Theoretical Challenges of Hijab in Post-revolution Iran: An Analysis of Current Approaches of Hijab and Chastity

Hijab (Veil) and covering are a significant concern in all religion and culture, whether considered as a natural-biological issue for protecting the body or as a cultural value, which represents mental and cognitive beliefs or local traditions. This concern grabs attention as a cognitive and symbolic subject matter as well. Thus, the present study took the descriptive-analytical method to analyze the scholars’ speech to obtain the existing approaches on Hijab and Effaf (decency) in post-revolution Iran. The analysis showed that the feminist approach being based on isolation and choice, not only criticizes the dominant perspective, but also denies the religious and acceptable limits on Hijab. The reductionism approach underestimates Hijab and considers it as a minimal option and denies any relation between Hijab and Effaf, and considers Hijab a subject free of moral, juridical and governmental requirements. Finally, the comprehensive approach not only emphasizes on protection of public Hijab and Effaf in the society, but also considers world’s transitions regarding women’s issues in order to maintain the Hijab policy in Iran far from the challenges aroused from the rival perspectives and insists on religious reasoning about hijab in public.