Friday, May 20, 2011

Don't talk to me about hijab

Let me start by saying that I am a fan of hijab. I wear hijab. I believe that hijab is mandatory, and I think any efforts to keep women from wearing it are wrong. So don't think this is a post about how hijab is not relavent anymore, because that is a seperate subject. I'm just afraid that Muslims and non-Muslims alike have inflated the importance of hijab way too much. We have made it the key to a woman's piety. A prerequisite for calling yourself a Muslim woman. And (this get where you get ready to reach under your abaya to take off your shoe and throw it at me) I just don't think hijab is all that important. Yes, that's right. I said hijab is not that important.


Lets put that statement in perspective a little. Why would I say that? Well, because there are so many other things in the religion that should be taking precedence over the issue of attire. 5 big ones that I can think of, the pillars of Islam. Why when a woman makes shahada are we all over the topic of whether or not she will wear hijab and no one ever asks if she needs help with learning salat? Maybe memorising a few surahs? Did anyone ever ask a new brother whether or not he would grow a beard and cluck their tongue disapprovingly when he said he wasn't ready yet? Did anyone ever question a brother about whether or not he was still Muslim when he shaved his beard?


So here's my radical idea. Stop talking about it. Throw hijab out of the conversational mix. Stop making it a part of what you talk to non-Muslims about. Of course they will ask, but don't get stuck on the subject. And PLEASE don't get all philosophical and start using metaphors. God said wear it, so I do. Simple and to the point. Because if you keep things in perspective you'll realise it's a subject that's taking away from the things we should be talking about.


Maybe it's just me here... But I feel like when Muslim women is the topic of conversation hijab is the focus. That's wrong, it's not the way hijab was meant to work. It was meant to let people see us as honorable and pious women and take "maybe I could hook up with her" out of the equation. But I would go so far as saying it isn't even accomplishing that anymore. Humans send many non-verbal signals, and our young ladies who wear hijab can certainly send the message of availability with or without hijab. Of course that's no reason to say it doesn't send the message of modesty anymore... But it can be said that wearing hijab doesn't make you modest, your behavior does that.


That's my message here mostly I guess. There was a time when women dressed modestly in general, no matter what their faith was. Women covered their heads, didn't show their body. That was the societal norm. So I imagine (and I could be wrong here) that hijab as it is practiced in Arab cultures was not really shocking. It probably wasn't even worth talking about because all the people around them were fairly modest too. Jump to now, where the societal norm is mini-skirts and suddenly Muslim women really stand out. Hence, hijab is the most visible thing about Islam and it gets talked about a lot. Too much in my opinion. How many people know about hijab but have no idea we believe in the same one god as the Christians and Jews for example? I'm not claiming I know how to solve this, or suggesting we all go burn our scarves in protest... But I think it's something we all need to think about and try to overcome.


As usual, just food for thought here. I'm no scholar.


88 comments:

Mona Zenhom said...

Nice to see you posting! :) I agree, people make hijab out to be the end all and be all of a Muslim woman. Non muslims seem to obsess over it as well. I wish it wasn't such a huge deal or the defining factor.

http://www.essays-online.net said...

Good site, great navigation, quick and easy to use. glad that he visited it, good luck to a;ll

Anonymous said...

I have followed your blog for some time now. Often it seems your faith brings you such misery, as does your marriage. Why keep on this path? Why not pursue one that might bring you more happiness? You just seem to have so little joy.

islam religion said...

Peace. I agree, from experience, that conversion is difficult. You lose all your affiliations from you previous incarnation only to be embraced with suspicion in the new. Stay strong and keep your heart focused on how you have decided to live your life.

ميلودى سبورت said...

thanks

www.melodysport.tv

Jennifer E. said...

