Judging the Hijab

The word "Hijab" comes from the Arabic word "hajaba" meaning to hide from view or conceal. In present time, the context of Hijab may be understood as the modest covering of a Muslim woman. Some women wear hijab religiously.While others choose simply not to wear hijab. There are some women that wear hijab occasionally...While some women prefer hijab as a fashion Statement...And there are some women that wear hijab only during the holy month of Ramadan...

Hijab is a choice, irrespective of your reason its true meaning should be taught to those ignorant. The reason for my sparked interest in this topic stems from two things:

The first, is that my fathers business Necessities, was the biggest trend setter in Islamic head wear in Cape Town, during my childhood. The second, a Constitutional law assignment sparking a diverse discussion about a restriction on wearing headscarf's in prisons. As the Pillay, Constitutional Court case indicates to determine the centrality of a belief it is necessary to examine whether the individual has sincere belief. The centrality of the headscarf is so clearly to me a sincere component of the Islamic faith. My main concern regarding the topic is to EDUCATE those ignorant of the true meaning behind why women wear hijab. So that statements like "they wear it to make themselves undesirable" will not be ignorantly made.

This story might help in clarifying the beauty behind hijab:

"A non-muslim came to an Alim and asked: Why do your Girls cover up their body and hair?

The Alim smiled and got two sweets, he opened one and kept the other closed. He threw them both on the dusty floor and asked the non-Muslim: If I asked you to take one of the sweets which one will you choose? The non-Muslim replied: The covered one.

The Alim Said: That's how we treat and see our woman. Woman should not be like the Moon that everyone can see and admire, they should be like the Sun, which makes the viewers lower their gaze."

NEON

PASTELS 

LACE 

PRINTS/ PATTERNS

QUIRKY ACCESSORIES

Wearing hijab is seen as a form of protection of womens beauty, similar to how a rose protects its beauty with thorns and how pearls are covered by a shell. Woman in Islam are considered the most beautiful treasures and by taking Hijab she is merely protecting a priceless treasure. The hijab is a covering of the hair from strange men, to prevent indecent thoughts or acts. It is a means to force others to evaluate your personality, character, and morals rather then physical attributes i.e. beauty. Hijab is an ideal that every woman should strive for it does necessarily have to be through her clothing but through the quality of her actions.

Sumayyah Joan wrote 

"What the Hijab is...

• An act of Obedience to The Creator.
• An Act of Honour & Dignity.
• An act of Belief & Faith.
• An act of Modesty.
• An act of Purity.
• An act of Righteousness.
• A Shield.

What the Hijab is NOT...

• It is NOT something new. Muslim women follow the example of righteous women in the past such as Mary, the mother of Jesus.
• It is NOT a symbol of oppression.
• It is NOT required in non-public places where there are only females and close male relatives.
• It is NOT a means to restrict a woman’s freedom to express her views and opinion, or to have an education and a career.
• It is NOT an act of defiance, confrontation or protest to non-Muslims.
• It is NOT a portable prison."

Hijab, just like many other forms of fashion has been around for centuries, it has been adapted and styled in unique ways reflecting the diversity of culture, as it is worn by millions of women. It unites women globally in their diversity...  I believe hijab is a personal choice, to some it may appear beautiful and others not but irrespective of what you think, you should try NOT to JUDGE. As South Africa is a country built on diversity and strives towards the ideal of equality for all. Therefore by embracing and accepting each others differences we are one step closer to that ideal.

I hope you feel enlightened..

<3 G