Bismillah
This post was deleted upon the request of the poster. But I didnt physically delet it otherwise the whole thread would have disappeared since this is the original post.
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HIJAB - Give your input
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 Bismillah This post was deleted upon the request of the poster. But I didnt physically delet it otherwise the whole thread would have disappeared since this is the original post. I hope readers will benefit here.
01-15-2007, 11:01 AM
THE HIJAB: Misconceived! Mistaken! Misunderstood! (By Mehal Krayem, Fatma Youssef and Amna Elghoul) The single most controversial issue facing young Muslim women everywhere is the ‘hijab’. The issue of the hijab is surrounded by many myths, misunderstandings and misconceptions, and no doubt this means everyone has an opinion on it. For some the hijab is considered an act of faith, to others simply an inconvenience. So…what is it about the hijab that makes some smile and others frown and shake their heads with disapproval? How do you feel about the hijab and how much do you really know? We interviewed a group of twenty 13-18 year olds (male and female) and found out how much they knew and what they really thought, and no doubt some were surprised to find out they really didn’t know much about this greatly misunderstood act of faith. About the only thing we all agreed upon in the discussion room was that “Muslim women” wear the hijab. For a discussion that lasted an entire hour that really doesn’t say much for our so-called “multi-cultural” society. A sixteen year old female from Sydney says “If people want to look at Australia as being only for white Anglo Saxon Australians, then maybe you should look into it a little more closely and you’ll realise that we white Anglo Saxon “Australians” shouldn’t be here anyway, considering this land belongs to the founders and we should follow their customs and beliefs and not those of Europeans. This would mean that we’d be living as the Indigenous Australians did hunting and gathering and taking from the land only what we needed. The whites took the land unjustly from the Aboriginals anyway. So to put it plainly, we’ve got double standards and it’s not fair to those involved.” Others had very different views and didn’t think that there was a place for Muslim women in today’s society. A 17 year old male from Sydney says “...I feel it is not appropriate in Australian society and culture (to wear the hijaab). If it is not necessary to wear it, why separate yourself from the community you’re trying to fit into....” But my fellow Australians, if you remember, we do live in a multi-cultural society and we did decide to abolish the White Australia Policy sometime last century. Remember the Whitlam era. So in fact what you’re saying is that you should not openly express your religion because in this multi-cultural society, where one should be accepted regardless of their skin colour, religion or cultural background, they aren’t going to be because people don’t like the fact that they’re covering their body from undesired attention. I think it is a bit hard to exclude certain people from our society due to their religion and still call ourselves a multi-cultural society, don’t you? Although there was some negativity towards the hijab there were also some positive attitudes, and I recall a few people saying how they admired a girl who wore the hijab and saw her as being strong for doing so. Many also said that one of the reasons people disapproved of young women wearing the hijab was because they felt threatened by it, as this is alien to them: “...There are some people in today’s society that feel threatened by difference and this feeling makes them uncomfortable, and so they don’t want to ask questions and find out the truth, they just want to be as far from it (the hijab) as possible....” This feeling that makes a person uncomfortable is creating a division in our society. Everyone that was asked agreed that the best way to re-unite parts of our community would be to educate them about the hijab and the Islamic religion in general. The next step however wasn’t such an easy one. We found it was a lot harder to come up with ways to educate people in our society because there are so many people who don’t want to know. There are those arrogant and ignorant members of society who aren’t going to listen to you no matter what you say, and they’re only ever going to hear what they want to hear. Many also agreed that the media could be deemed responsible for the creation and spreading of some of the misconceptions of the hijab. They thought that certain documentaries, current affair programmes or articles written about the hijab were misleading and this had a negative effect on the girls wearing the hijab, as people don’t understand the reasons behind it. During our discussion it was suggested that often people saw the wearing of the hijab as a sign of oppression. They said that this was mainly due to the stereotypical images of Muslim women created by the media. However, I don’t want you to mistake what I am saying. Don’t think that I’m saying that every single Muslim woman out there is free. No, certainly not, there is no way I could say this, just like I couldn’t say that every single Christian, Catholic, Jewish or Buddhist woman is free. The question then came up: ‘is your first impression of a Muslim girl wearing the hijab different to that of a girl not wearing the hijab?’ There were a wide variety of answers, but the one that was said with the most negativity is that a girl wearing the hijab is instantly recognised as being different from everyone else. This then allows people to sub-consciously label her as Muslim, not Black, or White, or Yellow, but Muslim. But now think about that. Obviously the woman is proud to be a Muslim, for she is wearing the hijab. So maybe it’s not really such a negative thing. In fact for a girl wearing the hijab it’s certainly not a bad thing; it’s probably the biggest compliment you could give her. Hopefully after reading this article you are now more open to the complexity of the world and the way we human beings think, but also the simplicity of the hijab. This hijab is a simple piece of cloth that a woman wears on her head to show how strong her faith and dedication to God is. Yet, this simple and often very beautiful piece of material would have the ability to cause so much controversy and misunderstanding. Still after all that’s happened, Muslim women continue to wear the hijab which shows that their faith is still strong and their dedication, even stronger. I think that’s saying something, don’t you? So then, why would Muslim women choose to wear the hijab if it is understood to be so oppressive by so many people? What does the hijab represent, what does it mean, and what are the responsibilities that a Muslim woman has in wearing the hijab? Have Islam and the hijab, a simple piece of cloth, liberated or oppressed women? And could there possibly be any benefits in wearing the hijab in today's modern consumer loving society? Well we spoke to some young Muslim girls who shared their views on the hijab, their experiences and how they feel in the Australian society. But to get the answers to the most important questions asked by so many, all we have to do is look at the basic Islamic sources: the Quran, Holy Book and the Sunnah, traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The hijab is a piece of cloth or material that covers a woman's head, hair and chest area. A woman with the hijab on must cover her whole body excluding her face and hands. Aisha, the wife of the Muhammad, reported that Asmaa, the daughter of Abu Bakr, came to the Messenger of Allah while wearing thin clothing. He approached her and said: ‘O Asmaa! When a girl reaches the menstrual age, it is not proper that anything should remain exposed except this and this. He pointed to the face and hands.” (Abu Dawood) The word HIJAB means to veil, cover, screen, protect, seclude and obscure. But most importantly, it means ‘barrier’. It can be a barrier that protects and screens off a woman's body and beauty from men and the public. Why do Muslim women have to wear the hijab? This is the question that everyone asks, and, the answer is simple: because Allah has asked Muslim women to do so. “O people, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around them (when they go out or are among men). That is better in order that they may be known to be Muslims and not annoyed...” (Quran 33:59) Muslim women wear the hijab for modesty, for respect and to fulfill their way of life: Islam. The hijab allows women to be judged on their intellect rather than their appearance. The hijab helps Muslim women to make a statement about their identity, feel dignified, modest and confident. The hijab also limits the way men treat women as ‘sex objects’ and allows them to be treated as ‘equals’. The requirement of wearing the hijab is to cover ones beauty, the hijab covers ones hair, neck and bosom (chest area). The whole body is to be covered except for the face and hands, clothing should be loose, not to show ones body shape; clothes must be thick, not see through; and they should not attract a man’s attention. A Muslim woman’s dress should not imitate that of a man it should be modest: not too fancy, not to ragged, just right. More importantly though, the hijab is not merely the external dress code, it also has an internal facet. The hijab also involves the behaviour, manners, speech, and appearance of a woman in public. The external appearance is just one part of the total being. The hijab is not a restriction, but it is seen as a way in which society will function in a proper, Islamic manner. The hijab has liberated women not oppressed them. It gives women their rights and freedom in society to be treated like a human being not a sex object or a man’s slave. In the past, before Islam and the hijab were introduced to women, women had no rights; they were owned by men for sexual enjoyment and seen as a factory that produces offspring and a devil in human form. When Islam came, women felt liberated and were treated with dignity and respect. Through Islam, women were given equal rights as men and were no longer obliged to the injustices and torture laid on them by the Pre-Islamic world. Why is the hijab so important in today's society? The hijab allows women to be judged on their personality and mind, as opposed to their looks and appearance. This is an important moral in our society today. The ‘West’ say they give freedom to women, yet why do they have to throw in a women in every commercial and advertisement that has nothing to do with women? In today's world women are being encouraged to show off their bodies and be proud of their femininity. And yet we know that the majority of designers behind the most dominant fashion names are men. So, women are still being controlled by men and are not apparently equal in today's society. Today, getting dressed half- naked is seen as ‘girl power’. Is it really, or is it sexism? The ‘West’ argues that women should wear what they please; so then why do they find it so hard to understand why Muslim women choose to wear the hijab? The absurd things people say to girls that wear the hijab... • “Do you go to sleep with it on?” • “Do you take a shower with it on?” • “Does that mean that you are bald underneath?” • “Are you engaged now?” one girl was asked when she put it on in year 7 • “Can your Dad or your brother see your hair?” • “Do you know Osama Bin Laden?” • “Are you a Terrorist?” These are just some of the remarks young Muslim women get from people. Such negative ideas and ignorance on the hijab only alienates Muslim women in the wider society and destroys the willingness to accept and respect each other. It is important for every person to understand the reasons Muslim women choose to wear the hijab and how they feel in the Australian society. By the way, the answers to the above questions would most probably be: no, no, no, no, yes, no, and no! BABY, IT’S ALL GOOD Author unknown What do you see when you look at me Do you see someone limited, or someone free All some people can do is just look and stare Simply because they can't see my hair Others think I am controlled and uneducated They think that I am limited and un-liberated They are so thankful that they are not me Because they would like to remain 'free' Well