I get this question often, and I am glad I do, because it gives me an opportunity to explain the reasoning behind a piece of cloth that covers hair, also known as a hijab. There is no "right" way to wear one; many times, people of different cultures cover their hair in different fashions. Furthermore, the word hijab does not specifically refer to a scarf; a better synonym for the word would be modesty. Wearing a hijab means being modest, which includes both the inside and the outside. Intentions are what matter the most. Also, contrary to popular belief, in Islam, men also have to wear a "hijab," but with different requirements because men and women are equal, but obviously not the same.
I decided to wear a hijab when I started high school as a token of acknowledgement for my religion, but I quickly realized the reasons behind why my religion encourages wearing a hijab and I now know that it is one of the best decisions I ever made. I find it to be empowering and liberating. I feel like when people talk to me, they talk to me for the thoughts and ideas inside my brain instead of the the physical and visible outside of my being, which makes me feel more respected. I don't become subjected to degrading and objectifying gazes like the half naked models on billboard ads or magazines do. The other reason I wear a hijab is because it gives me an identity. The best example I can relate this idea to is my skin. I am brown which is something I cannot change; I was born that way. It is not something that I can rip off or paint over. It is what it is and I am proud of it! That is also how I feel about my religion. It is something I do not want to change and I am proud of the fact that I am a Muslim; wearing a hijab lets the world know that too.
I would like to end with a quote by Tawakkul Karman, the first Arab woman winner and the youngest winner of Nobel Peace Prize. The quote is in context to a question she was asked about her hijab:
Salam [Peace].
I decided to wear a hijab when I started high school as a token of acknowledgement for my religion, but I quickly realized the reasons behind why my religion encourages wearing a hijab and I now know that it is one of the best decisions I ever made. I find it to be empowering and liberating. I feel like when people talk to me, they talk to me for the thoughts and ideas inside my brain instead of the the physical and visible outside of my being, which makes me feel more respected. I don't become subjected to degrading and objectifying gazes like the half naked models on billboard ads or magazines do. The other reason I wear a hijab is because it gives me an identity. The best example I can relate this idea to is my skin. I am brown which is something I cannot change; I was born that way. It is not something that I can rip off or paint over. It is what it is and I am proud of it! That is also how I feel about my religion. It is something I do not want to change and I am proud of the fact that I am a Muslim; wearing a hijab lets the world know that too.
I would like to end with a quote by Tawakkul Karman, the first Arab woman winner and the youngest winner of Nobel Peace Prize. The quote is in context to a question she was asked about her hijab:
“Man in early times was almost naked, and as his intellect evolved he started wearing clothes. What I am today and what I’m wearing represents the highest level of thought and civilization that man has achieved, and is not regressive. It’s the removal of clothes again that is regressive back to ancient times."
Salam [Peace].
2 comments:
AMNA! I just remembered to read your blog. AsI was falling asleep...and can I tell you that your writing is beautiful? It's incredibly honest, but yet contains enough "Amna -ness" to remain amazing.
I think that you should wear whatever you feel like wearing,and be whoever you comfortable to be. And your example inspires other teenagers to go with their own flow.
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