Abstract
Though purdah is associated with Islam and Muslim traditions, its origins can actually be traced to pre-Islamic times and other religions such as the Jewish, Christian, and also to non-religious sources of influence, such as to the Hellenic, and the Bedouin cultures. Most religious and cultural systems in the world endeavor to control men’s and women’s lives and activities in order to ensure the continuity of society, although the extent of control exercised over women varies from one culture or religion to another. The institution of purdah has religious and cultural origins and has implications for every aspect of women’s lives. The practice of purdah manifests in various forms: seclusion, forms of dress, and segregation of women in the society. Indeed purdah has had multiple and changing meanings throughout history, although gender issues have always been a part of its practice. The widespread research on Muslim women’s practice of purdah, confirms that there are multiple meanings of purdah which are influenced by internal and external factors in each country. Subsequent investigation is an attempt to trace the origins of purdah/veiling and its manifestation and intertwining impact on women’s lives.
Riffat Haque. (2008) The Institution Of Purdah: A Feminist Perspective, Pakistan Journal of Gender Studies, Vol. 1, Issue 1.
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