To don or not to don the hijab?
Email this to a friend
0
votes
9/03/2007 10:00:54 PMTo answer (1)
I personally wear the hijab. The simplified straightforward reason would be..it's a commandment from Allah. Although it's my personal choice to wear the Hijab..i started off wearing it just because that was what the religion require of us, without fully understanding it. It's probably known as blind faith.
After a few years, i had a struggle within myself about the significant of wearing the hijab. i went through research after research and most importantly experiments, by going about my daily life( my job not included) with taking off the hijab vs wearing it. I wore decent clothes, cover everything except my hair. The result...i still got the looks from people...but the looks i got when i didn't wear the hijab are more of the objectifying nature. and the looks i get when i wear hijab are just the normal 'you are weird' looks.
i would say..i probably got more looks when i don't wear the hijab vs when i wear it. So, i continued wearing the hijab and never regretted that i did that. It gives me a sense of comfort, security and confidence.
Answer no (2)
I've heard those reasons for people who want to 'have fun'. I still do not know what 'have fun' means. I wear the scarf...and i do have fun. i don't drink, or sleep around..but I have fun.
I agree with you that if an action is wrong to start with, there shouldn't be double standards. What about guys? they don't wear hijab. So is that why society exempts them when they do anything wrong?
about Pda( public display affection) i do it in public to some extend, but there's a line where i think the general consensus (Muslim or not) will find it inappropriate. We are living around different types of people, and i think it's only appropriate that we have some boundary and respect for ourselves if showing public affection . I think holding hands, hugging (not extreme), kissing cheeks is fine.
0
votes
14/03/2007 4:26:19 PMThe reason I put it on was a testament to my faith. You know really, the thought of VISUALLY expressing my faith, or using that as a motivation to wear hijab didn't cross my mind
because i tend to hear that many hijabi's who wear it openly want to express their belief... personally i didnt really care, nor did it cross mind, whether people automatically saw me as a muslim or not...
as for it being a commandment from Allah, well then again, the idea of it being A MUST, implying the potential consequences of not putting it on, did not hold of much significance to me either...
i just don't think decisions involving faith should entirely be driven by this some-sort of irrational fear, because if it is, then, i guess you could say the 'enjoyment' of going thru with such a choice is taken away from you...i mean.. fear isn't exactly a 'liberated' feeling is it...
yeah with the second point, i'm really getting tired of the stereotypes always seen of hijabi's...
its either in the context of "oppression", or "challenging conservative roles"
for goodness sake, is that all we're aspired to be?
and i've noticed some sort of trend where women who wear hijab (at least where i'm based atm anyhow), are patronised to an extent where we're not as 'free' as other women...
oh right, because we lead such sad, sad lives that we just don't know what it means to be 'free'
oh and can i ask... what does 'free' even mean??
sheesh. sorry, getting all worked up after international women's day and how much fanfare it's recieved, and you guess it, the pet project of 'well-meaning feminists' is to 'help the poor muslim woman'
give me a break.
0
votes
22/03/2007 4:06:41 PMI reckon if Hillary Clinton is a Hijabi, she would win the election.
people take Hijabi more seriously. ...i mean men. :P
So as for reasons, beside religion..i think is to be taken seriously.
I would know coz people take me extremely serious and the muslim brother feels threatened...coz im more efficient and better than them. ;) ( i'm so full of myself sometimes)
of cause there's always the stereotypical connotation towards women in general. oh and especially our muslim brothers looking towards our hijabi sisters as 'potential' and nothing else. As well as the double standards like what masalle mention.
But i reckon once your in a position where you're working..or imagine a CEO....people will excess you to you capabilities and not your sexuality (if ur covered).
But then again that is not too accurate for muslim perverted guys, who sees every women covered or not as a piece of meat. The only role women is for them is for their own sexual please and taking care of their home and kids....PLEASE!! They are the one that need help.
Muslim community should turn their heads on these people instead of all the attention on us. ie we being oppress or challenging conservative roles.
Hijab should be stress on men, instead of women. They (men) need heaps of straightening up. they need to be re-educated as to what gender is. Why are our scholars tongue tied in this??
And I'm sick this hijab topic and of dumb Muslim who doesn't know anything about the religion but just judge based on their fore father's manner of islam or based on their restricted study of Islam and allows our so call scholars to think for them!!
What? have they lost their brains at some point to think for themselves ?? yes i am worked up.....give me a break also!!
