By Sumaira Asif
Hijab, being a significant obligation upon the Muslim women, is often interpreted in different ways all over the world. We find varying opinions and thoughts among Muslim women, themselves, let alone people outside of the religion.
Certainly, the definition of hijab may differ in terms of the believing Muslim woman. For some, it may be limited to scarves over their heads and for others, it may mean covering each and every inch of their faces and bodies with loose clothing. Despite hijabi women having varying styles and levels of how they wear their hijabs, they are still judged for it.
The most evident remark I come across is, “She shouldn’t be wearing the scarf over her head, when her dress isn’t modest enough!” or “What is the meaning of covering her head when her prayers are inconsistent or nonexistent?!” I understand these thoughts do come in mind, but it is important to focus on what is more important and that is the “struggle” behind the hijab for Muslim women.
Understand that she is not claiming herself to be a perfect Muslim woman by wearing a hijab. Understand that she is not demeaning any other Muslim woman for not wearing it. Understand that she is only trying her best to fulfill her obligation toward Allah, even if she may be at her lowest level of iman at the time with the hopes of pushing herself to do one good deed that could lead her to a higher level of iman. Maybe one day, she will wear that “perfect” hijab everyone believes it to be in addition to the other Islamic obligations that this society expects her to fulfill so “perfectly” to even deserve that hijab.
However, my dear sisters, hijab is not a crown worn to declare oneself a “winner.” Instead, it’s a struggle for most Muslim women. It’s a struggle in the hot weather when they control their strongest urge to take it off. It’s a struggle even wearing modest clothing when all around them are other fashion statements made by their sisters, friends and/or colleagues. It’s a struggle for hijabis not to pose with their beautiful hair out when hanging out with friends at public events. It’s a struggle when people don’t find hijabi women as beautiful as they find non-hijabi women. I see many Muslim women think about starting it everyday, but step back because they are afraid they will not be able to maintain it.
There are many reasons why women wear, not wear the hijab or are not wearing the hijab as ideally as expected of them. There are numerous things that Muslim women already struggle with in their faith, in their day-to-day life. The least one can do for them is to appreciate that they are trying, to motivate them and to pray for them.
About author
Sumaira Asif is an aspiring writer and an avid reader. She is also an engineer by profession, pursuing a career in the field of computer science, but that could never deter her spirit for writing. She loves words and believes that words carry great power and energy within themselves. Hence, every now and then, she tries to give her thoughts that same power. Asif also shares Islamic teachings and the power of Islam on a day-to-day basis. Asif lives in Saudi Arabia.
Instagram @blissofmind