The hijab in Muslim societies has primarily been an ethical choice rather than a legal obligation

Throughout history, the hijab in Muslim societies has primarily been an ethical choice rather than a legal obligation. However, in modern times, the issue of wearing or banning the hijab has become codified within civil law. Tunisia and Turkey, for instance, are two Muslim-majority nations that banned the hijab in public schools, universities, and government offices. Similarly, Syria prohibited the niqab in universities until the Arab Spring unrest in 2010.

In contrast, Islamic governments like Morocco impose restrictions on women who wear the hijab, viewing it as a sign of political Islam or opposition to secular governance. In Western Europe, the hijab has emerged as a significant symbol of Islam, sparking political debates and leading to legislative measures restricting its use. The Dutch parliament, for example, passed a law banning face coverings, and similar laws have been enacted in France and Belgium. Other countries have followed suit, targeting either face coverings like the niqab and burqa or clothing that signifies Islamic identity.

On the opposite extreme, groups like the Taliban have enforced strict dress codes, including the burqa, while severely limiting women’s social participation, even preventing girls from attending primary school. In the West, the rise of Islamophobia—especially after 9/11—has made the hijab a focal point of anti-Islam sentiment, with Muslim women often facing the brunt of these hostilities.

In recent years, the surge of Islamophobia has led to new restrictive laws, acts of desecration like Quran burnings, and an overall increase in hostility toward religious symbols, including the hijab. The rise in Islamophobic incidents is particularly alarming for hijab-wearing women. These attacks can be examined from four perspectives:

1. Feminist critiques that see the hijab as oppressive and a violation of women’s rights.
2. The growing negative perception of Muslims, particularly in the wake of terrorist attacks.
3. Increasing violence against women, which doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. The rise of far-right parties whose core ideologies often include xenophobia and Islamophobia.