1
votes
13/04/2007 4:41:38 PM1) I started wearing the hijab when I'm in my late twenties and have not looked back since.
We called ourselves Muslim and yet we are not able to understand the reasons behind the instruction of donning the hijab.
Well ladies, just recall, everytime you visited the jewellery store,did you ever wonder why the most precious and expensive jewelleries are keep in locked cases and clothed with velvet-lined boxes?
Thus that is perhaps,one of the reasons ALLAH asks us to cover ourselves,because we are not a cheap jewellery.
We are precious jewellery and as such,preserved for the person who has the right to see more of us.
The other reasons that made me don the hijab is to appreciate the blessing that ALLAH has given to me & my family.
2) A sin will always be a sin ( whether a person don a hijab or not)
To don the hijab needs a strong determination cos if you are only donning it because of peer pressure then it will be removed in due time.I've seen it happening.
Due to that ,we will always come across those donning the hijab showing PDA in public.They don't know the values of a MUSLIM .
In Islam's teaching ,it is stated that we are not allowed to encourage others to make wild accusation(fitnah).Showing PDA in public will make others start wild accusation even if we are legally married.
Donning the hijab has not stopped me form achieving success!
0
votes
13/06/2007 5:11:00 PMFor me, putting on the hijab is an act of submission to Allah. It is not mere putting on headscarves but also to dress modestly with only the face and hands visible. We should be clear on what is right and wrong and judge a behaviour accordingly.
0
votes
12/07/2007 2:52:11 AMHijab is a mark of dignity and respect for women
THERE is a misconceived notion among a majority of non-Muslims and some Muslims as well that Hijab, or the Islamic veil, is designed to keep women in the bondage of men. “Seclusion” and “segregation” are some of the terms being used in the context of Hijab, which, in fact, serves to screen Muslim women from the sight of male strangers. Some critics have gone to the extent of applying the obnoxious term of “apartheid” to the institution of Hijab in Islam To put the record straight, Islam has not kept woman in the bondage of man but it has rather emancipated her from man’s bondage and social degradation. She has a defined position under the Islamic law of inheritance which she was denied before the advent of Islam and is denied even today in some societies and religions; she can own property; she can have a say in moulding society in accord with the norms of Islam; she can rise with due modesty to protect these norms and their rights if there be any sign of neglect or abuse in this behalf. Hijab does not stand in a woman’s way in these respects as long as Islamic proprieties are properly honoured. As for the terms of “seclusion’’, “segregation’’ and “apartheid’’, these are false suggestions made with the ulterior motives of creating rifts in Muslim families and to misrepresent Islam as an advocate of repression of women. Islam, in fact, has given and practised the concept of all human beings belonging to a single nation. The Holy Quran says: “Mankind was one single nation...” (Surah Al Baqarah: 213); “Mankind was but one nation, but differed (later)...” (Surah Yunus: 19) and “...We made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other)...” (Surah Al Hujurat: 13) In the circumstances, how can there be “apartheid” directed by Islam against any human being, let alone Muslim women, when it has given the concept of unity of the whole mankind, irrespective of sex, colour, birth or geographical preferences. Superiority relates to Faith and Righteousness, and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made this position abundantly clear, through precept as well example. In his Farewell Sermon delivered on the occasion of his last pilgrimage to Makkah, he said: “You all have one Allah and one father Adam, who was made out of clay. There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab or of a non-Arab over an Arab, or of a white over a black or of a black over a white, but that based on piety. In the sight of Allah, the nobler is he who fears Him more.” If that is the actual situation, then one may ask why the system of Hijab in Islam. There is no doubt that Islam has laid down certain norms of dress and social behaviour for both men and women. It has given woman a really honourable place in society, as the mother, the wife, the sister, or the daughter. The woman who enjoys such noble status has to be chaste. According to Islam, a virtuous wife is the best commodity of a man. To protect her virtue and to safeguard her chastity from lustful eyes and covetous hands, Islam has provided for Hijab which sets the norms of dress, social get-together, participation in reformative movements and going out of the four walls of one’s house in the hour of need. This protection is by no means intended to be a confinement or duress. Within the set limits, a woman can educate herself, and acquire qualifications in order to adopt a profession to earn a living or to serve the community. It is a myth concerning Muslim women that they can live only as an idle