A hijab is a veil worn by most Muslim women in the presence of any male outside of their immediate family. A hijab is also worn by Muslim women that conforms to Islamic standards of modesty. Sadly enough, this liberating imagery is also secluding Islamic women in the public sphere, and instead of conjuring images of freedom, the hijab now resurrects ideologies of ‘otherness’ in light of western thinking and constructs.

According to the Encyclopedia of Islam and Muslim World, modesty in the Quran concerns both men’s and women’s “gaze, gait, garments, and genitalia.” History further documents that the practice of veiling was borrowed from the elites of the Byzantine and Persian empires, where it was a symbol of respectability and high social status, during the Arab conquests of those empires. However, because Islam identified with the monotheistic religions of the conquered empires, the practice was adopted as an appropriate expression of Qur’anic ideals regarding modesty and piety.

Although the Qur’an instructs Muslim women to dress modestly, the way in which the media is defining the hijab worn by Islamic women is creating a fixed meaning of hopelessness and fear and bitterly obstructs reality in our post-modern environs. The politics of the Hijab is now becoming a silent persecutor within the realm of meaning as it encourages prejudice and the loss of individuality among Islamic women.

And it is here that the gaze of the veil is now coming up against bitter social forces, especially in light of the fact, where rules were changed to allow Ilhan Omar, a Muslim sworn in on the Qur’an, to wear a religious head covering on the floor of the House, thus eradicating a 181-year ban on headwear of any type in the US chamber of Congress.

Of course, it’s Omar’s choice. A choice that is protected by the first amendment. But what about the choices of other Islamic women everywhere?

Mustafa Naheed, a Muslim woman writes in Human Rights and Equity in the Canadian workplace that “People see me as the poster girl for oppressed women everywhere.”

As a result, it is clear, that while the US Constitution guarantees human rights through the avenue of the Bill of Rights, there remains a struggle to understand the meaning of the things that guarantee individuals their rights. For this reason, it becomes important to reinterpret the meaning of multicultural heritage, because people are labeling the Hijab with a negative meaning of oppression and depravity, thus evoking issues with gender relations, and working to silence and suppress Islamic women both substantially and figuratively.

Certainly, the meaning that people make of things is how it is represented, because without language, meaning cannot be understood. Islamic women wearing the hijab do not bomb federal buildings, yet women wearing the hijab have been the subject of verbal and physical attacks in western countries, particularly following terrorist attacks. Companies are wilfully refusing to hire Islamic women because they fear that the hijab will upset the other workers. Islamic women form a tiny fraction of the labor force and they are seldom mentioned in official employment statistics. Islamic women are trapped in the lowest bracket of the job market, with low pay, long hours of work, and are never given any chances for promotion because the power of language is fixed, and its negative usage is what interpret reality.

Freedom is one of the most important principles in society. Until now, Islamic women have a narrow range to manifest that freedom and are carrying a host of burdens behind the Hijab that marks their sacredness and liberation. Consequently, if Islamic women are determined by the manner in which their head dressing and relations to the world are modified through the actions of others, then how can Islamic women who wear a hijab struggle for transcendency in the look of the other, if this gaze is now the product of denial and erasure in our present day American society?

It is therefore clear that if consciousness guarantees freedom in the liberatory process, then the dehumanization of the other by the dominant society vividly shows that racism and exclusion also share a parallel surface in the lives of Islamic women wearing a hijab. It is also within this sphere that choice and social branding result in a state of powerlessness and disconnection and the notion of freedom is not readily understood.

Despite the fact that critics condemn the wearing of the hijab by Islamic women as being oppressive and detrimental to women’s equality, many Muslim women view the way of dress to be encouraging and empowering. Many Islamic women confess that the hijab is a way to avoid harassment and unwanted sexual advances in public and that the hijab also works to desexualize women in the public sphere in order to allow them to enjoy equal rights of complete legal, economic, and political status.

Even though western discourse consistently argues that the hijab is not a symbol of freedom, but one of oppression, the hijab also expresses a translational form of Islamic feminism that has been marked by the entry of women into all public spheres of Islamic life including formal religious learning.

It is therefore evident that the Hijab favors Islamic women as a preservation of culture and religious identity. Compounded with the secularism of France and the Islamophobia of 911, the hijab has now become the most potent symbol of Muslim women’s denial of western perceptions of feminism and communicates a new response to modernity, as racism and sexism separates them from the flow of mainstream society with wide gazes and open disgust.

Critics argue that the Islamic Republic of Iran’s current policy of forced veiling for women, the political stance of pan Islamism and France’s new doctrine of secularism still continue to generate negative debates on the wearing of the hijab. Nevertheless, it must also be seen that the way in which the media classifies Islamic women into an inferior social class simply because they wear a hijab, fashions images of helpless victims with moral shortcomings. It is essential to note that if the media’s promotional messages continue to misinform the public on the meaning of the hijab in the lives of Islamic women, then classification will constantly remain the way in which we give meaning to things. Polices and legal documents are not helping the jewels in the hijab to shine. Instead, stereotyping fixes meaning that gives a false shape character and form to Islamic women wearing the hijab.

