Islam discussion

i just wanted to know how people feel about the hijab.

In Western countries, it creates an unnecessary sense of division and lack of cohesiveness in the population which is unfortunate. A "we" versus "they" situation. And makes wearers stand out in a crowd.

Even though it is worn as a religious article, the appearance in many cases seems to be to deliberately set themselves apart, a contradiction to me in the modesty that is supposed to be the point. Instead of being modest, it makes the girl/woman stand out, just the opposite of modesty.

Also, I wonder why men aren't required to be responsible for their own passions and have self control, if as I understand it the scarf (and veil) are meant to prevent women from tempting men. Very one sided view of sin.

Having said that, it's a woman's right to wear it if she wants--but not a right of a man to force it to be worn.

Hi MissJessie,

How do you define modesty? Is it not standing out? I think modesty is propriety in speech, dress, or behavior. I don't see how wearing hijab makes a woman improperly dressed.

Islam requires both men and women to take responsibility in guarding their bodies, as well as in controlling their sexual desires. (Al-Qur'an 24:30-31). So it's not one-sided at all.

There is already a thread about hijab here. Some of your points have already been discussed there.

I agree with you that hijab is a woman's right. It saddens me that muslim women in non-muslim countries are not free to wear them, in that they have to face public pressure if they do, or even have hijab banned in some places. It also saddens me that women in some muslim countries are forced to wear them. I'm glad I live in Indonesia where hijab is really a choice and generally don't face public pressure either way.

MissJessie wrote: "In Western countries, it creates an unnecessary sense of division and lack of cohesiveness in the population which is unfortunate. A "we" versus "they" situation. And makes wearers stand out in a crowd."

Would you have the same problem with Buddhist monks wearing their robes? Or Christian priests wearing their cassocks? Or Jewish men wearing their yarmulkes? Or nuns wearing their habits (which covers the body as much as a traditional muslim dress)? Or Indian women wearing sari? They also stand out in a crowd.

You know, I've always thought that Western countries are beacons of freedom that value the right to self-expression. It seems to me you can be nude (in some places), you can wear bikinis not only in beaches but even to American Idol auditions (hehe), you can dress goth, you can dress hippies, you can wear tattoos, you can paint your hair blue and people wouldn't look thrice, but you can't wear a simple headscarf without drawing scrutiny. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

It seems to me this "sense of division and lack of cohesiveness in the population" is not due to the dress but to prejudice against Muslims. I hope I'm wrong in this.

hey femmy i tottaly agree with you.Hijab sure it brings a whole lot of attention.((believe me i would kno))Also,that's the thing about it ,it brings attention 2 u but u have 2 stay strong.Also i understand if women may not want 2 wear it b/c thay feel like character will show whether they are muslim or not-not a headscarf.So-yea that's my opnion.

alhamdulillah and insyAllah, my hijab had saved and will save me..
^_^

Sweetdhee wrote: "alhamdulillah and insyAllah, my hijab had saved and will save me..
^_^"

How can a piece of cloth save you? It's just cloth after all.

"Would you have the same problem with Buddhist monks wearing their robes? Or Christian priests wearing their cassocks? Or Jewish men wearing their yarmulkes? Or nuns wearing their habits (which covers the body as much as a traditional muslim dress)? Or Indian women wearing sari? They also stand out in a crowd."

The only Buddist I have ever known to wear robes is the Dali Lama and his situation is unique. I haven't seen a nun in a habit in years; they have been done away with except in closed convents I believe. Sari's are a beautiful cultural/ethnic outfit rather than religious; I have one myself and am not Indian. The only attention they attract is looks of admiration for their beauty; the opposite of veils I think. I haven't seen any Christian men wearing cassocks ever that I can remember except in a monastery where I stayed last year for a week, and that was a closed, contemplative community.

So I think none of these "costumes" are in the same category as scarves and veils; which seem to me to be mostly to control women's perceived sexual appeal to men and "Keep the woman in her place". I know I could be wrong.

And I don't at all think it should be disallowed. Whatever suits the individual should be what that individual does.