part of society. This is far from being true. In addition to house-keeping, bringing up children, contributing her share to manage the affairs of the house as a whole, there is no bar on Muslim women to pursue other virtuous activities as well. All that is needed is that liberty does not become a licence or an act of libertine. In the Holy Quran, Allah commands Muslim women to wear the veil as it is a sign of modesty for them. At the same time, He asks Muslim men to lower their gaze and guard their modesty. The Holy Quran says: “O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters, and the believing (Muslim) women to draw over them their jilbabs (cloaks or outer garments). That is the least (the minimum requirement which they should adopt) so that they be recognised (as free, respectable women) and not be molested (by shameless people of loose morals)...” (Surah Al Ahzaab: 59) “(O Prophet!) Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them. And Allah is well acquainted with all that they do.” (Surah Al Noor: 30) The rule of modesty applies to men as well as women. But on account of differentiation between the genders in nature, temperament and social life, greater privacy is required of women than men, especially in the matter of dress. “And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers or their brothers’ sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet (on the ground) in order to draw attention to their ornaments.” (Surah Al Noor: 30-31) However, for elderly women in the home the rules of dress and decorum are not so exacting as for the younger women, but they are also enjoined to study modesty, both because it is good in itself and as an example to the younger people. Allah has made it permissible for elderly women to leave off their outer gown and to show their face and hands. The Holy Quran says: “As for such elderly women as are past the prospect of marriage, Ñ there is no blame on them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show their beauty: but it is best for them to be modest.” (Surah Al Noor: 60) According to a Hadith in Tirmizi, woman is “awrat”, i.e. a highly respected and private being who should be concealed from non-related persons, implying that it is compulsory for a woman to cover her entire body with a cloak or veil. The veil is a sign of dignity. It is also a sign of self-respect which should be the natural disposition of men who take good care of their wives and daughters. The veil is also a mark of modesty and shyness as well as a guard (protection). The veil is a sign of taqwa (piety and righteousness) too. Allah says: “O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover your shame, as well as to be an adornment to you. But the raiment of righteousness -- that is the best.” (VII: 26) According to a Hadith: “Any woman that removes her clothing in a house other than her own, Allah will tear away His protection from her.” (Ahmed, Al Hakim, Tabarani, Baihaqi) The veil is a sign of purity: “(O you who believe!)...when you ask (the wives of the Holy Prophet) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen. That is purer for your hearts and for their hearts.” (Surah Al Ahzaab: 53) Addressing the wives of the Holy Prophet, Allah says: “O Consorts of the Prophet! You are not like any of the (other) women: if you fear (Allah), then be not soft in speech, lest one in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire: but speak a just (speech).” (Surah Al Ahzaab: 32) In these verses Allah describes the veil as a way to keep the heart of believing men and women purer because what the eyes do not see the heart will not desire. Thus, the veil would, undoubtedly, shield one against the desires of lust that exists in the heart and leads to mischief. The above verses also indicate that knowledge of a woman’s beauty is harmful for her and her personality (because of the mischief and other harm caused by temptation). The veil is in agreement with shyness. According to another Hadith in Abu Dawood, Nisaai and Ahmed: “Indeed Allah loves shyness and concealment (of beauty).” And “Shyness is from Faith and Faith is Paradise.” (Tirmizi) “Indeed, for each way of life are certain characteristics and the characteristic of Islam is shyness.” “Shyness and Faith are bound together; if one is raised, so is the other.” (Al Hakim) Once some women of the Bani Tamim tribe, who were wearing very thin clothes, entered the house of the Holy Prophet’s wife Aysha, she said to them: “If you are believing women, then this is not the dress of believing women; however, if you are not believing women, then enjoy yourselves with it.” (Tafseer Al Qurtubi) The veil reflects obedience to Allah and to His Prophet. Allah commands us to obey Him and obey His Prophet. The Holy Quran says: “It is not befitting for a believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Apostle, to have any option about their decision: if anyone disobeys Allah and His Apostle, he is indeed on a clearly wrong Path.” (Surah Al Ahzaab: 36)
0
votes
19/07/2007 9:55:50 AMTo or not to only you will know. Do it for the sake of Allah and you get rewarded for it. If you are ready to face the consequence, do it gradually. Insya Allah, He will guide you.