Wow, a kindred spirit. I converted to Islam 3 years ago in the USA. The one and only thing that anyone at my mosque took interest in was the scarf. I must wear that... Well, I have since not learned how to pray formally, I've read the Quran but have questions, so I search the internet for answers... but the answers I find are so varied... some waaaay out there. Why do I search the internet for answers? Because the one and only time I reached out to my mosque for help, I was redirected to someone else, who, in turn ignored me. <--- period. I know my choice was for God and I pray to Him all of the time (not formal, 5 times a day, prayers), but I would like to know more about this religion I've converted to. I live in Egypt now with my husband... my husband can't even answer my questions... except with parroted answers. I ask for clarification and he has no idea why he believes what he does, or the meaning behind the "rules". The culture is so mixed up with religion here that it's hard to tell where the culture ends and religion starts... Help?

UmmLayla said...

Jennifer, you can email me anytime and I will help as best as I can. Ummlaylagd@yahoo.com

Mohammaed said...

Salam Alikim Thanks for amazing article, Also if you allow me to share a nice website its include a lot of new articles a bout Islam http://www.islammercy.com

Thanks

arizona dui lawyer said...

Pursuing career might take you to a higher level. Dont let lose you courage.

Quran Learning said...

Nice post. Islam allow to Muslim women to make Hijab when they go out from home. Muslim women is the beauty of home however it is required to cover herself when she has plan to go somewhere. And this sign also shows that God protect to herself from the outer world.

Tasnim said said...

I agree with most of your post except comparing Hijab with man beard :) cuz man beard is Sunnah but Hijab is a "Faredah" :)
but yeah we need to lear lots of things about Islam and not only focusing on Hijab.

I started to follow your beautiful blog and I'm so happy to know that u r a waldorf preschooler. If u have time can u please help me to know more about it?I'm thinking to send my son to it ISA but I wanna know is it better than Montessori schools?and what should I do with him at home now?
here is my blog If u would like to follow me back
http://noahscraps.blogspot.com/

juliangreenfield said...

The issue of hijab is a sensitive one! The decision whether or not a woman should wear a hijab must be best left to personal opinion.

RV power cord

juliangreenfield said...

The issue of hijab is a sensitive one! The decision whether or not a woman should wear a hijab must be best left to personal opinion.

RV power cord

Kristin said...

Wow. I stumbled upon your blog today and I'm so glad I did. I read this post and I will definitely read more. This issue is something I really want to understand more. I am a Southern American girl with and even more Southern American family...Islam really interests me and my Christian family just thinks I am crazy. Its one of those "dont say whatever they tell you to say or you will have to start covering your hair" kind of conversations when I say I'm going to my local mosque to learn something about Islam. It terrifies me even to learn more about Islam because I fear that I will want to convert and then inevitably dissappoint someone dear to me. And I will forever see their concerned faces. Mercy. Who knows where I'm going with all this, but I agree that the hijab conversation clouds the real message of Islam. Thats basically all my people know about it....

Anonymous said...

I agree that learning how to pray and memorizing few surahs are immensely important,but don't underestimate the value of the hijab.While it takes some time to learn how to pray, it takes minutes to hours to put on a scarf.That little scarf is part of your identity.You can get more help from other Muslims when they recognize that you are a Muslim too.I think wearing a hijab is the best way to start your journey and by obeying Almighty Allah, Hopefully Allah will ease that journey when you protect yourself and others through your hijab.

Unknown said...

Its very nice post I relly like Thanks for sharing with me !!!!!


SEO expert | Link Building Services | Internet marketing specialist | Internet marketing | SEO expert India | Search Engine Optimization | SEO | SEO company | best SEO company | SEO company USA | SEO company UK | SEO company India | Affiliate Marketing | Social media marketing | web optimization company | Best SEO company in India | SEO Expert USA | SEO Services Company | SEO sevices | seo sevices in India | SEO Services USA | SEO company canada | SEO Australia | SEO company Australia

Unknown said...

Dear sister, you have share your thoughtful knowledge. I believe we'll be very benefited from your article. And also have you ever read the life story of a mighty Muslimah...?

Learn Quran Online said...

Dear sister Its very nice post I really like Thanks you so much for writing such a great article .

Learn Quran Online

Female Quran teachers

Quran teacher

Learn Quran said...

