Teaching world history allows me to encourage students to look at past and current events through diverse perspectives. In doing so, my hope is that one day students will use their voices to raise awareness through understanding, compassion, and empathy for people around the world. It is the power of knowledge that will overcome the misconceptions that too often divide people. One of my students did exactly that, she used her voice to invite me to participate in World Hijab Day 2015. Almost instantly my eyes swelled with tears of joy, I was honored as she explained, “I thought you might want to participate because that’s just who you are; you really care about other people.” As if this moment wasn’t enough, her mother stopped by and brought a Hijab for me to wear, and we shared a conversation that I will treasure deeply.

Wearing the Hijab was an incredibly powerful experience. I felt liberated from society’s view which dictates the latest fashion trends, in fact, never did I feel as regal as I did today. I stood tall with my head held high and felt in control of my image, beautiful and strong.

Today, I wore the Hijab in honor of my student, and her mother, who reminded me that one simple gesture can positively impact someone else’s life. Thank you for granting me with this unforgettable experience!

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In the eyes of the western world, save a few, the word hijab triggers an immediate negative reaction. Amongst the many baseless accusations is a distinct one which claims that it “opposes feminism”. Such allegations can most definitely be pronounced unjustified if one only takes the time to closely scrutinize the situation at hand. For instance, in every standard dictionary, or even Wikipedia for instance, the definition of “feminism” would resemble this- “Feminism is a collection of movements aimed at defining, establishing, and defending equal political, economic, and social rights and equal opportunities for women. Its concepts overlap with those of women’s rights.” It can be observed that this definition, does not oppose the general idea of Muslim hijab. The word “hijab” refers to the modest Muslim styles of dress in general.

The Arabic word “hijab” literally means curtain or cover (noun). According to Islamic scholars, hijab is given the wider meaning of modesty, privacy, and morality; the words for a headscarf or veil used in the Qur’an are khimār (خمار) and Jilbaab(جلباب), not hijab.

One of the major misconceptions about hijab that it is an obligation forced upon the Muslim woman by religion and male family members. This is definitely not true as in most cases; it is the sole decision of the woman herself to adopt this unique way of dressing. Hijab is a way of protecting oneself and ensuring their privacy. It is based on the idea that women are not just show pieces and thus ought not to parade their physical beauty for all to see. Thus women who adopt this decide that they won’t dress as if they were for sale and would rather be evaluated on the basis of their intelligence and aptitude rather than on the futile basis of external beauty.

Sumayya Syed, 16, says that parents or men have nothing to do with it. In fact, she astounds people who ask by saying that every woman should have this form of liberation. Syed maintains that when a woman is covered, men cannot judge her by her appearance but are forced to evaluate her by her personality, character, and morals. “I tell them that the hijab is not a responsibility, it’s a right given to me by my Creator who knows us best. It’s a benefit to me, so why not? It’s something every woman should strive to get and should want.”

Then again, Islam granted women independent rights way before western world did. Muslim women had the right to own individual property and inheritance rights way back, 1400 years ago while in the west the women were allowed a share in inheritance and the right to own property only in the 20th century. They were allowed to have the final say in the issue of marriage and were free to make their own decisions. If they felt that they were not satisfied with their marriage, they were free to dissolve their matrimonial ties. In fact they were given every right, and in some cases, additional liberty in accordance with the time. Then it is highly baseless to label the muslim woman as “oppressed” just because her religion directs here to conduct herself in dignity and humility in public.

On the other hand sexism is a societal evil very much prevalent in modern western society. For instance, lyrics to popular songs reflect the view that women are used for decoration purposes only. For instance, in Timbaland’s video for “Carry Out” featuring Justin Timberlake, The women in the video are projected into stereotypical roles as servile beings. “You’re looking fine,” is the first thing that is said directly to the females in the video. Certain lines in the lyrics, such as “I’ll take you home, let you keep me company” are particularly offensive to feminism. Such phrases clearly suggest that women are viewed as nothing more than pieces of property or like pets.

Now is the concept of hijab against feminism? You decide.

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