At least around here if you are goth or have blue hair people will give you a stare, and probably not a flattering one. There will be a lot of muttering for sure. Or bikers wearing leathers (a lot of that around here). These are all cultural things, not religious things.

I could wear a bikini to the Walmart if I wanted to, but people sure would stare and have something to say about it!!! And I would get a lot of negative attention. But it isn't illegal or anything. Or I could wear a dress down to the floor, or an Indonesian costume. These are just clothing, none of which are making a religious statement. A statement about intelligence and appropriateness, maybe, but not religious.

I think you may have a point about prejudice against Muslims for sure--I have friends and relatives who are not at all interested in learning anything about non violent Muslims because of the violent ones. I don't know what can be done about that; as long as there is violence, as long as there is the Taliban, etc., people are going to have a problem with the religion.

I try to remember that the violent extremists do not represent the millions of good, decent, common Muslims. When something terrible happens like the shootings at Ft Hood, it becomes more difficult to convince people however.

Unfortunately, the attitudes towards the most conservative Muslim attire, became associated with the most fundamentalist Muslim extremist beliefs and behaviors in the public mind after the Sept 11 terrorist attacks and greater public awareness of the Afghan Taliban treatment of women in Afghanistan (whipping of women for showing an ankle or giggling etc; executing women for leaving abusive husbands etc). The mistrust and negative perception of this separateness, and assumptions that the dress revealed an alien culture with violent, abusive values and agenda was NOT applied to Buddhist or Hindu or other religious minority attire or groups. Prior to Sept 11, I do not recall that much of a problem..in terms of intolerance or bias...... Some people might choose to wear a sari as a form of dress up though not being Hindu and there is no bias against it or what it might signifiy...but I know of no one who would even consider wearing a burqa and no non-Muslim who would adopt a hijab or other Muslim attire to a heterogeneous gathering or on their own . That seems significant somehow.

MissJessie wrote: "Sweetdhee wrote: "alhamdulillah and insyAllah, my hijab had saved and will save me..
^_^"

How can a piece of cloth save you? It's just cloth after all."

To u it's just a piece of cloth but- to her it might mean something more

thanks,Megan! Yup,it's a whole lot more than just a piece of cloth for me..

no prob:)

Ah, got it. No offense intended.

MissJessie wrote: "Ah, got it. No offense intended."


shake MissJessie hands and greet w/ bunch of smiles
^_^

MissJessie wrote: "So I think none of these "costumes" are in the same category as scarves and veils; which seem to me to be mostly to control women's perceived sexual appeal to men and "Keep the woman in her place". I know I could be wrong."

I think they are in the same category because they are all religious clothing. The only difference is exactly what you said--the Western perception that hijab is a way to control women (which is part of the Western prejudice toward Muslims). But this perception is wrong. If Western people can correct this perception, then maybe their attitude toward hijab can change.

MissJessie wrote: "I could wear a bikini to the Walmart if I wanted to, but people sure would stare and have something to say about it!!! And I would get a lot of negative attention. But it isn't illegal or anything. Or I could wear a dress down to the floor, or an Indonesian costume. These are just clothing, none of which are making a religious statement. A statement about intelligence and appropriateness, maybe, but not religious."

Is it wrong or inappropriate to wear something that is making a religious statement? Are people supposed to hide their religious identity in Western countries and keep it at home or in closed communities?

MissJessie wrote: "Sari's are a beautiful cultural/ethnic outfit rather than religious; I have one myself and am not Indian. The only attention they attract is looks of admiration for their beauty; the opposite of veils I think."

I think hijab is beautiful (I may be biased, hehe). If you look at online muslim clothing stores like here and here, you'll see that hijab isn't ugly pieces of clothing. Just because we have to cover ourselves doesn't mean we have to look ugly.

Absolutely not ugly Femmy. I have looked at online muslim clothes and in fact have ordered a caftan.

I don't think Sari's are religious though--just cultural and beautiful.

