Hijab | Teen Ink

Hijab MAG

By Anonymous

     For several reasons, Muslim women around the world wear the headscarf, or hijab. One reason is to fulfill a religious obligation. This isn’t oppressive or demeaning for Muslim women but rather is an honor and a constant reminder of who we are.

I belong to the Islamic faith and proudly wear the headscarf. Although it is an obligation, many of us start when we feel we’re ready and end up gaining a better understanding and appreciation of the blessings that the headscarf offers. There are, however, women who are forced into it and may not be able to appreciate or understand why they wear it. Living in such a liberated society as America, women not only can come to a better understanding, but have the chance to eliminate any misunderstandings.

One misunderstanding people have about the headscarf is that it is oppressive. People think it’s absurd for women to cover themselves, and feel they do it against their will. What some fail to realize is that a lot of women, especially in America, wear it by choice. It is not oppression but rather a shield against the danger of getting dirty looks from perverted guys, verbal and sexual harassment, provocative fashions and, most of all, being viewed as a piece of meat.

Women who cover themselves receive respect and admiration from males and females alike. From personal experience, I can say that this is true. In fact, one day when I was having a conversation with two males, one was using profane language and the other firmly said, “You see this cloth on her head? Have some respect.” Even though I wasn’t too bothered by his language, the other male was. Wearing the headscarf not only keeps me in check but others, too.

Most women in headscarves don’t need to worry about men checking them out, or talking to them for sexual reasons. Males tend to take you seriously, especially in the work force. I totally disagree with the Turkish law of banning the headscarf in public offices. If women cover themselves and maintain a modest look, they will be judged for their qualifications rather than their looks. Apparently not only Turkish men but even some Turkish women feel that headscarves are symbols of backwardness. Mind you, most Turkish women are Muslims. However, there is a growing number of young women in Turkey who view the headscarf as a symbol of liberation. Some women feel they must be modern, not realizing one can express religious values and modern thoughts as well.

Many women, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, feel bad for me. Why? Because I don’t have to spend two hours doing my hair? Or because guys talk to me not because they are attracted to me, but because there is an intellectual mind behind this alluring appearance? If that is the case, then pity away, but keep this in mind: it is not that I can’t have all that, just that I choose not to have all that. I find it more impressive to have a male attracted to my personality, sense of modesty, values, internal beauty, and obviously so much more that only he can see and enjoy.



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This article has 7 comments.


Sara_bani said...
on Jul. 26 2017 at 8:27 am
That's was incredible!
Thank you very much

on Jul. 1 2016 at 2:54 pm
Amaan_Raza BRONZE, Gorakhpur, Other
3 articles 0 photos 1 comment
An eye-opener... great work...

izzyz SILVER said...
on Mar. 26 2015 at 4:15 pm
izzyz SILVER, Vienna, Other
7 articles 1 photo 5 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Political language... is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable and to give an appearance of of solidity to pure wind." George Owell

Wow this is powerful

Dynamo DIAMOND said...
on Jun. 11 2012 at 6:45 am
Dynamo DIAMOND, Lahore, Other
54 articles 0 photos 64 comments

Favorite Quote:
I used to think falling in love would be personal. But it's all a big public show.

This article, besides its elucidity and manner, is something special. something very special. wearing the hijab is not a symbol of hooliganism, as some people think. although women have a choice yet hijab is the best one, it affords protection, guards your chastity and earns your respect. nice job!

schuy PLATINUM said...
on May. 23 2012 at 3:09 pm
schuy PLATINUM, Chatham, Virginia
33 articles 4 photos 24 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion." ~Rumi

Wonderful article, and I respect you for finally letting the world know about hijabs! It's funny, because this morning in the carpool lane the girl in the car next to me was wearing a hijab. Then, when I saw her later she had taken it off. I realized that she was so embarrassed that she's been pretending to wear the hijab to school in front of her mother, but then takes it off when she arrives! What a shame, for all the reason you mentioned in your piece! Great work! xox

cookiegirl said...
on Sep. 16 2011 at 11:33 am
Well written article, I totally agree. I'm a muslim too, and I love wearing the hijab:).

on Jul. 4 2010 at 1:19 pm
ilove2read124 GOLD, Dix Hills, New York
11 articles 0 photos 66 comments
this is soo good.im Muslim too, and I'm thinking about doing it the coming year.This just give me more encouragement to continue.Really good, and it is a little forthright, saying, like "i dont have to spend 2 hours on my hair" and comparing it to a shield, saying that it blocks all the perverted things.Great job. =] mashallah

leena.k SILVER said...
on Jul. 8 2009 at 11:24 pm
leena.k SILVER, Doha, Alaska
5 articles 0 photos 12 comments
That was a lovely piece, very well written and clears up the misundrstandings non muslims have. Good job!