Story
Oppressed theory in Hijab . Who is to Blame ?

đ§ Ever wondered why hijab sparks heated debatesâfrom Western media calling it oppressive to some Muslim-majority nations enforcing it by law?
Let’s dig into the tangled mix of faith, culture, power, and politics. Letâs explore this sensitive topic with care, clarity, and some real-talk moments.
đ What Does Hijab Mean in Islam?
First off, Islam, literally meaning submission, isn’t about forced lawsâitâs a personal relationship between a believer and God. The hijab, covering a womanâs hair and neck, is meant to be a modest and voluntary practice. Itâs not mentioned in the Quran as a mandatory piece of clothing. Instead, it urges both men and women to dress modestly and with dignity.
So, when we unpack oppressed theory in hijab. Who is to blame?, we find there’s no religious mandate in Islam forcing women into specific clothes. The problem arises when culture, politics, and power hijack the meaning.
đ When Hijab Becomes Control: Iran, Saudi, and Afghanistan
In some countries, hijab or even burqa is not just encouragedâitâs imposed by law.
- Iran: women face fines, arrest, or worse if they donât comply with strict dress codes.
- Saudi Arabia: until recently, women were required to wear the abaya in public.
- Taliban-ruled Afghanistan: burqa is mandatory; leaving home without it can lead to public punishment.

These mandates are a form of cultural and political oppression, not religious requirement. So blame doesnât lie with Islamâit lies with governments and power structures that enforce obedience in name of tradition or control.
đ§ Misunderstandings in the West
On the flip side, many in Western societiesâespecially in liberal Europeâassume any hijab is a sign of women’s oppression. They see it as political or regressive rather than religious or cultural.
But thatâs often blind to context. For many Muslim women, choosing to wear hijab is a personal act of faith and empowerment. Itâs a means of expressing identity and piety. Thus, the Oppressed theory in hijab. Who is to blame? question shows that neither side has all the answersâmisunderstanding and generalisation is everywhere.
âī¸ SoâĻ Who Is to Blame?
Letâs break it down.
Blame Politically Coerced Lawsânot Faith
Enforcement in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Taliban-Afghanistan, and similar contexts are political tools. They lock women in oppressive systems. These governments use hijab not as a spiritual choice but as a symbol of power and control.
Misinterpretation of Islamic Teachings
Some traditions and scholars push that full veiling is compulsoryâeven though the Quran doesnât. These cultural interpretations muddy the waters and spread the belief that Islam enforces dress codes even when it doesnât.
Western Liberal Assumptions
Western media often paints hijab wearers as helpless victims. But thatâs just another form of cultural colonizationâdeciding that women should abandon their beliefs to be âfreeâ.
đŦ Stories from Real Women
- A student in Karachi: âI wear hijab cause I feel at peace, not because my dad says so.â
- A teacher in Tehran: âWhen I taught in private school, I chose to remove the hijab. But not under threat.â
- A refugee in Germany: âThey told me to remove my scarf for my job interview. I felt like I had no choice.â
These voices show hijab can be freeing, depending on the freedom to choose.
â Final Thoughts: Holding Hands With Complexity
So, back to the big question: Who is to blame? It ain’t simple.
This isnât just a matter of religion vs culture or East vs West. Itâs about powerâwho has it, who takes it, who loses it.
- If a woman chooses hijab freely, thatâs not oppressionâitâs faith.
- If sheâs forced to wear it, thatâs a rights violationâblame the appliers of force.
- And when Western society forces removal or demonizes hijab, thatâs also oppressiveâblame misinformed liberalism.
Hijab should be a personal choiceânot a political tool. When it’s forced or forbidden, we lose true freedom.
đŖ Listen, Learn, and Respect
Want a more just world? Hereâs how:
- Listen to hijab-wearing womenâlet their voices lead.
- Speak out against forced veiling and forced unveiling.
- Educate othersâhelp them see the difference between faith-based choice and state-based coercion.
- Promote religious freedomâin Bangladesh, Iran, West, or anywhere.
Because real freedom comes when we respect choice and resist coercionâfrom any corner.
đ Want to learn more or share your story? Drop a comment or reach outâwe’d love to hear from you.