All travel guides to Iran contain a section on this topic and my advice follows later in this chapter, but before we get down to the specifics, the hows and the whats, it is useful to look at the whys—the principles behind the dress rules of hijab (modest dress). Understanding the rationale behind this practice is essential to truly comprehending the culture and its standards. The distinction between intimates and nonintimates, also influences dress codes. The Holy Quran lists the intimate (mahram) males before whom women can display their beauty: parents, grandparents, siblings and their children, a spouse’s parents, one’s own children and their spouses, grandchildren, and blood uncles and aunts. By extension, this rule implies that all other males are nonintimate (nâmahram) and that, consequently, women should be modestly dressed in the presence of these men.
A prophetic tradition (hadith) mentions that a woman’s whole body should be covered, except the face and hands, and it is generally agreed that the outfit should be loose enough so as not to outline bodily curves. The term hijab literally means “curtain,” in other words, something screening off what should not be seen. So, if every item of clothing covers a woman’s frame and hair, she may be described in current usage as being “in full hijab,” that is, observing all the rules. A woman would be considered in “bad hijab” if wearing a too-tight blouse or overcoat, her hair wasn’t fully covered, or by wearing flashy make-up. However, among English-speaking Muslims, hijab sometimes refers to the head covering only.
This principle allows considerable freedom in the choice of dress: we all know of wide variations across the Islamic world, developed out of preexisting cultures, climatic conditions, and practical considerations. Thus, some women cover the whole face, some half, others tie the headscarf behind the head leaving the neck uncovered, and still others wear knee-length skirts without tights.
“But why?” non-Muslims often ask. “What’s the point?” This is a controversial topic on which innumerable books have been written arguing divergent viewpoints. Western-style feminists argue that hijab is imposed on women in an obvious expression of patriarchal values, whereas pious Muslims point out that for many women the hijab is a personal choice they make in obeying God’s orders. Opinions and views cover the whole spectrum, from the most liberal to the most conservative, depending on backgrounds and persuasions. But the fact remains that for many Iranian women from conservative backgrounds, the compulsory hijab has been a means of liberation and of extensive participation in society: a woman in hijab is meant to be seen and appreciated for her qualities as a person and not for her attractive appearance.
The Ethical Dimension of Business Meeting in Iran
