Hijab Laws

Iranian Women Burn Their Hijabs as Hundreds Protest Death of Mahsa by Jessie Yeung et al

Brandon Digman

Yeung, Jessie, et al. “Iranian Women Burn Their Hijabs as Hundreds Protest Death of Mahsa 

Amini.” CNN, Cable News Network, 21 Sept. 2022 

Jessie Yeung is the Asia Pacific Writer for CNN, a renowned media company that covers multinational news, in Hong Kong. She and her fellow writers wrote this article, which covers the multiple protests in Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini. The article recounts that in September, 2022, Amini was violently beaten as punishment for improperly wearing her hijab in public, resulting in her death 3 days later while being held in police custody. As a result of this incident, many women took to public protesting in Iranian streets. Such acts of protests describe these women revealing their hair to the public and cutting it off, which is considered a violation of hijab laws in the country. However, this article also highlights the consequences of protest as some women were killed by Iranian security forces for their defiance. This article holds value as it lends direct support to my thesis and not of the opposing, The content of this article shall be used as an example of how women in present day Iran feel about a particular restrictive law, which can therefore be used to show the bigger picture about many other laws placed onto them. 

  • 1 – “The death last week of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested in Tehran by morality police – a dedicated unit that enforces strict dress codes for women, such as wearing the compulsory headscarf – has sparked an outpouring anger over issues ranging from freedoms in the Islamic Republic to the crippling economic impacts of sanctions” (Yeung et al).
  • 2 – “Footage shows some protesters chanting, ‘Women, life, freedom.’ Others can be seen setting up bonfires, scuffling with police, or removing and burning their headscarves – as well as destroying posters of the country’s Supreme Leader and shouting, ‘Death to the dictator’” (Yeung et al).

True Islam – Women’s Dress Code

Brandon Digman

“True Islam.” True Islam – Women Dress Code, 2001

True Islam is a non news, online version of the Quran, the holy book of the Islamic religion. Its principles have been translated to English with background information on its principles provided. Within this chapter of the book, the content provides the actual teachings set in place for the attire of women that practice the religion. The chapter preaches on women dressing absolutely modestly, covering private areas for the body, and being humble as God, also known as Allah, is always with them and watching. This source provides vital information to the teachings and practices of women’s wear, which is seen in Iran’s regulations placed onto women. This source can be used to enforce the opposing side of the argument as it can be beneficial in aiding the justification of women’s rights in that country. 

  • 1 – ““Revering God is the most important guideline for women when they choose their dress. The righteous reverent woman will know that God is always watching her, she will therefore dress modestly and in line with God’s requirements for decency and morality. Any woman knows full well what clothes are considered decent and what clothes are revealing, she will not need to be told. This is why God set the rule of reverence as the first rule” (True Islam)
  • 2 – “The third rule can also be found in 24:31. Here God commands women not to reveal their beauty spots except what is normally apparent such as the head (face and hair), arms, lower legs, etc” (True Islam).