The Symbolism of the Veil in Contemporary Philosophical Discourse AStudy of the Meanings of Identity, Freedom, and Power

Abstract

This study examines the symbolism of the veil (hijab) in contemporary philosophical discourse as an intellectual and cultural phenomenon that transcends its understanding as merely a religious practice or social tradition. Instead, it is approached as a philosophical issue closely connected to concepts of identity, freedom, the body, power, and cultural recognition. The significance of the study lies in its contribution to enriching philosophical debates on the hijab through a critical approach that explores its ontological, epistemological, and ethical dimensions and enhances understanding of the diverse contemporary discourses surrounding it. The study aims to analyze the hijab as a symbol of multiple meanings in contemporary philosophy, to explore its relationship with identity, freedom, and the body, and to examine how it has been addressed in both Western and Arab philosophical thought.

The research is guided by several key question: What philosophical meanings dose the hijab acquire in contemporary discourse? How have Western and Arab philosophies interpreted its relationship to identity, freedom, and power? And should the hijab be understood as a product of social, cultural, and political structures? To address these questions, the study adopts a critical analytical method based on the examination and comparison of philosophical texts and perspective.

 The study also highlights significant differences between Western and Arab interpretation and concludes that the dichotomy of free choice versus social imposition is insufficient to explain the complexity of the phenomenon. The study recommends adopting a that avoids reductionist interpretations and takes into account the religious, cultural, social, and intellectual dimensions of the hijab.