Hijab Hysteria
Let me mention something about myself. I don't wear hijab. I know.. duh. But what you may not know is that I do not wear it because I do not believe in it. Before getting into why I don't believe in hijab, I want to take a moment to talk about why I think it's important to be able to discuss this controversial subject.
Months ago, I was approached by the webmaster of a really nice Islamic website to talk about why I don't believe in hijab. The website was conducting a "hijab project," which was soliciting stories from Muslim women explaining why they do or do not wear hijab. So I submitted a brief explanation about why I don't wear it, and they posted it on the website. Shortly thereafter it was taken down. Apparently, this brother was overwhelmingly harassed by Muslims who were outraged that he would post something (even though it was from someone else) that wasn't 100% supportive of hijab (even though the project guidelines stated that there would be stories from sisters who do and DO NOT wear hijab).
Since I converted to Islam years ago, I've found that out of all the problems that exist in the Muslim world, the one issue that seems to rile us up the most is that of hijab. Take, for instance, Oprah's TV special on understanding Islam. When one audience member innocently and legitimately asked if it was ok for Muslim women to remove their hijab if they felt it made them targets of violence after 9/11, Muslims angrily wrote letters and Oprah was forced to apologize.
These two incidents say a lot about us as a community. Are we not capable of civilized discussion? Are we not even allowed to talk about certain subjects?
I would argue that it's important to be able to talk about this subject, for a couple of reasons. First, I'm not so arrogant to believe that I understand Islam so much better than everyone else, that I am right and all the Muslims who cover are wrong. I simply see no strong evidence supporting a mandate on hijab. Maybe there's something I missed. If I'm not able to talk about this without being chastised, shamed or insulted, I'll never find out, will I?
Secondly, this is a religion for people who think. This is something that led me to Islam, that the Qur'an is clearly asking us to be purposeful in our faith, and not just blind followers. I was raised Catholic, and I didn't buy into a lot of the stuff that was taught to me growing up. I'm not about to suddenly pretend I believe something I don't--not now, not after converting to Islam, which was one of the most difficult things I've ever done. If I don't believe that Allah is telling me to cover my hair, I need to honor that and not cave in to community pressure just so I can have "Muslim street cred."
Enough about that. I'll get into why I don't believe in hijab in a later post. But just to be clear, this isn't a criticism of people who believe in hijab, so please don't (miss the whole point of this post and) yell at me in the comments! I simply think we should be able to talk about it.
Months ago, I was approached by the webmaster of a really nice Islamic website to talk about why I don't believe in hijab. The website was conducting a "hijab project," which was soliciting stories from Muslim women explaining why they do or do not wear hijab. So I submitted a brief explanation about why I don't wear it, and they posted it on the website. Shortly thereafter it was taken down. Apparently, this brother was overwhelmingly harassed by Muslims who were outraged that he would post something (even though it was from someone else) that wasn't 100% supportive of hijab (even though the project guidelines stated that there would be stories from sisters who do and DO NOT wear hijab).
Since I converted to Islam years ago, I've found that out of all the problems that exist in the Muslim world, the one issue that seems to rile us up the most is that of hijab. Take, for instance, Oprah's TV special on understanding Islam. When one audience member innocently and legitimately asked if it was ok for Muslim women to remove their hijab if they felt it made them targets of violence after 9/11, Muslims angrily wrote letters and Oprah was forced to apologize.
These two incidents say a lot about us as a community. Are we not capable of civilized discussion? Are we not even allowed to talk about certain subjects?
I would argue that it's important to be able to talk about this subject, for a couple of reasons. First, I'm not so arrogant to believe that I understand Islam so much better than everyone else, that I am right and all the Muslims who cover are wrong. I simply see no strong evidence supporting a mandate on hijab. Maybe there's something I missed. If I'm not able to talk about this without being chastised, shamed or insulted, I'll never find out, will I?
