Quote by Leila Ahmed: “The veil, as it resurfaces, carries meanings far more complex than simple oppression or liberation.”

This statement emphasizes that the meaning of the veil for Muslim women is multifaceted, not easily categorized as solely oppressive or liberating. It challenges simplistic views and urges a deeper understanding of personal choice and cultural context in its adoption.

By 2011, debates surrounding the hijab and niqab were prominent in Western and Muslim-majority countries, often fueled by media and political discourse. Ahmed's book offered a nuanced perspective on its historical evolution and contemporary significance.

Egyptian-American scholar and the first professor of women's studies in religion at Harvard Divinity School. Her 1992 book Women and Gender in Islam is a foundational academic text examining the history of gender in Islamic thought, and she received the National Book Award for her memoir A Border Passage.