Source: The Review of Religions

Since 2013, World Hijab Day has been celebrated internationally on February 1^st.  It was the initiative of New Yorker Nazma Khan (#WorldHijabDay), and its purpose is ‘To encourage women of all religions and backgrounds to wear and experience the hijab.’[1] It recognises that millions of Muslim women choose to wear the hijab (veil) and live a life of modesty according to Quranic teaching[2]. The Review of Religions Women’s Section contacted Muslim women across the globe and asked them to share their thoughts on the significance of the Hijab, in the hope of promoting a better understanding of this Islamic practice. These Muslim women responded enthusiastically, and their insightful responses are presented below:

Mariam Andersson Malik,
Math teacher, Metuchen, New Jersey, U.S.:

‘Wearing the hijab is a big part of my identity. I would feel very underdressed without it. It is a constant reminder to myself that I am representing Islam in my actions and how I interact with my colleagues, neighbours, and the people I meet. I definitely feel a different level of respect at work.

Munazzah Chou,
MBBS, MSc, FRCOphth, England, UK:

‘At college I remember being asked whether my headscarf was a fashion statement; it was unusual to see anyone in a head covering in that area at the time. These days when I wear one to work or out and about, there is no such confusion because the hijab is not infrequently making headlines. The hijab hasn’t held me back in any way and has additionally given me a different perspective and experience of the world from others, which I am certain has been to my advantage spiritually.’

Amnah Khan MSc
Research Scientist, Malta:

‘I, as a valued part of society cover, myself with the hijab. When asked by others, I have always responded by saying it gives me a sense of security and I feel secure as a result. I remember being asked by other women in Malta that given the hot weather here, I must be boiling in this attire. They were further puzzled how as a scientist, I practice Purdah (the veil). I explained that on the contrary, given the high rates of skin cancer in Malta, and due to my own personal research into harmful cancers, I feel it protects me from harmful ultraviolet rays found in direct sunlight. It’s of a very light material, saves me from sun burn, and the overall feeling of peace and comfort it offers, can only be experienced by women trying it out for themselves.’

Emma Ahmed
SEN teacher, Leicester, UK:

‘I wear hijab as a way to protect myself from the unfair portrayal of women being inferior in society. The hijab masks my femininity, allowing me to be judged based on my values and actions rather than my appearance. This allows my achievements to be given equal weighting to that of a man. Wearing hijab allows me to feel liberated and empowered, and I am given a voice which is taken more seriously. Since wearing hijab, I have participated in lots of talks, spoken on radio and had my articles published in magazines. Before wearing hijab, I would not have had this type of confidence.’

Dr Aisha Qayyum, MBBS, MRCGP,
Fareham, UK:

‘As a GP my job involves following up on patients for months or even years and hence it gives me an opportunity to develop a doctor-patient relationship with them.
At work, it is very important for me to identify as a Muslim through wearing my hijab and with each patient interaction, I feel that I am representing myself as an Ambassador of Islam. I make a conscious effort to listen to my patients and develop a good doctor-patient relationship.
I want my patients to go back and reflect that the doctor treating me was a Muslim and through this I try and spread the message of the beautiful teachings of Islam, which unfortunately is being portrayed negatively in the media. This is really important for me.’

Ayesha Malik, LLM (Harvard Law School),
UAE:

‘The hijab is so much more than a mere garment worn on one’s head. Over the years, it has served as a profound lesson in the internal and external facets of our being. It has been a poignant reminder that while we choose to cover certain externalities, the depth and beauty of our souls should shine forth and be visible for all, transcending the physical parameters of our garments. Our hearts and our actions should win people over, not the facade of our external beings. On countless occasions I have felt that without my hijab, this vital life lesson might not have been so powerful and so clear.’

Read further

Suggested Reading by Zia H Shah MD, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times

PM Jacinda Adern: A Superstar Without Hijab and Sometimes With

Virgin Mary and the hijab …

The French Senate has voted in favour of banning the wearing of hijab in sports competitions

Vogue France says ‘yes to the headscarf.’ Some Muslim women are not happy

Islamomania and Islamophobia: Do these justify each other?

Mother Mary is always with a Hijab in artist’s imagination. How can any open minded Christian be against Hijab? pic.twitter.com/DZuOrGGPFR

— Zia H Shah (@ZiahShah1) December 16, 2015

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