I agree with Wendy that no non Muslim would voluntarily wear a burka or equivalent though in the Western countries to work or a party or whatever. And it is significant. I think because of the connection with a) terrorism (unfairly but there it is); b) subjugation of women.

This is an interesting discussion for me and I appreciate hearing the different points of view.

MissJessie wrote: "In Western countries, it creates an unnecessary sense of division and lack of cohesiveness in the population which is unfortunate. A "we" versus "they" situation."

Anyway, going back to your first post, MissJessie. I think to achieve unity and cohesiveness in a society, we can't do it through creating an illusion of homogeneity or through assigning religiousness to the private sector. I think true unity can only be achieved through mutual respect and understanding and appreciation with people who seem different. I agree that it is difficult to dispel distrust and the sense of "we" vs "they" situation in this post-9/11 world, but I think it's worth the effort.

MissJessie wrote: "I agree with Wendy that no non Muslim would voluntarily wear a burka or equivalent though in the Western countries to work or a party or whatever. And it is significant. I think because of the connection with a) terrorism (unfairly but there it is); b) subjugation of women."

I think "sexual freedom" in Western countries subjugates women more than the hijab, making them sexual objects. Western women are pressured to look good, to have thin bodies, to have beautiful faces, to get the trendiest haircut, to wear revealing clothes to attract men, even to resort to plastic surgeries to achieve the ideal body image they can't get naturally.

Women who wear hijab are more free because they don't have to worry about sexual objectification.

i am plannin on wearing it next year inshallah!to tell u the truth.....hijab looks cool.....i dont know why ppl make fun of it or dont want 2 wear it

Aliya wrote: "i am plannin on wearing it next year inshallah!to tell u the truth.....hijab looks cool.....i dont know why ppl make fun of it or dont want 2 wear it"

Same here.I really think that hijab highlights ur beauty but at the same time it makes u more modest and humble.

Here, in Indonesia, we have so many outlets, boutiques, and designers, special for moslem women so they can wear it without any hesitation of being not beautiful.

I've just wore it since 4 years ago, and i am very grateful that i take d decision. I wasn't a faithful moslem before, and having hijab on my body (caused hijab means to cover THE BODY, not just hair, right?) i'm being encourage to learn more about Islam. To understand how our beloved Muhammad live and struggled for this faith. To improve my tajwid in reading Al Qur'an (though i still think i'm not making a significant progress ^_^ ).

Having hijab makes me think hundred times when i have any bad intentions. So it is also has function as a reminder for me. Why?
I'm wearing hijab also as my identity as moslem, and we moslem were thought to be good to each other, to think wise, to act great, be maximum, optimise our inner potential. So then, when i do anything good, people will think that Islam had thought me to. And if i do anything bad, people will also think about what had Islam thought me due to my hijab..

This is actually what i mean about why Hijab had and will save me..
Because, it is not just a piece of cloth for me
^_^

Salam!

Assalamu alaikum,
Not quite sure if this group is for Muslims only, but regardless, Allah (swt) has has reveeled in the qur'aan in surah asr: '.... the one who invites others to islam and practices patience whilst doing this'.
Just as an advice for the one who is giving it and the one who is recieving, as Muslims we have two sources which guides us in our everyday lives (the qur'aan and the sunnah). Hence the Prophet (saw) has ordered us that 'when we differ in any matter, refer to his sunnah'; therefore let him(saw)be the final judge of what two disagree about. After all there is no doubt that he(saw) does not speak out of his own desire or inclination.
Furthermore in the qur'aan there's a verse, which should really strike a cord in every Muslim 'We have heard and we have obeyed'.
Therefore we should not say things according to our desire and opinions. After all 'who are we to ignore the criterion of the one who created us and to Him (swt) we belong (therefore we will be acountable to Him (swt).
Hijab is an obligation for every Muslim girl when she reaches the age of puberty: 'O, Muhammad (saw) tell your believing men and women to lower their gaze. Tell the believing women to cover her bossom....'.
There is wisdom in everything that Allah (swt) has commanded us to do and stay awa from. That's having taqwaa'Allah.
Inshaa'Allah a Muslim is different from a Non-Muslim, just like a knowledgeable man is different from one who is not that knowledgeable.
Muslim girls should be proud of who they are and realise that wearing the hijab isn't something that is imposed on us, however one should seek the pleasure of Allah (swt), not for the Prophet(saw), not the society, not parents.
Islam is not a tradition, or an exclusive club, but it is a way of life, through which you submit yourself (will, desire, opinions, and evrything) to Allah (swt).
This is not being extreme of being a fundamentalist, its adherence to the order of Allah (swt) and the sunnah of the Prophet (saw).
Inshaa'Allah this has been profitable for you and me also.

