Hijab - Three Modern Iranian Seminarian Perspectives

This book explores the range of seminarian thinking in Iran on the controversial topic of the hijab, focusing on three representative thinkers: Murtaza Mutahhari, Ahmad Qabil, and Muhsin Kadivar. It contextualizes their views within the framework of new religious thinking and provides extensive examples of their writings.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 26 April 2021
Publisher: Gingko Library

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the diverse range of seminarian perspectives on the contentious issue of the hijab in Iran. Throughout the modern era, Iran has grappled with significant conflicts and misunderstandings stemming from the influence of Western ideas regarding the hijab in the 19th century, the decree issued by Riza Shah Pahlavi in 1936 prohibiting Islamic head coverings, and the subsequent enforcement of the veil following the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Hijab delves into the differing opinions among seminarians regarding the hijab within the Islamic Republic of Iran, with a particular focus on three representative thinkers: Murtaza Mutahhari, who advocated for the compulsory veiling of women, Ahmad Qabil, who argued in favor of the hijab's desirability, and Muhsin Kadivar, who considered it neither necessary nor desirable.

In the opening chapter, the views of these three scholars are situated within the framework of "new religious thinking" among seminarians. Understanding the hermeneutics of this new religious thinking is essential in comprehending how and why the younger generation of scholars has rendered divergent judgments on the hijab.

Subsequently, the book is structured into three parallel sections, each dedicated to one of the three seminarians. These sections adopt a chronological approach, providing a comprehensive assessment of each scholar's position on the hijab in the context of historical specificity and their individual jurisprudential perspective. Extensive examples of the writings of the three scholars on the hijab are also provided to enhance the reader's understanding of their arguments and perspectives.

By examining the diverse range of seminarian thinking on the hijab, Hijab offers valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted debate surrounding this issue in Iran. It sheds light on the historical, cultural, and religious factors that have shaped the perspectives of these scholars and contributes to a deeper understanding of the ongoing discussions and debates surrounding the hijab in Islamic societies worldwide.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 241 x 201 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781909942561