0
votes
19/07/2007 2:01:18 PMHope this explains why hijab is prescribed for women in Islam
HIJAB IS A MARK OF RESPECT AND DIGNITY FOR WOMEN
‘HIJAB’ (covering of the head and body by Muslim women) has been a matter of controversy and a target of criticism, particularly in the West, for years and will probably continue to be so for some time to come. The detractors of ‘hijab’ ask why Muslim women should wear it. The simple answer to this question can be — Muslim women should wear ‘hijab’ because Allah has commanded them to do so, as is clear from the following Quranic injunction:
“O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around them (when they go out or are among men). That is better in order that they may be known (to be Muslims) and not annoyed...” (Al Ahzab: 59)
To Muslim women, ‘Hijab’ as is an act of obedience to Allah and his Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him): “It is not befitting for a believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Apostle, to have any option about their decision: if anyone disobeys Allah and His Apostle, he is indeed on a clearly wrong Path.” (Surah Al Ahzab: 36)
Other secondary reasons for observing ‘hijab’ include the requirement for modesty in both men and women. Both will then be evaluated for intelligence and skills instead of looks and sexuality. As a ‘hijab’-observing schoolgirl said, “We want to stop men from treating us like sex objects.... We want them to ignore our appearance and to be attentive to our personalities and mind. We want them to take us seriously and treat us as equals and not just chase us around for our...physical looks.”
In fact, a woman who covers herself is concealing her sexuality but allowing her femininity to be brought out. For many women, ‘hijab’ is the truest test of being a Muslim. A Muslim woman who covers her head is making a statement about her identity. Anyone who sees her will know that she is a Muslim and a woman of a good moral character. Many Muslim women who cover are filled with dignity and self esteem; they are pleased to be identified as chaste, modest, and pious women, not wanting their sexuality to enter into interactions with men in the smallest degree.
The word ‘hijab’ comes from the Arabic word ‘hajaba’, meaning to hide from view or conceal. In the present time, the context of ‘hijab’ is the modest covering of a Muslim woman. The question now is what is the extent of the covering? The Holy Quran says:
“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity for them; and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; and that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands...” (Al Noor :30-31)
These verses from the Quran contain two main injunctions: First, a woman should not show her beauty or adornments except what appears by uncontrolled factors such as the wind blowing her clothes, and, secondly, the head covers should be drawn so as to cover the hair, the neck and the bosom.
Islam has no fixed standard as to the style of dress or type of clothing that Muslims must wear. However, some requirements must be met. The first is that the parts of the body which must be covered. According to a Tradition of the Holy Prophet, “Ayesha reported that Asmaa the daughter of Abu Bakr came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) while wearing thin clothing. He approached her and said: ‘O Asmaa! When a girl reaches the menstrual age, it is not proper that anything should remain exposed except this and this. He pointed to the face and hands.’ ” (Abu Dawood)
The second requirement is that the clothing must be loose enough so as not to describe the shape of the woman’s body. One desirable way to hide the shape of the body is to wear a cloak over other clothes. However, if the clothing is loose enough, an outer garment is not necessary.
As a third requirement, the clothing must be thick enough so as not to show the colour of the skin or the shape of the body.
Another requirement is an overall dignified appearance. The clothing should not attract men’s attention to the woman. It should not be shiny and flashy so that everyone notices the dress and the woman. In addition there are other requirements:
1. Women must not dress so as to appear as men. “Ibn Abbas narrated: ‘The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) cursed the men who appear like women and the women who appear like men.’ ” (Bukhari)
2. Women should not dress in a way similar to the unbelievers.
3. The clothing should be modest, not excessively fancy and also not excessively ragged to gain others’ admiration or sympathy. Often forgotten is the fact that modern Western dress is a new invention. Looking at the clothing of women as recently as seven decades ago, we see clothing similar to hijab.
These active and hard-working women of the West were not inhibited by their clothing which consisted of long, full dresses and various types of head covering. Muslim women who wear ‘hijab’ do not find it impractical or interfering with their activities in all levels and walks of life.
‘Hijab’ is not merely a covering dress but more importantly, it is behaviour, manners, speech and appearance in public. Dress is only one facet of the total being.
The basic requirement of the Muslim woman’s dress apply to the Muslim man’s clothing with the difference being mainly in degree. Modesty requires that the area between the navel and the knee be covered in front of all people except the wife. The clothing of men should not be like the dress of women, nor should it be tight or provocative.
