Traveling through the desert of Nevada, on our way from Reno to Las Vegas, we finally stopped at a tiny city of a few thousand people for lunch. It was probably the busiest time of the day at Burger King but the young woman taking orders complimented my hijab. I was obviously gracious with receiving the compliment but didn’t want to take up her time and ask her how she knew about hijab.
This post will tell you what is hijab and a brief history.
Over the years, head-coverings are becoming more and more acceptable in the US. When faced with the question ‘what is hijab’, the average person still thinks it’s just the head-covering Muslim women wear. One of my neighbors asked me why I was always hiding my ‘beautiful’ hair. She was genuinely curious why we hide hair when there’s really no problem with it.
What is Hijab?
The word Hijab literally means barrier or curtain. Hijab is not just the head-covering some Muslim women are seen with. It’s really a depiction of modesty in the clothing and behavior of women and men both. The concept behind the hijab is to uphold a certain barrier with the opposite sex unless they are ‘mehram‘ (adults of the opposite gender that a woman can’t marry e.g. brother, father, etc).
Nauman Ali Khan briefly clarifies the common misconception that head-covering isn’t mentioned in the Quran.
The definition of modesty differs from person to person. However, there are general guidelines in Islam as to what is expected of a Muslim (not just women but men too) as far as the hijab is concerned.
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments except what normally appears. Let them draw their veils over their chests, and not reveal their ˹hidden˺ adornments except to their husbands, their fathers, their fathers-in-law, their sons…..” (The Quran, Chapter An-Nur, Verse 31 )
The definition of modesty differs from person to person.
And again:
“O Prophet! Ask your wives, daughters, and believing women to draw their cloaks over their bodies. In this way it is more likely that they will be recognized ˹as virtuous˺ and not be harassed. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (The Quran, Chapter Al-Ahzab, Verse 59)
Majority of the scholars agree that hair is part of a woman’s adornments. When these verses were revealed to Muhammad (pbuh), the Arab women and men used to already cover their heads. The women would let their khimar or head-covering drape behind their backs. After this revelation, they started draping it in front to cover their bosoms.
Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly difficult to practice this teaching because some people have this idea that women are forced into it. Some women probably are, because legislation differs in countries. Some families might push the females to hide their hair as well, but coercion is never allowed in Islam.
Coercion is never acceptable in Islam.
‘There is no compulsion in religion. The Right Way stands clearly distinguished from the wrong. Hence he who rejects the evil ones and believes in Allah has indeed taken hold of the firm, unbreakable handle. And Allah (Whom he has held for support) is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (The Quran, Chapter Al Baqarah, Verse 256)
So it’s because of this generalized idea that all women are being forced to cover, that hijab is getting a bad rap. Over time, it’s becoming harder and harder to walk around with a head covering in non-muslim countries.
Related reads:
Top French court upholds ban on barristers wearing hijab in Lille courtrooms
Muslim women wearing hijab at work face heightened scrutiny, professional consequences
I don’t have to choose between my hijab and going to school, but my sisters aren’t so lucky
How To Make A Difference
It is appalling that a piece of clothing can make such a massive difference in the way someone is treated. However, if we interact with our neighbors and the people we come across on the streets or in markets, those with misconceptions about Islam and Hijab, will learn more about us. They’ll learn that we are normal individuals and we are definitely not being forced to cover.
I have personally been treated (multiple times) like the head covering somehow blocks or slows my brain down. I give them the benefit of the doubt and tell myself these people don’t know any better. Regardless, I aim to focus on the positive experiences more.
I have had many non-Muslim neighbors and friends who have stood by us when we witnessed intolerance nationwide. If you’re not a Muslim and reading this post, please just ask. Communication solves half the problems we have today. Not one Muslim would mind explaining why they choose to cover their hair.