Islamic Hijab as a Border of Cloth: A Critical Spatial Theory Perspective

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the Islamic hijab, transcending traditional interpretations that often focus solely on political, cultural, religious, or gender dimensions. This study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the hijab through the application of critical spatial theory. It also fills this theoretical gap by providing a theoretical overview of the hijab with reference to Henri Lefebvre's concept of the spatial triad and Edward Soja's concept of Third Space, mainly. Using a conceptual and interdisciplinary strategy, the research combines the idea of sacred space in Islam with contemporary spatial theory to create a holistic understanding of hijab as a spatial practice, an embodied practice. This investigation argues that the hijab is not only a religious rule on cloth, but also "borders of cloth" that first produce the Muslim woman's body as a holy space and then also provide space for significant interaction in the public and social spheres. Going beyond binary opposition, such as oppression and emancipation, private vs public, religious vs secular, it shows how the hijab is used in perceived, conceptualised, and experienced environments. Based on the results, the hijab is a process of spatial negotiation that enables Muslim women to create an Islamic identity, preserve physical purity, and participate in modern society without compromising their religious beliefs. The article makes a significant contribution to the field of Islam, religion, and spatial studies through the use of critical spatial theory to analyse the embodied nature of religious practices, as well as offering a theoretically integrated interpretation that enables it to shape the ongoing debate around space, identity, embodiment, and lived religion.