Online Quran Academy
Read Quran with Tajweed
Learn Quran through Skype

Arab Quran Teachers said...

I love your site! You will be in our prayers and thoughts! Nice and informative post
on this topic thanks for sharing with us.Thank you

Learn Quran Online said...

Dear sister, you have shared your thoughtful knowledge. I believe we'll be very benefited from your article. Also, I refer you to read Benefits of Learning Quran

Muhammad Irfan said...

Hijaz is essential for all Muslim sisters. According to Quran and Hadith, every woman should cover her body and face before coming out from her home. If any sister or brother want to learn about Hijab or any other Islamic topics visit this website: www.quranhost.com

QuranHost is one of the best Online Quran Academy. It provides Online Quran Classes to kids and Adults all over the world. you can learn Quran with Tajweed at the comfort of your home with the best Online teachers. Take your free trials class today. Just Call: +1-551-333-1082
for details visit: www.quranhost.com

Hafiz Muhammad Irfan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Join us to know more about the Quran and Arabic
< Online Quran>
https://www.eijazah.com/

Valentina Jhonson said...

Great post! I am actually getting ready to across this information, Learn Quran is very helpful my friend.

Kane Williamson said...

Much gratitude to you such an incredible sum for sharing! I will form a post soon about continuing with your direction. Islamic books for kids

alazhar teaching said...

You want to read and memorize Quran correctly, you need to join our family from here:
https://alazharquranteaching.com/

what you need to know about healthy nutrition said...

The Muslim women cannot show their beauty to anyone except the relatives and the few close associates who are allowed into the house. Hijab is designed to hide it.

OnlineQuranLesson said...

Learn Quran online as well as tajweed online along with the basics of arabic language which is also known as Noorani Qaeda from our male/female teachers at flexible schedule.It is for everyone that means facility of kids online quran learning is there.So visit our site www.onlinequranlessons.com

Online Quran Teaching/QuranHost said...

The issue of Hijab is a sensitive one! The decision whether or not a woman should wear a hijab must be best left to personal opinion.
I agree with most of your post except comparing Hijab with man beard :) cuz man beard is Sunnah but Hijab is a "Faredah" :)
but yeah we need to learn lots of things about Islam and not only focusing on Hijab.
Reading the Quran and understanding the Quran is very important for Muslims. Now Learning Quran Online is a very easy way through the Internet. Everyone can learn Quran online at home through Skype. We are also provide Online Islamic Teachings.
QuranHost is the best and leading Online Quran Academy all over the world in current era.

Learn Quran said...

This is why you should wear Hijab
* Hijab shields ladies from such men; it symbolizes that she has been blessed to one man just and is off-breaking point to all others.
* Hijab adds to the steadiness and protection of marriage and family by wiping out the odds of extramarital undertakings.
* At long last, it constrains men to concentrate on the genuine identity of the lady and de-underlines her physical excellence. It puts the lady responsible for outsiders' response to her.
You can learn more about Hijab at Learn Quran easily.

Shaista Ali said...

Hijab is the protection for females. It provides you a layer of protection. Learn more about at Learn Quran Online.

Al-Azhar Classes said...

Thanks for Sharing such a fruitful information. https://alazharclasses.com/

http://learnqurancenter.com/ said...

Can’t drive children to the Mosque?
No issue We are here to assist
Presently you can learn Quran web-based Sitting at home with time Reliability.
At “Learn Quran Center” We can teach Quran online with Tajweed, Tarteel-e-Quran, Memorisation, Translation And Tafseer.

Learn Quran Center said...

Online Quran Academy
Your family’s important, journey into learning Arabic and the {Quran} can begin with just three easy steps.
facilitates your purpose, every impression of the way to achieve excellent, online Quran teaching.

and Arabic teaching. With LQC’s online Quran academy and, online Arabic academy, you can read at your step in your own home.

Online Quran Teaching said...

