that is often seductive, which attracts men to their bodies rather than their personalities. In the Muslim world, women are free from this worry. The hijab protects them from male gaze and allows them to be autonomous. Muslim women do not dress to please their husbands, friends, or society, they dress to please Allah and Allah alone.
Some Muslim women wear the veil to appease the religion, however, they have added fashionable twists. For example, girls might wear veils that are colorful with exciting patterns. They might also arrange the folds of the veil to fall a certain way or decorate the veil.
So, what're the facts when it comes to the veil debate?
To begin, there are different types of veils. The hijab, the least restrictive covering, is the one most referenced and most familiar to western vocabularies. The veil comes in other lengths and gradually covers more of the body. the Burqa and Niqab cover the whole body and face, leaving only an opening for the eyes, if that.
Next, the pivital question in the debate: Are Muslim women forced to wear the veil? Yes and no. It depends upon the country in which you live and how you interpret the Qur'an. Some interpret the Qur'an's words as implying that it is only the wives and daughters of the Prophet Muhammad who must draw their cloaks around them. With this interpretation, it is inferred that not all Muslim women must wear a veil, only those who are related to the Prophet. So then, not all Muslim women veil.
However, many women still choose to veil even if they do not interpret it as a religious requirement dictated by the Qur'an. While the West believes that veiling women is oppressive, many Muslims argue that the veil is liberating. Muslim women who are veiled need not worry about fashion or style like American or European women. American women, for example, are encouraged to wear "fashionable" clothing that is often seductive, which attracts men to their bodies rather than their personalities. In the Muslim world, women are free from this worry. The hijab protects them from male gaze and allows them to be autonomous. Muslim women do not dress to please their husbands, friends, or society, they dress to please Allah and Allah alone.
Some Muslim women wear the veil to appease the religion, however, they have added fashionable twists. For example, girls might wear veils that are colorful with exciting patterns. They might also arrange the folds of the veil to fall a certain way or decorate the veil.
Do Muslim Men Have a Dress Code?
Yes. Like Muslim women, and like individuals from many different religions, there are dressing guidelines that Muslim men must follow.
Men sometimes wear headdresses to signify which tribe they belong to. They wear anything from blue jeans to business suits to long flowing robes which help circulate air and keep the body cool during the long, hot days.
- Trim the mustache and save the beard
- garments may not fall below the ankles
- Garments should always cover the area between navel and knee
- Gold and silk are alright for females but forbidden for males
- You can only wear animal skins that are from animals which died of natural causes. However, you can only wear these skins if they have been properly tanned.
- Men can't wear garments dyed with saffron
- Men can't wear clothes that resemble women's clothing (and women can't wear clothing resembling men's clothing)
- Men can't wear clothes that are see-through or too tight
Men sometimes wear headdresses to signify which tribe they belong to. They wear anything from blue jeans to business suits to long flowing robes which help circulate air and keep the body cool during the long, hot days.
Classroom Tips
- Students can compare and constrast different types of family units.
- Older students may be interested in discussing feminism in the United States as compared to the Middle East
- Students can discuss individual rights. For example, some schools do not allow Muslim girls to veil. Can the schools do this, or do the girls have rights?
- Teachers can begin a unit about gender stereotyping in different cultures