My thoughts on hijab

Salaam alaikum,

I'm finally giving in and talking about the topic that is pretty much mandatory to discuss at some point or another in Muslim womens' blogs: hijab. For the sake of clarity, when I say "hijab" in this article I will be referring to the whole concept of modesty, inner and outer. The headscarf will be called a "khimar" and the outer garment will be called "jilbab" (whether this is in the form of an abaya, a long coat, a chador, a pardesu, a long skirt, a long shirt or dress over pants, etc.).

I personally love wearing hijab. I love knowing that I am following a commandment of ALLAH, and Alhamdulillah it has not been much of a struggle for me. Also, I think I look a lot prettier wearing a khimar and jilbab than without, if I do say so myself. :)

I believe that hijab is required of Muslim women, but I also believe that, going along with the "no compulsion in religion" verse in the Qur'an, hijab must not be forced on women. If you're not going to wear it for yourself (and, more importantly, for ALLAH) and are only wearing it because someone is telling you you have to, why wear it at all?

Insha'Allah, I would like to try and wear niqab someday. I am of the opinion that it is highly recommended, but not obligatory (whereas I believe wearing a khimar and jilbab is obligatory). I don't think it would be a feasible idea now since I'm in college, but Insha'Allah I'll buy a niqab and try wearing it around Boston (where I go to school) one of these days.

One of the main reasons why women say that wearing hijab is obligatory is to protect themselves against men staring at them and to not tempt men. This, to me, is perfectly reasonable and understandable. Believe me, I've had plenty of creepy guys cat-call at me and do jerky things, and I've noticed that these incidents have decreased since I started observing hijab. However, I sometimes feel annoyed when some women keep emphasizing the point about how we need to cover ourselves because of men. I think we need to give men some credit; sure, there are some pervs out there that will get turned on by anything, but there are waaaay more men who have self-control. It seems like these women assume that all men are out to degrade them, and that if they don't wear hijab then they'll definitely be harassed or worse (Audhubillah, ALLAH protect us). Again, I don't think this is true. In my opinion, I wear hijab primarily because it is what ALLAH wants for me, and I feel peace in the satisfaction I get in knowing that I am doing this for ALLAH. I also wear it because it lets the whole world know that I am a Muslim (I think it says in the Qur'an that women should wear hijab so that they may be recognized (as Muslims) and not annoyed). It also serves as a very physical reminder to myself that I am a Muslim, and thus need to behave in a certain way. In this way, I equate hijab to the kippahs/yarmulkes and tzitzit (fringes) that Jewish men wear; they wear the kippah as a physical reminder that ALLAH is above them, and the tzitzit are there as a reminder to follow ALLAH's commandments.

I know that there are many Muslim women who do not wear hijab for whatever reason. It is not my place at all to judge; only ALLAH knows what is in peoples' hearts. Perhaps some women do not feel that it is obligatory. Some women might not be ready to observe it yet. Other women might want to wear it but is prevented from doing so for some reason. I know that when I am back in my hometown, I can't wear hijab because of the situation with my parents. This doesn't mean that I don't want to wear it, but if a Muslim saw me they might look down upon me for not wearing it. It's all a matter of perspective. Just because some people don't wear it now doesn't mean they never will. As Muslim sisters, all we can do is encourage and help each other in the best way possible.

I don't want to end this post without mentioning hijab for men. Guys, you aren't off the hook for dressing modestly! Remember to cover AT LEAST from your navel to your knee, but preferably wear long pants, long shirts (so us ladies won't be tempted to stare at your chests!), and a cap, as Prophet Muhammad (saw) did. And don't forget a beard!

And for everyone: Before any mention of clothing, ALLAH said in the Qur'an for men and women to LOWER OUR GAZES. Observing hijab with our eyes and hearts is much more important than the clothes hijab!