Online Quran Teaching Ladies can learn
Online Quran Teaching the Holy Quran by the best female Quran tutor and teachers online. Our ladies Quran teachers are well informed of Tajweed and Tarteel rules. Sisters and girls can have classes with English speaking, Urdu, Hindi Speaking and Arabic speaking sister teachers. Online Quran Teaching Our female teachers are dedicated and reliable and skilled at the same time to give very interesting sessions, uniquely for kids. Any sister needed a female Quran teacher who can surely get free trial classes with female professors and then join for regular classes with female Quran tutors with us in their possible schedule.

ady william said...

Through Umrah Experts, quick visa arrangements are made for pilgrims in last minute Umrah packages. Cheapest Umrah deal with luxury accommodations and cheap flights from London, Manchester and Birmingham.

live quran class said...

Slam! very nice informtaion. keep it up to share information!

Learn Quran Online said...

Learn Quran Online, Islam is the religion of peace, and it is one of the most sacred and trustworthy religions, which has given us guidance in every aspect of life. Islam has given us education with knowledge which has no limits. The Holy Quran is the most sacred book of Allah revealed on Prophet Muhammad (SAW), for the upliftment guidance and enriched messages to humanity.
https://learningquran.co.uk/

Digital Marketing Agency in Cheshire said...

Hivemind makes sure you never go unnoticed. We provide solutions ranging from brand naming and conceptualisation to custom graphic design flyers for events and media promotion.

saadhaifaa said...

learn conversational arabic step by step for beginners center gives all students the best offer ever, it helps them to perfect Arabic language by using the conversation

saadhaifaa said...

One of the most beautiful things ever is recitation of Quran Karim with Tajweed, Al-dirassa center gives you all you need to read and write Quran in Arabic language with elite of professional instructors, they will help you to learn and understand it perfectly, also you will save your time and avoid boring long-time courses as we can teach you at a shortest possible period.
Learn Quran Online with tajweed by arabic Tutors

saadhaifaa said...

If you're interested in learning Quran in a very short time, Al-dirassa offers you the best chance ever with professional instructors, they can help you to read Quran with Tajweed, whereas you can learn via Skype, which considered the best and easy manner to learn quickly, so come to join our online center.
Private Arabic Tutor via Skype

How to learn Quran online said...

How to Learn Quran Online
here we are providing the best online Quran Courses with Translation and memorization courses, for kids also.
How to Learn Quran Online

Anonymous said...

I absolutly like your site.
really appreciated
learning quran now a days is very easy.no need to go out to teacher,you can easily learn quran at home through Best Online Quran Classes

learn Quran said...

Masha Allah informative and eye opening article i love to read it
learn Quran

Anonymous said...

One of the key advantages of learning the Quran with Tajweed is expressed in a hadith of the Prophet. The individuals who can present the Quran carefully and correctly will be among the organization of Allah's blessed messengers. Muslims should accept this counsel both truly and metaphorically: The awards of Tajweed are forever, not in the present time and place. All things being equal, a Tajweed speaker can be viewed as a well-regarded individual from the Muslim people group.

Engr. Yousaf Saleem said...

How to Learn Quran Online
here we are providing the best online Quran Courses with Translation and memorization courses, for kids also.
Learn Quran Online

female-quran-teacher

quran-reading

quran-memorization-for-kids

quran-translation

quran-for-kids-in-usa

online-quran-classes

online-quran-academy

Aiman Quran Academy said...

Your post is really informative and helped me a lot.
Best Online Quran Classes

Aiman Quran Academy said...

Online Quran Classes in USA is also a good option for all Muslims.

Aiman Quran Academy said...

Tajweed Classes Online is also doing best for the prosperity.

Sofia said...

I rise everything you have added to my information base. Appreciative the time and struggle you put into your blog and comprehensive information you offer. Thanks
Hajj packages

Jahra tea and coffee service said...

If you want to serve Jahra coffee and tea, you can find it in our company, as there are many drinks that you prefer, you prefer most people in many countries.


خدمة شاي وقهوه الجهراء

شركات افراح بالكويت

مصور اعراس فى الكويت

ضيافة الكويت

خدمة ايقاف السيارات فى الكويت

خدمة شاي وقهوه فى الكويت

تأجير كراسي للعزاء الكويت

تأجير طاولات مضيئه بالكويت

apps apk said...

here we are providing

Abdul said...

