Why I Wear Hijab? 10 Reflections from a Woman Who is Proud about it!
Usually, I don't
write on personal topics on LinkedIn, but since many people in diverse
workplaces and communities asked me about it, and also some of you have met
women who wear it, I thought I can share my own perspective that other women
could relate to!
1- It’s first and
foremost part of my faith. In my belief, it’s an act of pleasing God. As such,
any point below is subordinate.
2- It’s not just a
piece of fabric worn on the head (besides that the whole outfit should be
modest), but it’s also a whole attitude and mentality. It applies to the way I
behave or interact with others, and it promotes a bashful lifestyle.
3- It does not mean
that I see myself more pious or better than any other woman who doesn’t wear
it. Yes, appearances do matter, however, it’s not right to build our perception
of others on their mere appearance. This religion teaches us that these
calculations and the conclusion people make to determine other's value based on
their outward good or bad deeds is the duty of God only, and not His creation.
And that nobody knows what’s between someone and God, but God Himself.
4- It’s an act of
rebellion against women objectification. It’s an explicit statement of my
faith, that constitutes an integral part of my personality. Though this
shouldn't be needed from all women, but forced by reality, it’s an assurance
that for me, growing professionally has nothing to do with how I look, nor do I
attempt to sacrifice my modesty to gain professional validation.
5- It’s a mean of
challenging modern standards of beauty. Beauty could be in the hidden, not the
shown, and less is more.
6- No, I don’t wear
it under the shower, nor when I am sleeping. And yes, it’s fine for you to ask
all these questions for the sake of breaking misconceptions and bridging communication
gaps. But No, my parents didn’t force me to wear it, nor I think it’s too late
for me to take it off because my local society is harsh, which is unfortunately
the case for some women, but I willingly, whole-heartedly choose to. Forget
about me, many amazing women who made it to the top, have made this clear.
7- Not being modest
doesn’t justify the idea of “men can’t control themselves”. Women’s clothes,
even if exposing, is not an element of justification of the crimes committed
against them. In the Quran, the purpose behind the command of God for women to
dress modestly is clear, it’s of their own protection (33:59) {...That is more
suitable that they will be known and not be abused ...}. Because we live in
real world, not a utopian version. This strongly means that women are
encouraged to be modest, yet all should work towards improving society and fix
this “world” where there are unfortunately men with sick hearts. If a man
abuses a women, regardless of what she’s wearing, he is a sinner. If the woman
you abuse was wearing a short-skirt or whatever, that doesn’t make you a
less-sinner!
8- I’m a human, this
means I normally make mistakes, and wearing Hijab doesn’t mean I’m a saint. I’m
not infallible, and it’s not too much for me to make a mistake. Hijab is like
any other good deed, but it’s an outward one, where it’s an obvious declaration
that expresses my belief. This apparent nature of Hijab makes it a
responsibility, though this could be tough as much more is expected from us.
It's challenging. If you're a man, or woman, who attempts to judge a woman who
doesn’t wear it, remember your wrongdoings that God hidden so people won’t know
about, and shush!
9- It’s not always
perfect. You will also find a variety of shapes and colors of Hijab. This is because
the interpretation might adapt to different factors, depending on the
geographical area, culture or environment, but the theme is one, being modest
and covering up.
10- I know it won’t
offer me 100% protection, of course. I also know that many girls got abused
regardless of what they were wearing. But I won’t be apologetic and won’t buy
the preposterous allegations that say it doesn’t make a difference. Logic and
reality say that modesty is undoubtedly (more suitable, better, could help)
protect and honor women.
Having that said,
one should also believe that it’s a priority to work on healing society from
stereotyping, judging, and abusing. It’s a must to raise men that respect all
women.
I ask Allah for
acceptance and thabat, steadfastness.