In today’s global society, there are many misconceptions about the hijab, particularly the notion that it represents a form of oppression. This notion may arise partly due to its appearance, which is often deemed overly conservative by modern standards. The way it covers almost the entire body can make the hijab seem as though it restricts a woman’s freedom to choose how she dresses.
Some stories about the hijab from various parts of the world may contribute to these misconceptions or even create confusion about what the hijab truly is. For instance, some people, after hearing the story of Mahsa Amini, a young woman accused of violating mandatory hijab regulations in Iran who later died under suspicious circumstances while in the custody of the morality police, might reinforce the idea of the hijab as oppressive. However, there are also opposing narratives where Muslim women fight for the freedom to wear their hijabs publicly, particularly in countries with secular ideologies.
As a Muslim woman who wears the hijab, I feel compelled to share my perspective on the matter. I hope that what I share can help break down misconceptions and clear up existing confusion. This is important, at least to me, because the hijab is not merely a head covering. To me, the hijab is about me and God.
Before diving into the discussion, it is essential to note that this article does not aim to address national policies or ideologies regarding religion or women’s freedom. Instead, it focuses solely on the personal significance of the hijab for a Muslim woman, presented from an individual perspective as a Muslim.
The discussion will be framed through a series of questions that may help paint a clearer picture of what the hijab truly represents.
What is your view as a hijabi regarding the hijab?
"The hijab I know is simple, but it has deep meaning." First, by "the hijab I know," I do not mean that the command of the hijab in the Qur’an carries different interpretations or is confusing. Rather, "the hijab I know" refers to how I, as a Muslim woman, was introduced to the hijab in an environment where the majority of the population is Muslim. It also pertains to how the commandment of the hijab is applied within a community.
The phrase "the hijab is simple" refers to the straightforward nature of the command to wear the hijab itself. The directive regarding the hijab is explicitly stated in the Qur’an, for example, in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 59, translated into English as:
“O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”
Personally, the command to wear the hijab felt simple to me, as if Allah is saying, "I command you to wear the hijab to keep yourself safe." This practice does not seem like religious extremism to me. Instead, I interpret the command as an expression of Allah’s compassion as my Creator, who wants to protect me as His creature. Therefore, I wear the hijab simply because Allah commands me to do so for my safety as a woman.
The "deep meaning" of the hijab lies in how wearing it reflects a commitment to religious and spiritual values. As I mentioned earlier, "the hijab is about me and God." It represents a form of worship as a servant of God, embodying how a servant obeys her Lord's commands. Additionally, within society, this commitment fosters self-confidence, which is part of the deeper meaning of self-empowerment.
In summary, "The hijab I know is simple but has deep meaning" which also reflects my perspective as a hijabi regarding the hijab-wearing the hijab is a form of commitment and obedience to God’s command as servant which aims to protect women as well.
How is the hijab perceived in your environment?
"The hijab is my decision, but I don’t see it as a choice." This means that although wearing the hijab is a decision I made independently, I do not view it as a matter of choice but as an obligation. Saying that the hijab is my decision signifies that wearing it was a personal decision made without external pressure.
I live in Indonesia, where over 80% of the population is Muslim. The environment I grew up in is predominantly Muslim. I was raised in a family that values religious principles. My father is a devout man who ensured that his children performed religious practices such as Salah, fasting, and reading the Qur'an. However, when it came to the hijab, he never imposed it on his daughters. Instead, he respected our space to explore and understand our beliefs while emphasizing the importance of religious practices as a foundation for maintaining a balance between worldly and spiritual life.
Therefore, in my family, there is freedom regarding certain aspects of religion, particularly wearing the hijab. However, when it comes to main practices like Salah, fasting, and reading the Qur'an, my father, who is the leader of our household, is very concerned about it.
The social environment in which I was raised shares similar views with my family. Muslim women have the freedom to fulfill the obligation of wearing the hijab, and the community never judged a Muslim woman based on whether or not she wore it.
The phrase "the decision I made" is akin to "the hijab is my choice." However, "the hijab is my choice" feels somewhat awkward to me, as some might interpret it to mean that you are free to either wear it or not. Personally, I believe that wearing the hijab is an obligation for Muslim women, but the way one approaches it depends on the individual. Therefore, I avoid saying, "A Muslim woman is less of a Muslim if she doesn’t wear the hijab." The phrase "the hijab is my decision but not a choice" reflects the idea that wearing it depends on one’s readiness. For me, this readiness is not about whether you can wear it or not, but rather about “now” or “later.”
How important do you think the hijab is in society?
There is a fairly well-known poem among Muslims from Hafez Ibrahim that says:
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"A mother is a school; if you prepare her well,
You prepare a nation of noble character."
It says that, mother is the first school or educator for her children. If you prepare her well, then it is the same as preparing a good nation at its core. It showing a perspective on how important the role of women is in shaping a nation. However, it should be underlined that this quote from Hafez Ibrahim does not mean that women should be housewives and are not allowed to pursue their careers. This article focuses on discussing the role of women in shaping a nation, with an emphasis on the internal aspect, namely the family. This role includes how women, especially as mothers, create a harmonious family environment, educate the next generation, and instill strong moral values to their children as the main foundation in building a better society.
Based on this perspective, we can see how important the role of women is. Beyond their nobility in bearing and giving birth, women also play an important role in forming a nation.
Islam honors and protects women. The hijab is one of the things that demonstrate how Islam is truly concerned about women. The hijab is a symbol of protection and respect for their dignity. This rule not only reflects spiritual values but also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the honor and privacy of women in various aspects of life.
There are several things that need to be known regarding the hijab as clothing. Not all headscarves worn by women are hijabs, and not all who wear the headscarves are Muslims. According to Professor Hakan Coruh, a senior lecturer in Islamic studies at CSU: “When referred to as a garment, the hijab is defined as a headscarf Muslim women wear to cover their hair and neck” (Chamas, 2024). Additionally, the clothes worn with the hijab are long, loose garments that should not be tight or show the curves of the body.
In my view, the hijab not only provides physical protection but also encourages self-respect, helps women understand their self-worth, and instills a sense of peace and strength from within especially because of the commitment to God involved in it. This becomes particularly significant in light of the strategic role women play, as previously mentioned, in shaping future generations capable of building a strong and prosperous nation.
Do you feel oppressed by wearing your hijab?
As a Muslim, my faith is rooted in the belief in one God, whom we recognize as the Creator and to whom we will ultimately return. The Qur'an is a collection of His divine words revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the command to wear the hijab is among them.
As previously mentioned, wearing the hijab is about my relationship with God. It is a personal decision that I have made without experiencing any form of coercion, either from within myself or from external forces. For me, wearing the hijab reflects my commitment to presenting my best self before Him.
Source:
Chamas, Z. (2024, March 6). Why Muslim women cover their
hair with a hijab and the importance of modesty in Islam. ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-06/house-of-gods-exploring-hijab-islam-muslim-women/103376332
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