The Muslim Times’ collection about Hijab
Source: Huffington Post
By Rawan AbuShaban: She likes hummus.
Hijab has been the topic of longstanding debates in both western and mainstream Islamic discourses alike. However, how productive are these arguments the observations stimulate them, if the focal point is consistently the outwardly appearance of hijab?
By focusing merely on a faith’s visual aspect, we exclude much of the significance and spirituality that component contains. In a way, we appropriate the visual aspects of a faith to suit our arguments and comprehension of the world.
Much like how a millennial might appropriate the visual aspects of Hinduism by wearing a bindi to Coachella, many debate hijab without ever studying or realizing the meaning of what it is that they see, and how much of it cannot be seen.
Hijab is not a term that is synonymous with the headscarf; it is a term that encompasses much more than an article of clothing.
In the contexts of these arguments, hijab has been reduced to only one of its visual elements, which is commonly understood as a scarf upon a woman’s head. Even in many Muslim societies, “hijab” is used colloquially to describe a head-cover.
However, hijab is not a term that is synonymous with the headscarf; it is a term that encompasses much more than an article of clothing.
Hijab refers to one’s behavior, speech, countenance, and dress. It is a habitual practice that is applicable to both men and women. Not engaging in obnoxiousness, boisterous behavior, resisting flirtations, prolonged staring, and idleness with the opposite sex, and wearing clothes that conceal one’s figure, and preserve one’s beauty.
Hijab isn’t something one wears; it is how one is. A person’s hijab is one’s modesty in its entirety. It is an Islamic code of conduct, respect for oneself and for one another.
When an integral part of the Islamic faith is reduced to only its appearance, it shuts the doors that lead to understanding, sophisticated dialogue, and — eventually — acceptance.
Deprived of its spirituality, intent, and divine service, the headscarf is nothing more than gilded towel on someone’s head.
Far too often, one will observe a woman, raise their eyes to the scarf wrapped around her head and neck, and assume that someone else put it there. Whether it’s part of a niqab or the dernier cri of Islamic fashion, the headscarf appears to be backwards, the symbol of a retrograde culture. The headscarf, and these assumptions, becomes the definition of hijab, and “modesty in Islam” cannot be stripped from thoughts of coercion, compulsion, and punishment.
Unfortunately, many Muslims, and especially women who identify as “hijabi,” fuel these shallow-minded debates on the necessity and importance of hijab and the headscarf. By neglecting to open the discussion to the broader elements of hijab and Islamic practices, too many of the responses made by the Muslim community have given an equally narrow view of the hijab, and miss the point of providing a counterargument.
Muslim fashion blogs often seem to perpetuate the reliance on a graphic, material identity to those unfamiliar with Islamic theology and tradition. Other Muslim women promote their headscarves as a political statement. Others frame their whole identities around the piece of fabric.
By attributing our political views, personalities, and what otherwise may be construed as flaws or ultra-subjective qualities to the headscarf as a means of seeking validation, we fail to increase awareness of the greater meaning of hijab, and subjugate participants of hijab to more scrutiny by association.
Furthermore, defining hijab as only a headscarf alienates Muslim women who follow other modest practices outlined in hijab. Compromising hijab to conform to western ideals often leads to the general belief that other modest practices in Islam are unessential – societal ailments – and are then looked upon negatively by Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
By supporting the idea that the headscarf is the single facet of hijab, one actively disenfranchises Muslim men and women who are critical about their lifestyles and aim to live by the standards of modesty as outlined by the Qur’an and the ways of the Prophet (PBUH).
While one’s way of participating in hijab and wearing the headscarf are completely subjective and unique to that person, these anecdotal experiences should not be used to describe the genesis of hijab in Islamic tradition, or why it continues to be so important to the faith.
This poor understanding and miscommunication of hijab makes it easier to justifydiscriminating against or banning the headscarf in some areas of the world.
Deprived of its spirituality, intent, and divine service, the headscarf is nothing more than gilded towel on someone’s head. Without these crucial elements, the headscarf becomes inconsequential — a target for removal.
As long as hijab is debated and derided on the basis of its immediate visual traits without understanding or explanation, then those who engage in these shallow discussions denigrate the meaning of the Muslim woman’s appearance, disregard her intentions, and shut down the possibility of constructive conversations.
Categories: Hijab, The Muslim Times
Excellent explanation of hijab. I fully agree. This is what the quran teaches. Question is how we Muslims have come to believe that hijab is just a head cover.