A Muslim should dress to show his identity as a Muslim. Men are not allowed to wear gold or silk. However, both are allowed for women. For both men and women, clothing requirements are not meant to be a restriction but rather a way in which society will function in a proper, Islamic manner.
0
votes
31/07/2007 1:35:36 AMI made a mistake of donning the hijab, and now i'm still paying for it.I THOUGHT i ws ready but it ws too late when i realised i was never fully ready.
I have parents but was brought up by my relatives (aka my guardians). I still keep in touch with my parents. My Dad is quite particular about the hijab; he wanted me to wear it when i reachd puberty. So did my guardians. When i first reachd puberty i didnt wear it initially but my guardians naggd me about it eve more than my Dad naggd. Since i actually LIVE WITH my guardians, naturally the nagging ws very irritating. Eventually i actually wore it. I was 19.
But i never consider myself a 'fulltime' wearer. I only wear it when i go somewhere which requires me to take public transport. If i were going to anywhere very very near my neighbourhood eg nearby market, i dont wear.
As i grew older, i realised i'm missing so much, because of the hijab. It's bad enough that it can be uncomfortable (covered up from head to toe in the hot weather of Singapore), i also find it rather restrictive. I can still do things like play sport, but wud feel extra hotter than those people who 'dont have to cover here & there'.
I also find hijab makes me look silly--my faceshape is naturally round & wearing hijab just worsens it. I discovered that one of the trickiest faceshapes for hijabwearing is a round face. If i were a chubby person, the hijab makes me look chubbier; if i were a slim, petite person, the hijab makes me look like a wlaking lollipop.
In multiracial & nonmuslim ctys like Singapore, u cant run away from being stereotyped/discriminated. Hijabed girls are often misunderstood as being loweducated, stupid, oldfashion. Just one look of your hijabed foto in your Resume photo, a job interviewer can decide not to employ you at all, regardless of how superb your Resume and work experience may be. That happened to me many times. All because of Hijab.
And dont get me started about the relevance of Islamophobia...
The problem with me is that i'm rather fickleminded and not firm enough, and probably a coward too. I dont dare remove totally the hijab from my head, as i fear the backlash. I've friends & relatives who removed their hijabs after a few years of donning it and boy were they gossippd, despised & octracised even though they still pray 5 times a day, dont drink, dont do drugs and dont undulge in sex outside marriage. But these friends & relatives remained undeterred & unoving abt their decision.
In contrast, i unfortunately am not as brave as them and so now i suffer.
2
votes
31/07/2007 11:00:29 PMto voeg..
i can understand the pressure and feeling like being under the spotlight when you are out in public facing people's opinion good or bad.
I think wearing a hijab should be your personal choice. As a human being, we lived in world to look good and fearing what people will say. Through the years the hijab had first made me feel small while in public. i feel rejected and judged by society. It's as if wearing hijab is a burden on me, like i need to explain to everyone i'm not what they think i am. The pressure is great no doubt, i wouldn't espect any guy or a gal who have never worn this piece of cloth to understand.
the minute i started to think what are people thinking when they look at me, that i started feeling self concious of my abilities and what i stand for.This was how i perceive hijab some years back and it effect how i see myself and my abilities to interact with people around me effectively. i use to get all kinda looks, many racist remark you can think of and gradually i will face the floor when i walk. i feel ashamed and stupid of myself and my religion for wearing it, yet i can't explain why i need to wear it.
I got even more self concious when i lived in Australia, a western country in which Hijab is uncommon and a misunderstood phenomena. (it's quite common now since the media constant coverage of it)
i use to think that it's because of my hijab that explains why i didn't get that particular job or that is why people shy away from me. But i realise that it's because of my perception of Hijab and how the world occur to me that reflect how i perceive my reality of the world.
It's only after i change my perception of how people view me and how i viewed my world, that things changed for me tremendously. I got jobs easily, poeple approach me easily and people respect me for what i stand for. it didn't bothered me that i was wearing my hijab for anything that i'm perusing in. In fact i felt so good talking to people in my hijab cause i feel free, that i'm taking responsibility in dressing modestly as prescribed and being easily identified as a Muslim woman.
unfortunately we don't live in an ideal world. there are some ignorant people out there who will bluntly say to you that you need to take off your scarf or you won't get the job. And you know what, employees like that need to get a piece of my mind as to how i so not want to work with them cos they are shallow, racist and ignorant. We should not let rude people let off like that.There is a time and place to be diplomatic and sometimes you have to be firm and straight. We should seek to find a way to report them under discrimination and racism ( and sue them in court, if it comes to that) and just maybe they might be jailed like those Singapore bloggers who discriminate Muslims.
