MUSLIM PERSPECTIVES ON THE PRACTICE OF UNVEILING AND ITS EFFECTS IN KILIFI TOWNSHIP, KILIFI COUNTY

Abstract

Purpose: Veiling as a practice has sparked a lot of debates among Muslims and non-Muslims alike.  There are Muslim perspectives that exist on the practice of veiling. The pro-veiling and anti-veiling. The latter had a backing of the feminists and other people, some of whom started associating veiling with a form of slavery, backwardness and oppression to a woman.

Methodology: The instruments for data collection comprised of questionnaires, oral interviews and focus group discussions.  A total of 80 questionnaires were distributed to gather information. Three questionnaires were not returned. This represented a 3.75% of those who did not return the questionnaires. Respondents were ulamas, community elders, women who previously unveiled, women currently veiling, the Muslims and the non-Muslims. The data collected was analyzed and presented to form the basis of this dissertation.

Results: The study found that fifty percent (50%) of the respondents believed that Muslim women were wearing the veil. They do so because it is a religious obligation.  However, due to the influence of Secularization, desire to expose latest fashionable dresses and attracting men sexually, this situation has impacted the practice of veiling negatively among Muslim women. Based on the findings, it was suggested that Muslim organizations should play a vital role in sensitizing Muslim women to veil. This research seeks to establish Muslim perspectives on the practice of unveiling and its effects in Kilifi township, Kilifi County. Studies should be conducted to find out if Secularization, influx of women who do not veil or growth of higher learning institutions are responsible for influencing Muslim women to unveil.

Unique contribution of the study: This research will enable the public and academic domain in general to understand the importance of adhering to the practice of veiling since a greater percentage of the respondents were of the view that veiling was a religious obligation.