Many times people ask me, “Do your parents make you wear that?” or “Don’t you find that really unfair?” or some simply ask “Why do you have to wear that (pointing towards my scarf)?”
I am a Muslim woman who, like millions of other Muslim women across the globe, chooses to wear the hijab. And the concept of the hijab, contrary to popular opinion, is actually one of the most fundamental aspects of female empowerment.
When I cover myself, I make it virtually impossible for people to judge me according to the way I look. I cannot be categorized because of my attractiveness or lack thereof.
When people ask me if I feel oppressed, I can honestly say no. I made this decision out of my own free will. I like the fact that I am taking control of the way other people look at me. I enjoy the fact that I don’t do not have to follow the ever changing norms fashion industry and any other institution that exploits females sets.
When I cover myself I do it for myriad of reasons, but the easy, one sentence answer is, because I believe God has made it an obligation for believing women. In the Quran God tells the believing men and women to lower their gaze and to dress modestly. He (God) specifically addresses women when He asks them not to show off their adornment, except that which is apparent, and draw their veils over their bodies. (Quran 24:30-31)
Although the English word scarf and the Arabic term hijab have become interchangeable, it is worth noting that hijab is more than just a scarf. It is a term that covers a variety of clothing including scarves, but also a variety of different dress styles from around the world. Many have cultural connotations such as the Pakistani shalwar khamis or the Afghani burqa, but whenever a Muslim woman covers “her adornment”, she is said to be wearing hijab.
The literal meaning of hijab is to veil, to cover, or to screen. Islam is known as a religion concerned with community cohesion and moral boundaries, and therefore hijab is a way of ensuring that the moral boundaries between unrelated men and women are respected. In this sense, the term hijab encompasses more than a scarf and more than a dress code. It is a term that denotes modest dressing and modest behavior. For instance, if a Muslim woman was wearing a scarf but at the same time using bad language, she would not be fulfilling the requirements of hijab.
I chose to wear hijab but it is true that in some families and in some cultures women are forced to wear hijab but this is not the norm. The Quran clearly states that there is no compulsion in religion (2:256). Women who choose to wear hijab do not make the decision lightly. In fact many women testify that they faced great animosity from their Muslim or non-Muslim families when they decided to cover. Across the globe there are numerous instances of women having to defend their right to wear the hijab.
Hijab can be a symbol of piety and it can be a sign of great inner strength and fortitude. A woman wearing hijab becomes a very visible sign of Islam. While Muslim men can blend easily into any society, Muslim woman are often put on the line, and forced to defend not only their decision to cover, but also their religion. Nevertheless, women who wear hijab insist that the advantages far outweigh any disadvantage conjured up by media bias or general ignorance.
To end I would like to share a poem with you, which beautifully describe the role of hijab
OBJECT OF DESPAIR
(By Fahim Firfiray)
Emma is a lawyer
And so is Aisha too
Colleagues going into court
At circa half past two
Its 1 O’Clock right now
They grab a bite before the trial
They chat about this and that
Conversing with a smile
Aisha is in full hijab
With a loose all over suit
Emma’s in her business wear
With accessories taboot
Emma’s really quite bemused
At Aisha’s godly ways
She looks Aisha in the eyes
And very firmly says
You’re a smart girl Aisha
Why do you wear that across your hair?
Subjugated by “man”-kind
An object of despair
Take it off my sister
Let your banner be unfurled
Don’t blindly follow all around
DECLARE YOUR FREEDOM TO THE WORLD
Aisha is amazed
But not the least bit shy
She bravely puts her milkshake down
And gives Emma the reply
My dear sister Emma,
Why do you dress the way you do?
The skirt you’re wearing round your waist,
Is it really you?
Now that we’ve sat down
I see you tug it across your thighs,
Do you feel ashamed?
Aware of prying eyes?
I see the way you’re sitting,
Both legs joined at the knees,
Who forces you to sit like that?
Do you feel at ease?
I’ll tell you who obliges you,
To dress the way you do,
Gucci, Klein, and St. Laurent
All have designs on you!
In the main, its men my friend,
Who dictate the whims of fashion,
Generating all the garb,
To incite the basest passion
“Sex Sells” there is no doubt
But who buys with such great haste,
The answer is likes like you,
Because they want to be embraced…
They want to be accepted,
On a level playing field
Sure, with brain and intellect
But with body parts revealed
Intelligence and reason
Are useful by and by
But if you want to make a mark
Stay appealing to the eye
You claim your skirt is office like
A business dress of sorts
Would we not laugh at Tony Blair?
If he turned up in shorts?
His could be the poshest of pants
Pinstripe from Saville Rowe
But walking round like that my friend
He’d really have to go
Why do you douse yourself in creams
To make your skin so milky?
Why do you rip off all your hair
To keep your body silky?
A simple shower’s all you need
To stay respectable and clean
The time and money that you spend
Is really quite obscene
Why do you wake up at dawn,
To apply a firm foundation,
Topped with make up and the like,
In one chaotic combination?
And if you should have to leave the house
Devoid of this routine
Why do you feel insecure
That you should not be seen?
Be free my sister Emma
Escape from your deep mire
Don hijab today my friend
And all Islam’s attire
Avoid all those sickly stares
Or whistles from afar
Walk down the street with dignity
Take pride in who you are
Strength lies in anonymity
Be a shadow in the crowd
Until you speak and interact
When your voice will carry loud
You’re a smart girl Emma
Wear this across your hair
Don’t be subjugated by “man”-kind
An object of despair
To use your very words my friend
Let your banner be unfurled
Don’t blindly follow all around
DECLARE YOUR FREEDOM TO THE WORLD