Jaazakamullahu khayr.

I just wanted to thank all the women for posting questions and answers on this thread. It has been really beneficial-- especially Saabira's comment. For me, there are 2 levels to hijab: one is personal, and a second is socio-political.

The hijab is more than a ritual, or an accessory. It is something that serves as a reminder of my Muslim identity. It is obligatory in Islam to wear the hijab but to arrive at the decision to wear the hijab is different for different women. I started wearing hijab my senior year in college, and it was a decision that made me feel empowered. I was a philosophy major in college, and I felt like my comments and ideas in class were coming from my identity as a Muslim-American woman. Wearing the hijab made me feel honest, and gave me clarity. I felt that my actions, behaviors were finally in sync with who I was. I love when people come up to me and ask me, why do you wear it?

On the socio-political level, I feel like wearing the hijab protects me from material consumption in general. In American culture, women are often reduced to their body parts. You feel as beautiful as you look. Ads have the message: less (clothes) = sexy. However, my beauty is not for popular consumption. I don't find exposing my body (whether its cleavage, legs, or hair) part of my beauty. I love my body and don't want other people to tell me what it should look like--which is what cosmetic surgery is all about. I don't seek the attention of the male gaze. There is a wonderful book called The Body Project: An Intimate History of American Girls that describes materialism and the advertising industry as it relates to women's body image in America. My body is NOT a billboard for advertising. I feel like dressing modestly, choosing to cover my hair and my chest, allows me to counter popular culture which demands that I display as much of myself as I can. I choose to dress in a way that coincides with my values, not the values of the advertising industry.

Sadia wrote: "I just wanted to thank all the women for posting questions and answers on this thread. It has been really beneficial-- especially Saabira's comment. For me, there are 2 levels to hijab: one is pers..."

true dat;)

Hijab is an Islamic religious obligation,wearing it shows compliance with a religious duty.The woman wearing the "correct" hijab does not attract attention,it protects women from being seen as an "object",and it protect men from being "attracted".The Family and the Couple are a sacred institution in Islam (like they used to be in other religions).In the west,medias and businesses are using women body to sell goods and services, encouraging hence a free and permissive society.

I respect my sisters who wear Hijab, especially when it's not easy to wear it without judgment. I, myself, do not yet wear hijab because it is a life-long commitment not to be taken lightly.

I will take the hijab on, in my own time.

Amanda wrote: "...it is a life-long commitment not to be taken lightly. "

This is so true! Many people in Western society insist on viewing the hijab as a symbol of oppression, based on some parts of the Muslim world that impose hijab on women.

But in many Muslim countries, hijab is a choice. And the decision to wear it usually involves a long process of thinking and evaluation about your beliefs.

There is a book in Indonesian language called Jilbab Pertamaku (My First Hijab), in which Muslim women share their experiences in wearing hijab for the first time.

Femmy wrote: "Amanda wrote: "...it is a life-long commitment not to be taken lightly. "

This is so true! Many people in Western society insist on viewing the hijab as a symbol of oppression, based on some part..."

Is that book also in English??? It looks very interesting!

Amanda wrote: "Is that book also in English??? It looks very interesting!"

Unfortunately, there's no English edition of this book! It's only available in Indonesian language.

It's true. It's very difficult when you wear the hijab in a western society.but then people love you for who you are and your personality not for anything else. P.S. I also wear the hijab. It feels good to be a bit different from anyone else.