Meaning is interpretation. For Islamic women who choose to wear the hijab, it allows them to retain their modesty, morals, and freedom of choice. The hijab is a protection and a symbol of faith. The hijab is a veil of strength and freedom. The hijab does not define Islamic women.

About Author

Rebecca Theodore is an author,  commentary writer, and award-winning journalist.

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I was raised as a Sunni Muslim all of my life, but living in the states after 9/11, I was very afraid to wear my hijab because I didn’t want people to dislike me or think I supported terrorism. For 12 years I hadn’t worn a hijab in public. And then Ramadan of 2014 came, and ALLAH placed confidence, modesty, and a love for humility in my heart. I put my hijab back on July 7,2014. And I’ve never looked back. I have never felt more beautiful and confident.

Yes, people at work, especially my boss began to look at and treat me differently but I did not care.

The beautiful part of this entire story is there was a guy who came into my job all the time, but never spoke a word to me. The day I decided to wear my hijab he approached my desk and asked me “why are you covering your hair today? Did you become a Muslim?” I was afraid to answer at first, but then I decided to answer confidently. I explained to him that I had always been Muslim and that it was my religious holy month of Ramadan and I decided to return to my tradition and wear my hijab. I turned out that this guy was also a Muslim, from Alexandria Egypt, and was so inspired by my bravery and decision to wear my hijab even though people had become islamophobic. On July 28,2014, after eid prayer the guy met my Abi (father) and the rest of my family, and in unbeknownst to me exchanged numbers with my father. On October 28,2014 he asked my Abi for my hand. On January 10,2015 he and I had our Nikkah (wedding) and have been inseparable since!

I’d like to testify that my hijab is my strength and pride, and without I would have my wonderful husband and beautiful family!

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It’s been 14 years since I decided to make the biggest decision that would change my appearance quite profoundly. It was like a “new and crazy thing” but I was convinced that it would be the best possible way to find myself and to nourish my soul. Rumi says: “What you seek is seeking you.”  That’s it. I think I was seeking the light of God, that’s why I ended up accepting this way of life. Whenever others ask me about the difficulties I face with my hijab on, I say to them that everything starts from within. The source of joy and sadness is inside of us, in our heart. If we are strong enough inside, if we have a strong belief, if we are convinced that Hijab is indeed an order from God, then there is nothing that can take away the peace from us. With my hijab on, I feel a sense of calm and serenity.

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I’ve been wearing hijab for almost 8 years. My Hijab is beautiful part of me. Material covering my hair should not make me seem withdrawn or creepy. If you ask me, I think it makes me more open to answering questions and hearing comments. I think it makes me different. I think it makes me strong. Being covered doesn’t limit us.You see we are not controlled by fashion. Only thing that we want is God’s pleasure. We are given only respect, and never treated bad.  Greetings from Bosnia and Herzegovina for all covered and non-covered sisters, and all of you who are being part of this event.

I am a Muslim woman
Feel free to ask me why
When I walk,
I walk with dignity
When I speak
I do not lie

I am a Muslim woman
Not all of me you’ll see
But what you should appreciate
Is that the choice I make is free

I’m not plagued with depression
I’m neither cheated nor abused
I don’t envy other women
And I’m certainly not confused

Note, I speak perfect English
Et un petit peu de Francais aussi
I’m majoring in Linguistics
So you need not speak slowly

I run my own small business
Every cent I earn is mine
I drive my Chevy to school & work
And no, that’s not a crime!

You often stare as I walk by
You don’t understand my veil
But peace and power I have found
As I am equal to any male!

I am a Muslim woman
So please don’t pity me
For God has guided me to truth
And now I’m finally free!

by Jenn Zaghloul

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I am a very recent convert to Islam (former Catholic, then former atheist). But I have always loved the hijab and admired hijabis. In my opinion, hijab is beautiful. Hijab is liberating because it allows women to choose who is permitted to see their beauty given by Allah (swt). This World Hijab Day (WHD), I wore my hijab outside for the first time. And I haven’t taken it off since!

In Moscow, there are millions of Muslims (perhaps the city with the most Muslims in Europe). There are many hijabis here. I get some ugly looks and people sometimes mock me, but alhamdulilah I feel safe. In fact, I feel safer as a Muslim in Moscow than I did in the US. When I must return to the US, I fear I may end up removing my hijab until I can feel safe enough to wear it proudly again. Inshallah, I will be strong and protected in the face of hatred.

Hijabis are visible ambassadors of Islam. Wearing hijab helps me to control my temper, quiet my tongue if I want to say something nasty, and remember to be kind and charitable. It is a constant reminder that Allah (swt) is with me always. We as Muslims have a responsibility to Allah, a responsibility to the Ummah, and a responsibility to the world. We must act in the way Allah has commanded. As hijabis, we are a reflection on Islam and on Allah. Be proud of who you are, and live life in peace and submission to the will of Allah (swt).

Always remember: Compelling a woman to wear hijab is against Islam, and forcing her to remove it is against her human rights! Hijab: My right, my choice, my life.