I should applaud you for wearing the hijab and being honest about your struggle with wearing it. People will talk about you regardless of your decision, bottom line is if are you gonna let people run your life or are you gonna make a stand for yourself and what you believe in.
As a Muslim community we should not feel sorry for ourselves. we have the right to choose how we want to dress, be employed in any field of work or even eat HALAL food. We should try to work together and support each other to safeguard our choices.
Having fear is always the culprit in loosing one own choice in life.
hope you will choose wisely and be at peace in that choice.
Some tips in wearing hijab,
choose your hijab material carefully. the airy cotton ones are suitable for hot weather like Singapore. And loose clothing and thin material (not transparent) for your blouse tops and your pants or skirts.Consider yourself lucky, I have to go through an extremely hot summer in Australia with a temperature of over 40 degrees celceus, low humidity with hot air blowing against me.
As for sports, i wear a bandana, with my long sleeves t-shirt and my trackies when i need to play any sports or go to the gym. Difficulty give rise to ease, and it's not like your not covered up.
0
votes
1/08/2007 2:47:51 PMi read this article below a month ago from this website (http://www.themodernreligion.c...). i can relate to what this sister is saying abt donning the hijab in western society. living in melbourne, ppl have thrown vulgarities at me, shouted at me, and what nots. but whatever, they cant hurt me. however, not everyone is like that because generally, ppl are accepting. we tend to analyse and perceive too much of what other ppl think of us, which is why we become paranoid and feel that we are missing out on a lot. sisters who don the hijab do not necessarily miss out a lot on life. it is the individual who feels restricted on their own and so chooses to miss out on life.
"It is late in the afternoon at the University of British Columbia and I have been cooped up in this library for hours, trying to compose a thesis for my American Literature term paper. Deciding that a break would help clear my thoughts, I leave the confines of the library to sit outside, only to hear a female voice come up from behind me to ask:
"Just how is it that you can live with yourself from day to day wearing that THING on your head and letting THEM control your life?"
Granted, it is an original line, a creative way to break the ice, yet why the code words? Only because I've been yelled at in public before for reasons connected to my appearance do I know what this woman means.
Code word # 1: "head thing"= 30inch X 30inch yellow and maroon flower patterned polyester blend, a piece of cloth I happen to be wearing to cover my head and neck;
Code word #2: "them"= all Muslim men who, sinister-like with their dark beards, heavy accents, and hidden Uzi's get a rush out of making women their life-long slaves.
Having deciphered all this quickly, I turn to face the stranger- a cross looking thing - I smile politely and signal to the empty chair beside me:
"Would you like to have a seat?"
HIJAB, the head to ankle covering that leaves only the face, hands and feet visible in public, has made me a very patient Muslim woman. The brave individuals who have mustered the courage to verbally express their opinions about my scarf haven't been the most trying. There are many who can't formulate words coherent enough to communicate their disapproval, and so, rely on simple gestures and sign language. Walking through downtown Vancouver, I've been fingered, spat on, scowled and cursed at.
Stepping into an elevator, I once traumatized a man who could do nothing but shuffle into the corner of the empty lift and mutter "What the ----? WHAT THE ----?!?!?!?!" I have to take the agitation, the horror, and even the hatred in a stride.
But never will I be silent about it.
I can ignore the flagrant distortions no more than I can deny the fact that I am a Muslim living in Canada. Who I am and what popular culture thinks I am, has become a tug-of-war-competition of who can explain the status of the Muslim hijab-wearer convincingly. The media tells the public that I am a weak freak of nature who has been forced to subject herself to the tyranny of Muslim fundamentalists. Catherine Meckes assesses that wearing hijab is "some kind of twisted logic" because it entraps women like animals in a cage.
The Muslim dress code, she argues, is a form of hiding from society so that I don't have to deal with the realities of my "natural habitat." Ms. Meckes seems to be familiar enough with the Western culture to know that women are constantly objectified, used as commodities, tools to sell beer and boost sales for the next football season. Sadly enough, though, she views women who wish to distance themselves from this commercial degradation with fear.
She finds women who cover "disturbing" and wished that she didn't have to confront them on their "home turf."