Safa wrote: "It's true. It's very difficult when you wear the hijab in a western society.but then people love you for who you are and your personality not for anything else. P.S. I also wear the hijab. It feels..."

i totally agree with you. i started wearing the hijab 4/5 months ago and ive noticed that people started respecting me more. of course there there will always be some people who just want 2 bring you down by saying offensive things, but we have to be strong Muslims and not let their words get to us. i believe that wearing hijab has made me a stonger person

I agree with you too Aliya. Plus, even though I don't know you, I am very glad that you are wearing the hijab.

i think the real hijab is your amount of modesty and chastity through your actions, rather than physically. i don't cover myself up, but i don't go around dressing like a ho either. i carry myself in a respectful manner and while i'm pretty outgoing and not shy, i don't degrade myself by acting low. i think that makes a bigger impact, personally, and that's what matters more. because you can be fully covered and be totally bad and do really cheap things. i feel like that's wrong, because when you put the hijab on, you need to take on that responsibility to not do anything that would tarnish not only your rep, but also the muslim's reputation as a whole. i think that if you can't accept that job, then you should just start slowly and work your way up to hijab.
i don't wear one, but i would like to one day. im not afraid of bullying or anything like that, but i dont think i can tone down my somewhat-wild-teenage behavior completely and give the hijab the true respect it deserves. i really admire the people who wear it though, and uphold it, because they have such strong faiths and are definately not looked down on in society, despite what most people think.

Esme wrote: "i think the real hijab is your amount of modesty and chastity through your actions, rather than physically. i don't cover myself up, but i don't go around dressing like a ho either. i carry myself ..."

Hi Esme. I agree with what you said in message #35. But I'd like to make some comments.

I think Islam is a religion of balance. For example, Islam put equal emphasis on your relationship with God and with fellow men (habluminallah and habluminannaas).

I think this is also the case with hijab. The physical hijab (the clothing) and the spiritual hijab (your actions) are equally important and can reinforce each other. When you wear the hijab, you have extra motivation to guard your actions. Similarly, when you have modesty in your heart and actions, you will naturally want to dress modestly, and hopefully in line with the guidelines of Islam.

Esme wrote: "i think the real hijab is your amount of modesty and chastity through your actions, rather than physically. i don't cover myself up, but i don't go around dressing like a ho either. i carry myself ..."

Hi Esme, very heartening to hear a girl like you who converted to being a Muslim in your late teens speaking so articulately about Islam. you must have had to combat a lot of social pressure to get where you are today and I hope Allah will bless you with more and more strength in your path to Him.

I think the Hijab, for females as well as for males, takes courage to adopt and its the ultimate public statement you can make about your religious beliefs especially if you are living in and have to work with a community of people who are not Muslims.

A lot of pressure exists against the Hijab and i know that this is harder especially for girls to adopt. However people i know have always found that wearing the hijab gets easier when u actually make the decision to do so, betraying the fact that Allah makes it easy for you when u take a step towards Him. I'v noticed that a lot of people wait until they are 'ready' to wear it, until their faith has come to such a level that they feel compelled to do so. And i think that this is the way it should be, there is no compulsion in religion as Islam says.

I think Islam has two perspectives when it comes to the Hijab. The overall societal perspective and the personal one. The personal one is a matter of personal choice. But the overall perspective perhaps demands that society as a whole maintains its modesty to prevent the spread of social ills, and this begs the question as to whether a dress code should be imposed on all members of a Muslim Community or not. any thoughts?

Femmy wrote: "Esme wrote: "i think the real hijab is your amount of modesty and chastity through your actions, rather than physically. i don't cover myself up, but i don't go around dressing like a ho either. i ..."

yea, i kinda get what you're saying about the whole balance thing. but i dont think the term modesty implies that you have to cover your whole body. i mean, ive changed my dress code since i became muslim, like i dont wear tiny shorts or super low cut shirts now, but im not in complete physical hijab.
im not really sure if that's wrong or not, because every website or person ive consulted is pretty biased and hasn't just given me a straight up answer if im doing haraam by not wearing it.
its confusing for me, but im just all for tryin my best.

