My thoughts provoked by one moment in time
August 11, 2003
Assalamu Alaikum
It is in an ideal society in which those who choose and even those who do not choose to adhere to the commandments of Allah (swt) would be respectful of each other. It is also in this ideal society that women who cover would be treated with that same respect.
I was walking down the streets of Boston (Newbury Street) where I witnessed a sight that made me contemplate my life. People will stop and watch themselves when a nun walks by. They will move to the side so that she may walk along with ease and they are most courteous. But as a Muslimah who covers that same respect is not shown and this only illustrates the ignorance of society. It is quite unfortunate. Yes, I realize that some wear it out of some tradition, while some wear it because they are forced to, but the majority (in the US) wears it out of choice.
Some of us started at a relatively young age, but then we have to realize since it is a commandment by Allah (swt) to do so when we are at the age of understanding – it’s not young at all.
The dynamics of Hijab cannot be formulated or given the proper justice in written words alone. It is something that is experienced and a heartfelt aspect of Islam. Hijab is like every other aspect of Islam and unlike them as well, and yet with all aspects of Islam there is one commonality – it is always a struggle.
Yes, my life may be easier if I didn’t wear Hijab, but then I recall that it has been stated the road to Junnah is a difficult journey, while the road to Jahannum is easy. And, just to clarify before I get yelled at – In no way am I stating that those who don’t wear Hijab are going to Jahannum. That is for no one in this world to decide – it is up to Allah (swt) and Him alone. Subhanallah there are many many Muslimahs that do not wear Hijab but their Iman is beautiful.
Hijab is one of those things that with the right intentions does become an integral part of a person just like Salah does. Many say – when I’m ready I’ll do it – my question to them is – if you believe it is the right thing to do and you know that it is something that pleases Allah (swt), then why wait? Who knows you may not be alive tomorrow. When it was revealed that women and men are to cover by Allah (swt) to Rasulullah (S), why is it that all the Believers began to do so?
Hijab is not just a covering that hides the beauty but it makes one who covers contemplate the other facets of Islam. And it also makes those around this person watch their actions.
I ponder, daily, the benefits and repercussions of adorning Hijab. Daily I know it searches as a reminder of how I am to carry myself. The sharam I am to have and it also makes others around me (usually nonMuslims) watch their actions. I am expected to act and be a certain way as is prescribed through the mannerisms of Islam that were taught and illustrated by Rasulullah (S).
On the flip side I am constantly in the realm of nonMuslims having to educate them about Islam – when I’m lucky enough to do so. Other times, I have to deal with stares, dirty looks, and name calling, I will go as far as to say that those areas in which education is not stressed a girl wearing Hijab is a prime target for racial and prejudice remarks and acts. There is the saying that “ignorance is bliss” – I absolutely disagree whole heartedly with that statement. Ignorance is absurd in this day and age.
I question what would be if I was to have never worn Hijab – would I benefit from it? Yes, I would. But I would be benefiting for all the wrong reasons. And in the end I’d only be fooling myself. My adorning of Hijab is such an integral part of my identity that I can’t even explain fully.
The one thing that saddens me the most is when the elders and some of the boys of our Muslim Ummah do not support Hijab. On the contrary the elders down it and some of the boys want nothing to do with a girl that wears Hijab.
So now I step back and state this. I do what I do for the Sake of Allah (swt) and all that is good is because of His Love. And all that is wrong is from me, first, and then the shaytan.
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