Pardon my feeble-mindedness, I've pinned my scarf on too tight and squeezed reason out of my brain....just WHO is running away from the truth? I have chosen to set myself apart from millions of Canadians, placed myself in the way of ridicule by a society that demands women to conform to certain ideals,I have refused to hide in the crowded university hallways and malls by looking the way Cindy, Cosmo, or Calvin Klein think I should - all because I'm a spineless caged rodent?!?!
I have rejected the hip-hugging jeans, the breast-enhancing halter tops, the poofy hair and made-up face, and accepted hijab so that I can be appreciated for my intellect and personality rather than my figure or fashion sense. When I face a classmate or colleague I can be confident that my body is not being scrutinized, my bra-strap or pantyline visible. I have repudiated the perverted values of our society by choosing to assert myself only through my mind. I understand my "natural habitat" ! very well thank you.
I fully comprehend the distorted image of the "ideal woman," but the difference between me and the Catherine Meckes's of the world is that I am NOT afraid to defy those standards. Islam liberated me from THAT prison.
Perhaps hijab is so misunderstood because it is prescribed by a religion that makes a bold and shocking statement: Women are precious creatures who have the right to be valued for who they are, and not what they can juggle.
When I decided to start wearing hijab, my mother pulled me aside and posed this question: "If you found a diamond that was exquisite in every way, would you show it to all your friends, let them gawk at its dazzle, caress it, or would you covet the stone and protect it by preserving its natural splendor?"
Once you bear something for all to see, the second you display something for its beauty, you objectify it and diminish its value. Because its worth is built on its ability to attract, when it no longer elicits awe from onlookers it becomes worthless. Is it a wonder that neck lines keep plunging every year?- more cleavage means women won't bore oglers, the commercial industries, and the rest of society for awhile. But when will those skirts quit shortening?? For how long will women remain sex objects??
Islam tells us that every woman is a jewel and when she respects herself enough to preserve her beauty for herself and her loved ones, she rejects being objectified by a society which does NOT value her.
Only the dearest people in my life know me without hijab because they love me enough to value ALL of me. John and Jane Doe don't love me or care for me, so why must I meet their notions of an "ideal woman" if they are meaningless to me?
It is the desire to please popular culture that makes 15 year old girls want to fit into Kate Moss's jeans by sticking their fingers down their throats and wretching (throwing up) three times a day. It is the unattainable Perfect-Body society has conjured, that make "fat", "ugly" girls splatter themselves on sidewalks because they just are "not thin and pretty enough". AND THEY TELL ME ISLAM OPPRESSES WOMEN??
I am thankful that I am not suicidal or psychologically unbalanced because I can't meet the demands of my culture. I am fortunate that my concerns and goals in life lie on a higher plane than the dictates of a pretty fashion industry. I am quite content with my religion, for it values my power to achieve great things through my mind, not through my body.
Whether I am physically beautiful or not, you have no clue. Perhaps this fact is disturbing for Catherine Meckes and the library stranger because they are not ready to meet a woman who can get by without her looks. Then again, perhaps it is because they are just ignorant of the (WHAT IS IT?) facts. Either way, I don't need anyone's sympathy, I am not really that scary, and your anger does me no harm.
I am not under duress, or a male-worshipping female captive from the barbarous Arabian deserts.
I'VE BEEN LIBERATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
0
votes
28/08/2007 2:39:31 AMSalaam to all.
Why do we bother to wonder about hijab? And by the way, hijab has wider meaning than just putting a piece of cloth over your head. In fact, even men has to do it too. So, why keep asking the same question. Wear it for whatever reason, but keep it real. If you don't want to wear it, fine - it doesn't make anyone less of a Muslim. We, Muslims, have bigger issues, deeper issues to think about than this hijab issue.
*****. *************? ( deleted by moderator )
I've seen Muslim women with that piece of cloth on their heads, and there's nothing dignified about their behaviour or attitude or mindset. Dignity is in the heart, deep in the recesses of your being where only Allah can see. Dignity is not in the piece of cloth, but in your behaviour, your compassion, kindness, generosity towards others.
" ************ " (deleted by moderator)
Why do people always quote the Quran out of the context?
Men and Women, cover your dignity, and do you think Allah is so shallow as to only refer to our physical coverings? The Quran is not a shallow vessel, and you are required to read and ponder, not reach simplistic conclusions about each verse.
