“But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved.” Corinthians 11:5
“For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head.” Corinthians 11:6
“O Prophet! Say to your wives, your daughters, and the women of the believers that: they should let down upon themselves their jalabib.” Quran 33:59.
- Jalabib جَلاَبِيْبٌ is the plural of jilbabجِلْبَابٌ , which means a loose outer garment.
Let’s have a chat about a 200x80cm (dimensions may vary) piece of fabric used by millions of woman across the globe to cover the hair. It seems this cloth still has many people in quite a stir, both Muslim and non-muslim alike. Lets understand something really important when it comes to hijab, there’s a multitude of reasons why a Muslim woman chooses too or not too observe head covering, like all things in life, this is her right and her choice.
Choice! Why do people find this so hard to believe when they look at a covered Muslim woman? Why are there still so many out there who believe that head covering is a sign of oppression, a garment forced upon females by their fathers or husbands?
Yes, no doubt this has been a reality for many, sadly this notion didn’t just come out of thin air. Just like there exists in the world so called “Christians” who behave or act very un-Christian like, there too are MANY “Muslims” who are the furthest thing from conducting themselves in an “Islamic” manner.
Why not ask a successful, young single woman what made her decide to wear a head scarf? Or the new convert to the faith uninfluenced by the male figures of her family. Why not #askahijabi?
For some, head covering is simply a cultural practice, apart of their national dress and customs? In some of these places men walk around wearing dress – like gowns (thawb, dishdasha, kandura or jalibbiyah) does this offend the same people the head scarf offends. I dare you to get your knickers in a knot while walking through customs in most gulf nation airports.
And finally for many others, the scarf is a symbol of their religiosity. A request and a service to God. A woman’s decision to be valued and identified by her relationship with her Lord first and foremost. Not to be looked upon as a sexual object, or a lesser creation to man, not to be viewed as a servant or slave to her husband or father, but to simply be recognized for her faith, heart and intellect before all else.
I rushed to the net to find these so called “oppressed hijabis”, and guess what… I found not one. What I did find instead were brave, confident, powerful voices, inspiring, intelligent and fearless woman. Strong and honest woman. Sisters who have helped me personally to change and form my own new opinions, thoughts and views on this incredibly powerful piece of material.
“Every hijabi can tell you — sometimes the mere existence of this cloth in a room can leave the air, thick, and the mood, tense. For some, this reality is too heavy to carry. For me, I think I almost crave it. To know my modesty carries such clout and power is simply glorious. My hijab is my companion. A constant reminder of something outside of the immediate, the now.” The Aristochick, source The Aristochick.
“My hijab has never been something to block off opportunities; on the contrary, if anything, my hijab has opened many doors for me, and a part of that has been my recent experience at NYFW.” Mademoiselle Meme, source; Exploring Muslim Influencers Around The World: Mademoiselle Meme
“You choose to do the things that matter to you, and it mattered to me that I wore this. Ran track with this hijab on and I hated it but I was proud. Every place I’ve worked, I’ve felt so conscious of myself because I know I stand out, I know I represent something so much bigger than myself, and I know I am of an immigrant generation that will pave the way for thousands forward. I get scared of failing. And that’s more than enough of a reason to stand tall.” Noha Sahnoune, source Noha Sahnoune
“Do you like wearing the scarf on your head? Well I mean there are days that I like wearing it on my head, but in general… in the bigger picture I don’t think I do like it, no… And there’s going to be loads of people saying ‘well then just take it off make life easier’ but No, I’m not going to take it off; I’ve been wearing it since I was 12……I know this is literally what God wants!…I keep it on…, because of God.” Dina Tokio – Why I wear Hijab (The truth) – youtubevideo – Dina Tokio
So I end it here with simply asking you to #askahijabi.
Serotonin Syndrome 