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Every time I took a selfie without hijab, I would have a strong desire to upload it on social media so that I could get as many likes and compliments as my non-hijabi friends. However, at the same time, it reminded me of the significance of hijab. The word hijab, for me, has many powerful meanings. Hijab is the protector of our dignity. It is our strongest element of identity. It shields our honor. It shows the extent and depth of our emaan (faith). We’re different from others because of this piece of cloth on our heads and sometimes, forced to face daily challenges that threaten our lives too. There’s nothing to be ashamed of because we are implementing this obligation upon ourselves for the sake of Allah S.W.T (All-Praised and Exalted) and Prophet Muhammad S.A.W ( Peace be upon him) as we believe that we will be judiciously paid back for our good deeds on the Day of Judgement.

The ladies in my family are mostly not strict in practicing hijab in their daily lives but Alhamdulillah (God-Graciously), I’m a firm wearer of hijab since I was young. I’m currently studying law at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) where I got various chances to enhance my knowledge about Islam realizing how faulted my perceptions were before!

Malaysia is a country of multiple races where you can feel being a part of various cultures and religious doctrines. I was born and raised in a society with people of different identities around me. While I was growing up, at times, I felt burdened by the teachings of Islam. I also felt abandoned among my friends because of  such religious differences.

However, I always believed that we could receive the light of faith and knowledge if we continuously followed the path of Allah. The teachings that I assumed were a burden for me, actually became the source of tranquility for my soul as I started understanding them. I was immensely happy and gratified to be a part of the World Hijab Day movement for promoting the real understanding of the concept of hijab. Alhamdulillah, I succeeded in my attempt to clear the misconceptions of my non-Muslim friends regarding hijab by elaborating the actual concept to them.

I would like to express sincere appreciation to my friends and community for keeping me motivated and encouraged in my struggles for being the real muslimah although they’re from different religions and understandings. Lastly, I would like to thank my family for giving me the courage and being the pillar of strength and support for me to write my story as they all believe that Da’wah ( Preaching for understanding of religion) can be done at any platform.

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I’m from Bangladesh. I have been living in Vienna, Austria, for almost 12 years now. I started wearing hijab about more than 2 years ago. Living in a Christian country, I realized that wearing the hijab is a true struggle- against environment , society, & most things that constitute the modern western lifestyle. But for me, it is the right path. I have never felt happier or at peace. I have, however, run into a few problems. It has not been an easy transition because of the negative attitude of a lot of people around me. I was even threatened about losing my job. I refuse to let these things rule my life. Alhamdulillah, I feel a lot happier, comfortable, & safe with my hijab.

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We had a wonderful event in Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia introducing many skeptical women to the joy of wearing hijab. After the event we received the following message from one of the participants:

Dear friends, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for inviting us to learn more about you at your World Hijab Day event. No amount of research could equate to a moment of human experience and I was reminded of this yesterday. While I was excited to attend your event to broaden my knowledge, I was admittedly hesitant to try on a hijab, firstly, because it was new and different to anything I had worn before but also because I did not want to be disrespectful or subtract any importance from the reasons why you wear yours by wearing one when it may not hold the same significance for me.

After some informative discussion and a little convincing I decided to take a chance and try one on. I was pleasantly caught off guard by how donning the hijab made me feel and the experience was surprisingly moving. I have often admired the fashionable aesthetics of the hijab but now that I better understand the reasons for you choosing to wear them, my eyes are more open to their more meaningful beauty and I now, more than ever, think it is wonderful that you are able to express yourselves in such a lovely way as wearing your hijab. Thank you again for sharing this opportunity with the Wide Bay community. As a Mother and Teacher of young children I recognize how important it is to nourish young minds by teaching them to understand and celebrate our differences and I am pleased that I brought my son along with me. He may have only come along for the “dress ups” but he has also learned, in a natural and casual way, that we accept one another and that our differences are an interesting and beautiful thing to be cherished. I certainly hope to attend more events like this in the future. You have done a magnificent job in promoting awareness of your community. I wish you peace, understanding and respect.

Pictures from the event:

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I have been wearing the hijab for 9 years and could not be more grateful. The hijab has made me feel confident and beautiful for the sake of Allah. There are many struggles that come with being an American-Muslim woman who wears hijab, however, it has only made me stronger. Each day I walk out of the house with what feels to be a crown on my head. To all Muslim women who wear the hijab, you are Queens, embrace it.

Walk with confidence, strut with a smile, and never forget to give THE royal wave to those who give you that dirty stare. We are Queens.

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This message goes out to Sadia, Rahila and other fantastic Muslim women who encouraged me today:

Thank you for supporting me today, and for telling me I was beautiful as I practiced a level of modesty that is not commonly seen in Christian circles. Thank you for laughing with me as I struggled to wrap my hijab and keep it in place, and grinning at my rogue bangs as they struggled for attention. Thank you for the many words of blessing and thoughtfulness and the likes on my photographs as I attempted to document today’s activities wearing a hijab.

Thank you for being you: your modesty, your passion, your humor, and your bravery. Thank you for being vocal that the hijab is not a symbol of oppression but a symbol of your choice to protect modesty in a culture that devalues it. Thank you for accepting me enough to include me today. It was a privilege to stand with you as a sister. I hope to continue doing so.

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