Watch amazingpinoy tv online. Thanks for the info. I ll be sure to share it with friends and family
pinoy lambingantv

Anonymous said...

Learn Quran Online with Tajweed

bsbroadcast said...

telex intercom systems

bsbroadcast said...

telex intercom systems

tafheemulquran/Almadina quran academy said...

All is good but I am afraid that this machine learning may not take over all human working in the offices creating a huge unemployment as well.

Online Quran Learning WithTafheem Ul Quran is the leading Online Quran Academy for those who want to Online Quran Reading and Quran online by way of distance courses. We have developed an extensive curriculum for learning Quran and basic Islamic education in USA. Our distance courses utilize unique online learning tools and combine both ancient and modern methods of teaching. Study Islam online through our innovative online Quran Learning and experience it for yourself.
www.tqapk.com

Online Tajweed Course said...

Great article. I completely agree. Although Hijab is important as it protects women and put them at ease, it should not be associated with a woman's character. As you have rightly said, modesty is in a woman's behavior. We men should expect women to wear just modest dress and control our gaze.

Anonymous said...

Mashaa Allah Sister, I appreciate your effort and courage. In this modern era, our young girls don't give importance to the hijab. Islam strictly urges the importance of the Hijab again and again in the Holy Quran. Your blog is really will helpful for those youngsters and definitely change their attitude and view about Hijab. To read more about the importance of the hijab from at Islamic point if view clicks here.

The Quran Learners said...

All is good but I am afraid that this machine learning may not take over all human working in the offices creating a huge unemployment as well.

herbal erection pills said...

Hello to every single one, it's genuinely a pleasant for me to go to see this web site, it includes precious Information.

Quran Class said...

All is good but I am afraid that this machine learning may not take over all human working in the offices creating a huge unemployment as well.

Online Quran Learning WithTafheem Ul Quran is the leading Online Quran Academy for those who want to Online Quran Reading and Quran online by way of distance courses. We have developed an extensive curriculum for learning Quran and basic Islamic education in USA. Our distance courses utilize unique online learning tools and combine both ancient and modern methods of teaching. Study Islam online through our innovative online Quran Learning and experience it for yourself

sheikh said...

I mostly agree with you in that
learn quran online
online quran classes from egypt

Quran Academy Online said...

Before we comment on any religion we must make sure to study it or stay quiet when you are not aware of what the holy books of any religion teach rather than demining it in public. Muslim greet in Islam has the beautiful meaning that I will not harm you in any case. Similarly, the reply also has fair means that I will also not have the intention to damage you. It creates a strong bond based on a sense of security, joy, and happiness. This is the way to greet someone

Carrie decker said...

Good article about Online Quran Education . Please share more article about online quran classes

ronaldrogers7162 said...

tarteelequran
It is astonishing how many Muslims lackadaisically sideline the Quran and its teaching as they pursue worldly desires. While it is no fault of theirs, Learning Quran is a guide needed to navigate these terrains. Visit : https://www.tarteelequran.com/

Hajj Umrah said...

Thanks for the quotes, your quotes are awesome. Thanks for sharing with us. I’m satisfied with your article

Find 5 star umrah packages 2021/22

Online Quran Academy said...

Thanks for sharing great content
Learn Quran Online

Carrie decker said...

Its a very good step to take online Quran learning classes in Ramadan.We are providing Best Online quran classes in usa for female and male students.

Carrie decker said...

Thanks for sharing this good blog. We are providing best Online quran classes in usa for female and male quran students.

Digital Marketing Agency Pakistan said...

Thankyou For your Sharing
digital marketing agency Pakistan

Ustad e Quran Online Academy said...

Assalam o Alaikum
If you are looking for an Online Quran tutor for your children, You are in right place. Ustad e Quran Online Academy is providing the Best Online Quran teaching services at affordable prices. We are offering Online Tajweed classes, Online Quran learning, and <a href="https://ustadequran.com/services/quran-online-for-kids/>Quran online for kids</a>.
Get 3 days of free Trial Classes today and start learning Quran online.