Halik wrote: "Esme wrote: "i think the real hijab is your amount of modesty and chastity through your actions, rather than physically. i don't cover myself up, but i don't go around dressing like a ho either. i ..."

i see what you're saying, in a way. i do think that society overall should maintain some modesty in their dress code, but i really dont think any country should make this like a 'requirement' or if you dont cover your hair, you'll get looked down on. i mean, its the personal decision in the end that matters, no one else is going in teh grave with you. its kind of like christianity, with the whole social sin (random to bring it up in an islam group, but im kind of multitaskin my faith hw right now. i doubt we're going to be blamed as a whole by God if some people turn out like hoes and every society intodays time has to have some bad in it. so i think it should just be left alone, because pressure will make people cover without truly getting all the benefits they gain from doing it voluntarily.
im talking in circles here, aren't i?

couldn't agree more, Saad
^_^

Saad wrote: "join a muslim youth forum :)"

We have gone from Hijabs to boyfriends...

Well, back to the topic...at work, uni and other places I noticed that those sisters who observe the hijab modestly (and also behave modestly) are treated with a degree a respect (by muslims and non-muslims alike) that others who not behave as modestly are shown...

Hijab is the best thing for your inside and out!
Hijab is my best "statement piece". :)

Okay so first off, the hijaab is so swag. No one messes around with it Kay. I love the hijaab and I agree with Ahmed of how people mis- treat it. I've been wearing the hijaab since I was a little girl and now, I feel like it's a part of my body( is that cool or what:D). Gosh, I seriously don't understand people. Why the he'll do you care if I wear it or not? And believe me, I get it alot. I live in Canada and even though it is a free country, people still stare and talk crap. To my face.

I wear the veil too now and seriously you need the confidence for it. I'm the kind out girl like you can call me ugly to my face and I'm like sorry, did you say something? You really need that if your an out going person. People are so judgemental. Like recently I was at sears when this blonde lady turns around And to MY face say ohhh shit. That hurt so bad. I mean I've heard worst but idk that really stung. Ohh I was on the urge to sayy ohh shit your own fat O'l lady but I didn't. When it comes to this, I try to ignore it or I think who am I kidding. The prophet went worse then me and I'm letting worthless words bother me? So I show sincere kindness to the person. Isn't guilt beautiful? lol. What I just don't understand is why the hell do people care. I mean helloo, my body my choice. So what if we cover ourself, do we go calling all the half- naked people out their sluts. I mean of course, it's totallyy okay you walk around naked but covering myself is omg right?

Lemme tell you to all those people have a problem with the hijaab, from the behalf of the muslimahs'. Everything that is precious wears a veil. The whole earth wears a veil, fruits wear a natural veil. A sheild is kept within the sheath and a pen without it's cover will dry. You can't eat apple without it's cover and a banana without it's crust will turn black.
Us Muslimahs, we are precious. Were like a pearl in a shell deep down in the ocean. And only someone worthwhile will find us. Were not stupid or ugly. There's nothing wrong with conceling your beauty. Oh unless you're used to men looking at you as if they want you in their bed.

For the boyfriend topic, this is my opinion. I mean there were times when I wished I had said yes but I can be patient. I mean, if I want a boyfriend, I'd want him to want me, not my body. When I wear the veil/ hijaab and I'm covered, if a guy were to ask me out I'd know that he wants me. But if I wear a mini skirt and the guy goes for that, what makes you think that he won't go after a girl whose legs show more? I'm just sayin you know, that's my opinion.

Ohhh and just to add:

A guy asked a Muslim: Why do ur girls cover up their body & hair ?The Muslim guy smiled & got two sweets, he opened the first one and kept the other one closed . He threw them both on the dusty floor & asked the guy: If I asked u to take one of the sweets which one u will choose? The Man replied :The covered one .The Muslim said: that's how we treat and see our women Pass it if u're PROUD TO BE A MUSLIM...

