Reinventing The Veil By Leila Ahmed Summary

In her Financial Times article, “Reinventing the Veil,” writer Leila Ahmed uses her background and knowledge as a Muslim feminist to write about the dynamic evolution or revolution of the Islamic veil. Ahmed starts with the 1940s through 1960s, in an era which education was quickly spreading. Many Muslim majority cities were becoming more aware of the cultural significance of the veil and were deciding to opt out. As an educated Harvard academic, Ahmed builds trust with her readers’ and also establishes her credibility. She then appeals to our emotions to form an overall persuasive and organized piece.

For Ahmed’s argument to work, she has to gain her readers’ trust. She does so first by citing credible resources, such as Oxford historian, Albert Hourani, in reference to connecting his views between unveiling, progression and schooling. Ahmed

After reassessing her previous assumptions, Ahmed comes to a different, more positive meaning of the veil. Ahmed begins to embrace her new perception of the veil, after realizing, “living religions are by definition dynamic.” The continuous changes are the only things that seem consistent throughout history. In America, unlike the past, every woman defines her own religious identity. Whether she chooses to wear a veil or not, like all citizens, she deserves the right to practice in peace. Ahmed’s whole tone changes from beginning to end. She starts with a judgmental and sad tone, then transition to a more accepting and understanding tone. Ahmed gives the reader a chance to view the counter evidence to the argument with her well thought out piece. Finally, after reviewing her previous assumptions, she sees the absurdity in labeling women who choose to wear the veil are “backwards” and those who do not are “modern.” After casting away her previous beliefs, Ahmed’s new found perspective gives her the opportunity to reinvent the definition of the