Secondly, this is a religion for people who think. This is something that led me to Islam, that the Qur'an is clearly asking us to be purposeful in our faith, and not just blind followers. I was raised Catholic, and I didn't buy into a lot of the stuff that was taught to me growing up. I'm not about to suddenly pretend I believe something I don't--not now, not after converting to Islam, which was one of the most difficult things I've ever done. If I don't believe that Allah is telling me to cover my hair, I need to honor that and not cave in to community pressure just so I can have "Muslim street cred."
Enough about that. I'll get into why I don't believe in hijab in a later post. But just to be clear, this isn't a criticism of people who believe in hijab, so please don't (miss the whole point of this post and) yell at me in the comments! I simply think we should be able to talk about it.
posted by purvis at 10:52 PM
12 Comments:
Hmmm. OK. have you ever tried to wear hijab? it's not so bad!
If anything it gives me identity. Everyone I know, automatically knows I am muslim and I try to provide a good example of how a muslim woman should carry herself. I think I have enlightened a lot of non-muslims as to what it really means to be muslim.
Secondly, wearing hijab is my constant reminder that I need to be a good person. To most, this is completely ridiculous, but for me, it is not. It prevents me from doing things I would probably otherwise do if I did not have it. I remember, wait, this is not something a 'hijabi' would do.. again, i know it seems stupid, but for me it is not...it really does protect me!
By the way, I know exactly why you do not believe hijab is mandatory. In fact, at one time I believed the same thing...whether or not there is definite evidence that it is mandated, well, I am not going to get into a debate based on Islamic literature, as I have no formal training. All I know is that there are many benefits to wearing hijab, and I love it! Personally, I have absolutely no problem with any woman who chooses to or chooses not to, and I feel that sometimes there is too much emphasis on whether or not someone wears it-- its really not that big of a deal. Also, one should NEVER DO ANYTHING because of community pressure, because than you will not be doing something for the sake of Allah, but for the sake of others, and to me, that is worse than wearing it! All I am saying is maybe you should try it and perhaps you will also find that the hijab is beautiful!
Dear Sister Susy,
First of all, thanks so much for your comment. To answer your question, yes, I have worn hijab. I wore it for 1.5 years 100% of the time (before and well after 9/11). My reasons for not wearing hijab--as I will get into in another post shortly--have to do purely with whether or not it is mandated in Islamic literature. I don't think the reasons you gave for wearing hijab are stupid. I know that women who wear it get a lot from it, Alhamdulillah. But people can have very good reasons for wearing it and very good reasons for not wearing it. Anybody can argue this way about anything--that's why we have so many lawyers, LOL! In the end, it's only what Allah has mandated that matters, and I am simply not convinced that Allah has mandated hijab.. at least I'm not convinced yet.
salams purvis,
I also agree and think that we should be able to talk about anything
and also i hate when people try to portray the ummah in America as all hijabis
A lot of our sincere and successful Muslim women do not don the hijab and we need to have more honest portrayals and discussions.
One thing I did learn about the discussion of the mandatoryness of hijab and Islamic mandates in general is that there is a lot more than that meets the eye. My study into the topic is far from over and it started more than 3 years ago!
Keep seeking knowledge!
Asslam Allaikum Sister Khadija,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. I agree--there is always so much more than meets the eye about Islam, and we can never stop learning.
Salam Purvis, how are ya'? Good, I hope!:)
You know sis, I do NOT wear the Hijab either and just like you, I also believe that there are many things that Allah has NOT specifically mandated in Islamic literature (ie...The Qur'an) upon us humans. I also believe, just like you do, that hijab is quite controversial and especially among the Muslim communities.
But, I also do believe, Islam, in general, is a religion based on common sense and to use that common sense in your every day life. For me, I 100% believe in Hijab and Insha'Allah, I pray that one day Allah will grant me "Hidaya" to actually put it on. To me, it's not about pleasing anyone but God. I am always hoping that Allah will have mercy upon me because I do NOT have it on.
Now, if you were to ask me why do I believe in Hijab??? Very simply I will tell you and perhaps I am wrong or so-called "extremists" might find what I say absolutely absurd but here it is anyway.