Shahira wrote: "Ohhh and just to add:

A guy asked a Muslim: Why do ur girls cover up their body & hair ?The Muslim guy smiled & got two sweets, he opened the first one and kept the other one closed . He threw the..."

Shahira wrote: "Ohhh and just to add:

A guy asked a Muslim: Why do ur girls cover up their body & hair ?The Muslim guy smiled & got two sweets, he opened the first one and kept the other one closed . He threw the..."

Subhaanallah shahira

It is too good for he non muslims to handle ,i read this one out loud with ur name to my family and the only word they spoke after is the one i wrote above subhaanallah.

May Allah theAlmighty help us strenghten our imaan and help people like u, to covey the message this beautifull.

i wear the hijab and an abayah and people think its weird. but they don't think its weird the way they dress? i personally think they should be ashamed, wearing what they do and walking around half-naked.

I wear the hijjab and I'm proud. I even go to a public school, full of Hindus, Christians, Bhuddists etc. But I am not insulted by wearing the hijjab. I am the only one of my friends, my class, who wear the hijjab and no body dares insults it.
Heres a story I read:

A British man once asked a sheikh: Why can't muslim women shake hands with men?

The sheikh replied, Can you shake hands with queen Elizabeth?

The man replied "No of course not. Only certain people can do that."

The sheikh answered, "That is how we treat our women."

The man then asked, "Why do muslim women cover themselves up?"

The sheikh then took out 2 chocolates from his pocket. He took the wrapper off of one and the other one still had the wrapper on. The sheikh threw them both on the ground. "If you were to choose one chocolate, which one would you choose?"

The Man replied, "Of course the one with the wrapper."

"That is how we treat our women" The sheikh replied

hijab is not just a piece of cloth, it's my protector.

I feel safe when I wear it, and I proud that I'm wear it because Allah ordered that in Quran and I Responded to his order.

My hijab is the source of pride to me.

Anyone read Mohja Kahf's The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf? Or any of her other work? So good. I highly recommend it.

Anyway, my feelings on hijab: I think hijab should make the wearer aware that being a woman in society is a complicated deal and that in the end, Allah knows best.

I haven't read all 60 comments on here yet but after reading a few, I'd like to say that hijab shouldn't make you a hateful person. It's a good thing to do but if you look down on people who don't or resent people who don't understand why you do, then it's not making you a good person, so what's the point?

I've both been on both sides. As a hijabi, I played soccer on my high school team, I was my senior class president, some of my best friends were (still are) guys. Hijab makes me more outgoing and makes me feel like the people I'm interacting with have good intentions, allowing me to do those things.

For awhile, I decided to stop wearing it and see what that would be like. Showing your hair is mukruh, not haraam. Anyway, there are women far more pious than me who don't cover their hair.

After only a short while, I started wearing hats around. It's not that i was uncomfortable with how my hair looked or thought I looked bad. Even wearing modest clothing, I was getting attention for reasons I didn't want it. When I got a job in which I would be highly visible to the public, I donned hijab for it. I still don't wear it everywhere, though. Maybe eventually I will and maybe I won't.

I don't believe anything anyone says about wrapped sweets (sorry) or pearls or like anyone's doing me a favor by putting me on a pedestal (queens are just figureheads btw). I don't need that. What I do need is to trust the people around me. I need to feel like I can be myself without causing sexual tension. Sexual tension is just not something I want to deal with. I have more important things to worry about. So hijab is definitely not an invitation for Muslim brothers to believe I am saving myself for their attention only or like they have some special right or responsibility to me.

Allah protects a woman in hijab, meaning she doesn't need a man to accompany her, she just needs her hijab because Allah knows better than any man.

MissJessie wrote: "In Western countries, it creates an unnecessary sense of division and lack of cohesiveness in the population which is unfortunate. A "we" versus "they" situation. And makes wearers stand out in a c..."

you make a good point about the men in western countries not covering up. beards are a step toward them covering up. but in conservative countries, men AND women cover themselves. why is it men are less likely to than women in western countries? that would be an interesting question, too.