" ***************************" (deleted by moderator)
May Allah forgive us all.
0
votes
28/08/2007 2:55:07 AM***** Whole post was deleted by moderator ******
REASON:
Not answering to the Question.
Please read our rules of the site. Thanks.
NB
0
votes
28/08/2007 2:16:11 PMModerator Comment
Hi and salaam to all members,
Please show compassion, kindness and generosity in your replies. Also, keep the answer focussed to the question as much as possible.
Thank you for your support.
W'salaam
0
votes
5/11/2007 9:53:04 PMVerily all praise is for Allaah, we praise Him and seek His aid and ask for His forgiveness, and we seek refuge
with Allaah from the evils of ourselves and our evil actions. Whomever Allaah guides there is none who can
misguide him, and whomever Allaah misguides there is none who can guide him, and I bear witness that none
has the right to be worshipped except Allaah Alone, having no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is
His slave and His Messenger.
Verily the most truthful speech is the Word of Allaah and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (sal-Allaahu 'alayhe wa sallam), and the worst of affairs are the novelties and every novelty is an innovation and every innovation is a going astray and every going astray is in the Fire.
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullah,
The Muslim woman is obliged to wear hijab in front of non-mahram men, because of a great deal of well-known evidence, such as the verses (interpretation of the meaning):
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful”
[al-Ahzaab 33:59]
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful”
[al-Noor 24:31]
And these hadeeths:
(i):
When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded that women should be brought out to the Eid prayer place, they said, “O Messenger of Allaah, some of us do not have jilbaabs.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Let her sister give her one of her jilbaabs to wear.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim.
This hadeeth indicates that the usual practice among the women of the Sahaabah was that a woman would not go out without a jilbaab, and that if she did not have a jilbaab she would not go out. The command to wear a jilbaab indicates that it is essential to cover. And Allaah knows best.
(ii):
It was narrated in al-Saheehayn that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to pray Fajr and the believing women would attend the prayer with him, wrapped in their veils, then they would go back to their homes and no one would recognize them because of the darkness. She said: If the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saw from the women what we have seen, he would have prevented them from coming to the mosques as the Children of Israel prevented their women.
A similar report was also narrated by ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him).
The evidence from this hadeeth covers two issues:
1 – Hijaab and covering were the practice of the women of the Sahaabah who were the best of generations and the most honourable before Allaah.
2 – ‘Aa’ishah the Mother of the Believers and ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with them both), who were both known as scholars with deep insight, said that if the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had seen from women what they had seen, he would have prevented them from coming to the mosques. This was during the best generations, so what about nowadays?!
And Allah Knows Best
0
votes
12/11/2007 10:49:31 AMCheck out www.hijab.com for some interesting commentary, opinions, and issues regarding Hijab and Muslim women in general.
© 2007 Nasi Briyani Lounge.
Home | About Us | Contact | FAQs |
Blog |
Sitemap | Tell a Friend.
Brand and design by Nasi Briyani
(1) I am interested in knowing the reasons why women put on a hijab. People have different reasons for putting it on, so it would be interesting to know some of their reasons.
(2) I know of many people who tend to view the conducts of women who don the hijab and those who do not, differently. an example is the topic of public display of affection (pda). many judge those who don the hijab harshly when they are seen pda-ing with their partner whereas those who do not don it, are somewhat excused. personally, i find the judgement inexcusable because whether or not one dons the hijab shld not be a factor to judge a person's behaviour or character. if you know that a certain behaviour or action is wrong, it should be wrong for those who don the hijab and do not don it. it doesnt mean that the woman in hijab will get her points cut off more than the woman with no hijab, for comitting a certain sin. i just find the differing perception simply ridiculous.
and it also bothers me when ppl say that they are not ready to put the hijab on cos they still want to "have fun". once they put on the hijab, they can't do the "fun" stuff they would like to do before they get old. so does it mean that those who do not don the hijab see themselves as having the passport to actually go beyond the limit of what it means to "have fun"??!!
donning or not donning the hijab shld be a personal choice, i believe. but sometimes i get bothered by the reasons i hear for their choices to and not to don it.
P.S: i'm not judging the practice of pda-ing, it just suddenly came up in my mind. pda-ing i guess is a personal choice influenced by which culture u come from but it is still a contentious issue. it honestly reali doesnt bother me but if it's too raunchy and obscene, of course it will bother me.
125 pts
rookie
2
votes