Monday, February 20, 2012

Muslim Monday: Why Do I Wear Hijab?

I’ve been meaning to write about this for a year but never got around to it. There are so many questions people have about hijab and why Muslim women cover. I’m going to start with the easiest question to address: Why do I wear hijab?

The word hijab is literally translated from Arabic as a curtain, veil or cover. However, it has been used to define the dress code for Muslims. Notice I said Muslims, not Muslim women. The dress code applies to men too!

God (Allah) instructed us in Qur’an...

Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.

And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their head covers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed. Surat An-Noor 24:30-31


I cover {by wearing hijab} because I believe in God’s instructions - but more importantly, I do it because I feel just a little closer to God by doing so. I believe it’s a great protection; I’m protecting my body from environmental elements. I’m also protecting myself from the gawking and objectification of men. Covering is how the world recognizes exactly what I am, a Muslim woman. Ultimately, it’s my choice.

There is so much more to say, but I’ll save it for future posts. If you have ANY questions about Islam or Muslims - please feel free to email me. I’d love to use your question(s) for future posts {with your permission}. You’re welcome to ask anything - even if you think it’s silly, or embarrassing... I’d rather people get the facts!

7 comments:

  1. My muslim mother does not wear hijab while she's working. Is that punishable?

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    1. It is only for Allah to decide... based on what I learned there is no specified consequence or "punishment" mentioned for not wearing hijab. I'm not saying that it's not a sin - because technically not doing what Allah asked us to do is indeed a sin - but it's only up to Allah as to the consequence.

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  2. Thank you for sharing. It is interesting to learn about other religions and cultures, but sometimes it feels awkward to ask.

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    1. Yes, I know it can definitely be awkward to ask questions - but thankfully I'm not put-off or embarrassed easily. When a friend heard I was pregnant with my first child (after learning I was a Muslim) she asked if it was true that Muslim women have to keep having children until they have a son. She had been told that and was worried for me. LOL... I assured here it was not true, and that in Islam there is no preference for a girl vs a boy - everything comes from God. However, there are actually more rewards for having a girl. :D

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  3. Agree completely with you Ukhti...I don't even believe in Hijabi fashion...what's the motif behind it? besides money...a lot of designer are jumping into it because it is a lucrative business opportunity and MashaAllah all the misconception about Islam...nice if they know what's behind the label TERRORISM.

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  4. Serena if anyone asks why I am covering I'll just refer them to your blog okay? or no better I'll copy and paste the passage haha (sorry for being silly), no seriously it's so well written, jazakiLlahu Khair for sharing <3

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    1. Thank you Myriam for your kind comment! I'm glad to finally be able to explain it in a way that was simple but concise... sometimes people don't really want the long, drawn out explanation as to why. As you know - there's really a lot that can be said when it comes to hijab but I just really wanted a comprehensive but short answer! I hope to explore other questions concerning hijab later on. :D

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Comments are appreciated!