Iran cares deeply about the hijab because it is seen as a fundamental symbol of the Islamic Republic's identity, a cornerstone of its interpretation of religious law, and a means of asserting control over the public sphere and women's roles.
For the state and many proponents within Iran, hijab was seen as a symbol of piety, dignity, and identity for Muslim women. Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the mandatory veiling of women became a highly visible declaration of the new government's commitment to Islamic principles and a sharp break from the Westernizing policies of the previous monarchy.
Key Reasons for Iran's Emphasis on Hijab
Iran's focus on the mandatory hijab stems from a combination of factors:
- Symbol of the Islamic Republic: The mandatory hijab serves as a powerful symbol of the state's Islamic character and its rejection of Western cultural influence. It is a visible marker differentiating the Islamic Republic from secular or more liberal societies.
- Religious Interpretation: The government's interpretation of Islamic texts mandates veiling for women in public. Enforcing this dress code is seen by the authorities as upholding religious duty and promoting a specific vision of an Islamic society.
- Control Over the Public Sphere: Mandating and enforcing the hijab is a way for the state to regulate public behavior, particularly for women, and assert control over personal freedoms and public appearance. It reflects a desire to shape social norms according to the government's religious and political ideology.
- Identity and Modesty: As the reference highlights, hijab is viewed by supporters as essential for piety, dignity, and a distinct Muslim identity. The state promotes this view, framing the mandated dress code as necessary for women's protection and moral purity.
Historical Context
Before the 1979 Revolution, hijab was not mandatory in Iran, and the Pahlavi regime had even banned it in public places for a period in the 1930s as part of its modernization efforts. The imposition of mandatory hijab post-revolution was a direct reversal of this policy and a powerful symbol of the shift in political and social direction.
The state's consistent enforcement, through institutions like the Guidance Patrol (often referred to as the "morality police"), underscores the importance placed on the hijab as a non-negotiable aspect of public life and state control. Protests against mandatory hijab are often met with severe repression, highlighting its significance to the ruling establishment.
In essence, the hijab in Iran is far more than just a piece of clothing; it is intertwined with the nation's political legitimacy, religious identity, and the state's assertion of authority over its citizens.