free isn't exactly the word I would've used Describing women who are cheated on and abused They think that I do not have opinions or voice They think that being hooded isn't my choice They think that the hood makes me look caged That my husband or dad are totally outraged All they can do is look at me in fear And in my eye there is a tear Not because I have been stared at or made fun of But because people are ignoring the One up above On the day of judgment they will be the fools Because they were too ashamed to play by their own rules Maybe the guys won't think I am a cutie But at least I am filled with more inner beauty See I have declined from being a guy's toy Because I won't let myself be controlled by a boy Real men are able to appreciate my mind And aren't busy looking at my behind Hooded girls are the ones really helping the Muslim cause The role that we play definitely deserves applause I will be recognized because I am smart and bright And because some people are inspired by my sight The smart ones are attracted by my tranquillity In the back of their mind they wish they were me We have the strength to do what we think is right Even if it means putting up a life long fight You see we are not controlled by a mini skirt and tight shirt We are given only respect, and never treated like dirt So you see, we are the ones that are free and liberated We are not the ones that are sexually terrorized and violated We are the ones that are free and pure We're free of STD's that have no cure So when people ask you how you feel about the hood Just sum it up by saying, 'Baby it’s all good' THE VEIL (From the Sound Vision documentary Hijab: An Act of Faith) They say, "Oh, poor girl, you're so beautiful you know It's a shame that you cover up your beauty so." She just smiles and graciously responds reassuringly, "This beauty that I have is just one simple part of me. This body that I have, no stranger has the right to see. These long clothes, this shawl I wear, ensure my modesty. Faith is more essential than fashion, wouldn’t you agree?" This hijab, This mark of piety, Is an act of faith, a symbol, For all the world to see. A simple cloth, to protect her dignity. So lift the veil from your heart to see the heart of purity. They tell her, "Girl, don’t you know this is the West and you are free? You don’t need to be oppressed, ashamed of your femininity." She just shakes her head and she speaks so assuredly, "See the bill-boards and the magazines that line the check-out isles, With their phony painted faces and their air-brushed smiles? Well their sheer clothes and low cut gowns they are really not for me. You call it freedom, I call it anarchy." This hijab, This mark of piety, Is an act of faith, a symbol, For all the world to see. A simple cloth, to protect her dignity. So lift the veil from your heart to see the heart of purity. Lift the veil from your heart and seek the heart of purity.  Salam Faith Hope Charity, Truly enjoyed reading the article you posted. The poems were inspiring too. Thanks for your input :D [ 
03-02-2007, 05:33 PM
Bismillah Interesting article. :) Well the question raised - is it a blessing or a curse? To put it short - It is a blessing to wear it even if others curse you for wearing it. :) 
03-03-2007, 12:47 AM
Quote:Bismillah :) also, it is a blessing if they curse you for wearing it, alhumdulilah its a win/win situation... Asalaamu alikum Bismillah Allah u Akbar, I concur, but not only a blessing, but an honor, a source of dignity, a source of speciality, a source of self esteem... O most important an identity, the list goes on. Just to correct something I alway like to correct, what Muslim women wear is not hijab, this is simply the Muslim women dress, thus the one who wears is adhereing to the Muslim women dress code. As the Hijab is a totally different concept. This is a command which Allah Made to the wives of the Propher prayer and peace be upon him only. That they should not talk to any man except from behind a Hijab (a curtain, a separator, a barrier...etc).
03-03-2007, 10:19 AM
In the Name of God - Father Son Holy Spirit. Peace be with you, Sisters. I came across the article & poems last year whilst researching for a university project on 'Women in Islam'. I bought an outfit from an Islamic ladies boutique to wear during my class presentation (I scored top marks :thumb:). To be honest, I have strong reservations about the niqab/berka, but for whatever reason Muslim women chose to hijab, I admire them & think they're beautiful! I'm just hoping that Muslims don't judge non-Islamic women based on their appearance & consequently label them as immoral & immodest. For me, virtue comes from within. May God shower His blessings & rewards on you all. <i>Faith Hope Charity Openness Tolerance Equality</i>
03-05-2007, 11:17 PM
Bismillah "I'm just hoping that Muslims don't judge non-Islamic women based on their appearance & consequently label them as immoral & immodest. For me, virtue comes from within." Everyone is judged by their appearance. We may try to refrain from this nature or understand that one cannot always judge a book by its cover, yet it is very rare (cannot think of a time) when a "good catholic girl" wore a hot mini skirt with a midriff exposing/bosom enhancing top. Virtue does come from the heart but it will manifest outwardly. How do we judge an apple's ripeness and taste? the health of an animal? It is the nature of the world that we judge according to observations.
03-05-2007, 11:48 PM
In the Name of God - Father Son Holy Spirit. May the peace of Christ be with you! Quote:Bismillah On man, if only you could visit my neighbourhood! On a daily basis I see Muslim women in fashionable mini skirts, tight pants, revealing tops, stilettos, tons of make-up, nose piercings, etc... WEARING A VEIL!!! No joke! If it were legal, I'd snap up photos to prove it. One only truly master's purity when they're able to look at the opposite sex & not lust over them. Turning your head away or taking prevention measures won't eliminate the core desire to sin, it only stabilizes it. Peace & blessings.
03-06-2007, 06:48 AM
Quote:Virtue does come from the heart but it will manifest outwardly. :) |
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