Ustad e Quran Academy said...

Assalam o Alaikum
If you are looking for an Online Quran tutor for your children, You are in right place. Ustad e Quran Online Academy is providing the Best Online Quran teaching services at affordable prices. We are offering Online Tajweed classes, Online Quran learning, and Quran online for kids.
Get 3 days of free Trial Classes today and start learning Quran online.

Anonymous said...

thanks of the best information
quran academy online

Aleena said...

Asslamulaikum!! if your are looking for Online Quran learning for kids then enroll in our academy for online quran classes for kids .

John said...

We have a learning the board framework to track plans, illustrations, grumblings, and installments.
Learn Quran Online

Ice Maker Repair said...

"Ice Maker Repair and Maintenance
Ice makers are most convenient home appliance that provide ideal size and shape of cube whenever you need it. Common issues associated with ice makers or machines are clogged water filters and slow cube production. Appliance Tech pro can fix those issues and other ice maker problems. Ice Maker Repair"

Anonymous said...

Reading the principles of the Quran and implementing them in daily life, is the ultimate goal for a Muslim to become successful in this life and hereafter. Nowadays, many aged peoples are
willing to learn and memorize the Quran. But the major concern is to learn and memorize it as soon as possible. Bismillah Schooling is providing a facility for all Muslims, willing to memorize the Quran as fast as possible. Follow our blog for complete guidance on how to memorize quran quickly

Ahmad said...


Lawswood Claims LTD is a Claims Management Company that offers extensive services of Insurance and Medical Claims and other Legal Affairs. From Medical Insurance to Work Accidents, Sports Injuries, or Traffic Accident Claims, we handle your Insurance Claims. Get extensive services with a quick, easy, and straightforward procedure. We follow an easy approach to help our clients. Get Free Consultation or call and set an appointment to learn about our services in detail. Lawswood Claims is a Claim Management Company in the UK. We provide Injury Claims services which include Accident Claims, Accident At Work Claims, Medical Negligence Claims, Whiplash Claims, and Slips Trips and Falls Claims.

Ahmad said...

Lawswood Claims LTD is a Claims Management Company that offers extensive services of Insurance and Medical Claims and other Legal Affairs. From Medical Insurance to Work Accidents, Sports Injuries, or Traffic Accident Claims, we handle your Insurance Claims. Get extensive services with a quick, easy, and straightforward procedure. We follow an easy approach to help our clients. Get Free Consultation or call and set an appointment to learn about our services in detail. Lawswood Claims is a Claim Management Company in the UK. We provide Injury Claims services which include Accident Claims, Accident At Work Claims, Medical Negligence Claims, Whiplash Claims, and Slips Trips and Falls Claims.

Unknown said...

Reading the principles of the Quran and implementing them in daily life, is the ultimate goal for a Muslim to become successful in this life and hereafter. Nowadays, many aged peoples are
willing to learn and memorize the Quran. But the major concern is to learn and memorize it as soon as possible. Bismillah Schooling is providing a facility for all Muslims, willing to memorize the Quran as fast as possible. Follow our blog for complete guidance on how to learn quran online quickly

abdulbasit11803 said...

I know your expertise on this. I must say we should have an online discussion on this. Writing only comments will close the discussion straight away! And will restrict the benefits from this information. learn tajweed online

Mishkah Academy said...

Join the thousands of Muslim families who love learning Quran, Arabic and Islamic Studies from the comfort of their home with 100% satisfaction.
https://mishkahacademy.com/

Unknown said...

Learn Quran, Arabic & Islamic Studies Online at Mishkah Academy

Catest Labs said...

Catest is leading service provide for laboratory analyses for product developers and quality controllers in all industries since 2013. We offer all the best testing services from the same place, at the best prices which also includes the smallest of sample volumes.

https://catest.co/

Quran Sessions said...

It is essential for all Muslims to study the Quran with its due properties.

Learn Quran Online