As true in all other areas, the Muslim leaders have made it so. It is they who cannot get past the idea of head cover or body cover. They constantly preach to their congregations that hijab is either ‘burqa’, ‘niqab, or some other type of head and body cover. The more ignorant they are the more they insist on it.
So called Muslim scholars and leaders of Faith should get past the head cover and teach character. I guess it is a hard to understand concept for the ignorant ‘scholars’.
@ CS and Zia—please give me your thought about these verses;
O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e.screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known so as not to be annoyed. And Allâh is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. QS 33;59
And tell the believing women that they must lower their gazes and guard their private parts, and must not expose their adornment, except that which appears thereof, 7 and must wrap their bosoms with their shawls, and must not expose their adornment, except to their husbands or their fathers or the fathers of their husbands, or to their sons or the sons of their husbands, or to their brothers or the sons of their brothers or the sons of their sisters, or to their women 8 , or to those owned by their right hands, or male attendants having no (sexual) urge, or to the children who are not yet conscious of the shames of women. And let them not stamp their feet in a way that the adornment they conceal is known. And repent to Allah O believers, all of you, so that you may achieve success.QS 24; (31)
O children of ’Adam, We have sent down to you the dress that covers your shame and provides adornment. As for the dress of Taqwa (piety), that is the best. 8 That is one of the signs of Allah, so that they may learn a lesson. (26) O children of ’Adam, “Do not let Satan put you in trouble the way he had your parents expelled from Paradise, having their dress removed from them, so that he could show them their shame(their private parts.). Indeed, he sees you _ he and his company _ from where you do not see them. Surely, We have made the devils friends to those who do not believe. QS 7:26-27
Covering of hair for Muslim women is not mandated by Quran.
From verse QS 33.59—O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e.screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). ==
Most Saudi Arabia Scholars interpret this verse is women have to cover the whole body—–like Burqa or niqab.
My question is; why do Ahmadiyah women do not follow the commandment of Allah QS 33;59, to wear Burqa or niqab? or to cover the whole body.
I see Ahmadiyah women cover only their hair or head.Why?
Was Salam–all love
The verse (33:59) was revealed in response to a specific situation. The non believers were making mischief with the Muslim women and then later said that they could not recognize them as Muslim women. So Muslim women were advised to cover themselves in a manner that they would be recognized and hence not tormented by the hooligans. The statement in parentheses is yours. Quran does not say that.
Quran only requires a woman to cover her head and this is exactly what Ahmadi women do. What the Saudis say or anyone else is their business. Quran does not say that.
@ CS. wrote; Quran only requires a woman to cover her head and this is exactly what Ahmadi women do. What the Saudis say or anyone else is their business. Quran does not say that.==
Saudi Arabia’s scholars say that Islam was born in Arab with Arabic language. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was Arab’s son. So, Arab people are so proud to uphold their tradition from one generation to the next generation, till this present. They follow the sunnah of Prophet.
Saudi Arabia’s scholars believe that they know how to practice Islam better than other scholars who come from other countries.
Dear CS. your understanding, your interpretation and your translation of this verse is different with Saudi’s scholars.
Do you think that your translation is proper and correct than Arab’s scholars because Arabic is not your own language.
Another question for you;
Do you think that to cover the hair/ head of women is obligatory or suggestion?
For me, it is not obligatory for women, but a suggestion for women who live in desert, because the storm sand can harm people(man, woman). Allah sent His rule according to the condition of people and place. Right? do you agree that?
Was Salam–all love
First part of your comment is simply uninformed. Prophet said that an Arab has no superiority over a non Arab and vice versa. Arabs are not proud. They are arrogant. They have no understanding of the religion. It was Arabs who killed three out of four Khulafa of Islam. So much for their understanding of Islam.
And yes we the non Arabs know the religion better. Because God sent the Mahdi in us. As the Prophet foretold that the Mahdi will be from the people of Hadhrat Salman Farsi.
Now for the second part of your comment:
Islam is not a religion only for the Arabs nor it is limited in time. It is a religion for all people of the world for all times to come. So its commandments are everlasting. There is flexibility, but you cannot simply discard them.
The commandment of hijab for men and women is permanent. Men are required to dress modestly, keep their eyes guarded and not look at the women and cover their heads at least while they are praying. Women are also required to dress modestly, not display their beauty to attract men, and cover their heads at all times while they are in public.
The philosophy behind this teaching is to protect the women from unwanted advances from men and also prevent illegitimate relationships.
