This review of literature focuses on a controversial issue that has emerged in recent years in Europe regarding the practice among Muslim women of wearing the hijab or veil. In France, the government has taken the somewhat unprecedented step of banning such clothing in public schools, arguing that by refusing to allow Muslim females to wear this distinctive item of clothing, any possibility of discrimination against these female students because of their faith will be eliminated. The French government's action has evoked a storm of protest in France and in other countries, where laws provide for allowing members of faith groups to wear specific items that reflect elements of their belief and value system (e.g., the Jewish yarmulke, the Christian cross, and so on).
The review of Literature examines in particular the nature of the controversy and the response of the United Kingdom to the French law. It reveals that while some public schools in Great Britain have been permitted under the law to ban wearing of specific items of clothing, the general consensus among British policymakers and others is that government should not become involved in such matters and that individual human and civil rights should be respected with regard to wearing of items of clothing or accessories that identify one as a member of a faith group or religion.
Literature Review: Religious Symbols and U.K. Response
The hijab or veil is an article of clothing worn by many Muslim women after puberty occurs (The Institute of Islamic Information, 1). In the Qur'an 33:59, as revealed by Allah to His Prophet, Mohammed, it is written: "O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around then (when they go out among men). That is better in order that they may be known to be Muslims and not annoyed" (Institute of Islamic Information, 1). Modesty in both male and female conduct is valued in Islam, and ...