Basically, a woman's hair is considered a beautiful asset and it does grab a lot of attention. I see it in front of me how men look at women or how as a woman walks buy a guy, her hair is the first thing to grab his attention.
Secondly, it is NOT only about covering the hair alone. I also believe that when a woman puts on her Hijab, which obviously means "covering", she should also be cautious of covering her figure which is also considered a beautiful asset of a woman and one that gets attention as well. This unfortunately is NOT the case, as I have previously posted in my blog regarding "Modesty and Islam".
I even mentioned on my post that I do not wear Hijab yet I always have my hair up and I wear very loose clothing. But then, you look at also attitude. Modesty in that as well.
Honestly, it is, like I said, a very very controversial topic which is why I believe that the Hijab itself, should be the sole "choice" of the woman alone. It is between her and God and no one else. It should never be forced.
To me, I feel that now a days especially, it is more so about comfort and culture rather than it a religious obligatioin to serve Allah. Which is when Insha'Allah, I put it on, not only will it be because I 100% believe in it but also I will be 100% convinced in putting it on so that I never ever take it off.......:)
Salaam Manal!
Thanks so much for your kind response. It's so nice to hear from you!
I hope that in time Allah gives you the strength to wear hijab full-time and never take it off, as I can see you believe in it strongly and intend to do it for the sake of Allah, Alhamdulillah.
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu my dearest sister Purvis,
I believe and have always believed that hijab (dressing modestly including covering the hair) was an obligation for all Muslim women, so it's all so interesting to see how others look/understand things.
I wear hijab including the face veil (niqab). I'll tell you why.. just so you can maybe see it from my perspective. My intention is to please Allah before anything. It's in the Qur'an that we should follow what the Qur'an says and the Sunnah (everything the Prophet *salAllahu alayhi wa-salaam* taught us). Now apart from the Qur'anic text which (I believe) states we should cover, the Prophet's wives used you wear the veil. So although women can't follow everything the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa-salaam) did, like grown a beard!..we can follow what his wives did.
This is why I wear it, and alhumduliLlah there has been so much good (for me personally) that has come out of it. I look forward to reading about your reasons.
May Allah guide us all to do what please Him the most. Ameen.
Wa'alaykum as-salaam
Love Farhana
Wallaikum Salaam Farhana,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. I have a lot of respect for sisters who do believe in hijab and "walk the walk" so to speak. You are so sincere, and I can feel that coming through in your words. Thank you so much for sharing.
I wear hijab, I love to do so and I feel it brings a lot of benefits, but I wear it because I believe it is an obligation from Allah, and if Allah has asked my to do something and I am able to then Alhamdulilah.
However, I do worry that the many sisters who don't wear hijab are being silenced in the name of "supporting the hijab".
ASA Safiya,
Thank you sister. I'm so glad to see there are people out there able to discuss the issue of hijab in a civilized manner.
Asalaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu,
Dearest Purv,
Well I am pretty sure you know how I feel on this topic but here goes:
I believe in hijab and I wear it to please Allah. I would not say I have always liked wearing hijab because that would be a lie but all in all I do find pleasure in the humility it brings to me and sometimes others who come in contact with me. I think that when certain muslimahs wear hijab it is awesome dawah.
Hijab will always be a controversial topic because people can be so passionate about what ultimately boils down to one exercising her free will to either wear or not wear hijab. It amazes me when I see people react with so much hostility regarding hijab either for it or against it. Whatever one does one should do it fisabilillah/for the sake of Allah not for the sake of your Bilal, Aminah or Marilyn ;).
ma'a salaamah,
ha
Salaam waleykum.
You kick ass. Thanks for this post. OFten, in the blogosphere (especially the Muslim parts), bihejabis are made to feel like we're not "Really" muslim or we're just "Bad" muslims, even though a majority of us don't wear hejab for the same reason you don't: our belief that it's not mandatory. Mashallah for this great post.
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