Even in this modern age when some think that there is no need to have hijab as somehow humans have become much more sophisticated and do not need such restrictions, evidence proves them wrong. Let me just present one fact. In the USA, one in four college going girls is raped during the college years. Reason: Alcohol, drugs and free mixing of sexes. All are prohibited in Islam. If your daughter was facing these odds in the most advanced nation of the world, you will very quickly understand the wisdom of Hijab.
@ Dear CS; You define Modesty according to your opinion. Allah create people with many nations , languages and culture. Look at QS 49;13.
Every nation has its own definition of modesty.
For example;
In India, women show her billy, it is just fine.
In America, women and men allow kiss each other as lovely greeting.
But those who live in desert (muslim and non Muslim ) have to cover whole their body to protect their skin, and hair from storm sand. The so called Burqa. niqab .
CS, these are culture each of tribe, or each nation who live different condition of whether or places.
If you say that to cover whole body of women except face is modesty and then you will say to those who show her billy (India)and man and woman kiss each other at public ( USA) are not modesty??. It means you judge and insult other culture or tradition indirectly.
You can not define “Modesty” by your own thought.
CS wrote;===In the USA, one in four college going girls is raped during the college years. Reason: Alcohol, drugs and free mixing of sexes. All are prohibited in Islam.==
Let me tell you this;
In free / modren society, every one has right to pursue his/her dream. Of course there are bad things will be happened but also many good things will be created for better life. The bad thing occur, NOT because she do not wear Hijab or burga etc, but because free society or lack of knowledge–lack of education.
If you keep your girls at home daylong, you forbid your daughter go out side without accompanied by you or her brothers, she will be save from rape, drug etc.
That is reason Saudis forbid women to drive a car, forbid to go out side by her self, male and female have to be separated.etc. Do you think it is the true Islamic teaching.
I do not think so. it is false teaching of Islam.
Whereas;
Islam is religion of liberty and freedom. There is no obligatory in Islam. Government, Parents do not allowed to force their children to wear Burqa, Hijab or to cover the whole body. This kind of act is cruel, or Evil-act.
The shame part of women body are her breast and virginal part.
Women’s hair, legs and hands are not a part of shame.Women do not feel sins or guilty if you show your legs ,hands and hair in public.
Why do Saudi’s women cover the whole body, as I explain above just because of protecting their body from storm sand. Storm sand can harm hair, skin and whole body.This is not Islamic teaching, this is tradition.
CS,
Islamic teaching is not dogma as you agree that right?
but it is logic and scientific.
Same as Alcohol and meat pork.
Allah has explained clearly in Al Quran that Muslim can allow to drink alcohol little bit if there is benefit for health, as well meat pork.
As already proved by experts that people can drink alcohol little bit, do not drink to much that can harm you. Also the expert say about meat of pork. Meat pork contain a lot of fat that can harm you health, but if you eat little bit it will be fine, no problem at all.
CS, do you follow old Muslim scholars who lack of knowledge, or you follow those who has expertise?
I urge you and all Muslims to follow those who has expertise than the ancient Muslim scholars who live in era lack of knowledge.
THE WORD OF WISDOM ALMIGHTY ALLAH.
Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people
until they change it themselves . QS .13:11.
And such are the Parables We set forth for mankind, but only those understand them who have Knowledge. QS 29; (43).
These golden rules are the messages should be thought to our children and grandchildren.
Was salam–love all.
You can invent a new religion if you do not like the teachings of Islam. But to try and change or abolish the commandments of God is not permitted. It is possible that we do not understand a teaching properly and have difference of opinion on it.
To say that commandment of hijab was for protection from sand storm is making fun of God and his commandments. I have explained to you the philosophy behind the teaching of hijab and its benefits for the women. You can disagree. And no government or person has been given power to force the teachings of Islam on anyone, Muslim or non Muslim.
You keep referring to Arabs and Saudis. Let me say one more time. Our religion is in the Quran. What anyone else says does not concern me.
Also you may be wiling to get your daughter raped in an effort to keep up with the so called modern practices, I am not. If women and men follow the instructions of Islam and observe the teaching of modesty in dress and behavior, they can get education, progress in life and be the best they can be and yet avoid bad situations.
Islam promotes and teaches dignity of woman. It honors them and provides protection for them. It allows them to get education, work and earn and lead in politics. They can go to the moon.
What happens in Saudi Arabia is not Islam. It is called Wahabism. It is a religion separate from Islam. So do not confuse the Saudi practices with Islam. Islam is in the Quran.