Note:

I had thought to avoid brooching the issue of veiling on the index page, but instead, had included links to other pages that contain discussions and information on that topic.  However, I recently added a link to a page which discusses the hijab, and it is one of the best I've seen.  It is presented from a very well studied and well considered position.   Click here.

I am amazed at how something so simple can generate such disagreement, and resistance, and open rebellion, and mutual disrespect, and yes, dischord on the part of many sisters.  For some muslims, passing through the eye of a needle is simpler than obeying Allah.  The hard line view I hold for myself to follow is to be veiled in public and in the presence of non mahram (refers to the group of people who are unlawful for a woman to marry due to marital or blood relationships) males.  It is not my right to push the wear of hijab on you or belittle you for not wearing hijab or avoid you or look down on you disdainfully for your choice to not veil.  Nor, is it my place to do any of the afore mentioned.  That's for you to take up with your maker and not me or any other sister.  But, I can share my reasoning, and my experience in the hope it will help even a few to make a decision which is pleasing to Allah.

Throughout my brief time as a Muslim I have been amazed at how frequently I come across answers to questions that arise daily in my pursuit of Islam in my own personal studies.  I think the key to this has been an intense desire to know what the Quran and Hadith say on a topic and a determination to follow my convictions as my conscience becomes educated by the word of God.   I intend (at a later date) to do a brief article exhorting my sisters and brothers, but in particularly my sisters, to study.  STUDY, STUDY, STUDY!  I'm not talking about academics here.  I'm talking about the very words we were given which defines Islam and instructs us in its application.  How do we know if we're Muslim if we don't study (regularly, sincerely, and with fervor) the word of God?  But, I digress.

Let me give you my history in adopting the veil.  When I first became Muslim, I realized there was something to the wearing of hijab (cover or veil) after all, 100's of Muslim women who do, cannot be completely wrong.  They may not have the right motives for veiling (because their mothers did, because their husbands say so, because of tradition or, culture, etc.) but, they veil.  So, I'd wear it in the store when I didn't expect to come across anyone I knew.  I'd wear it in my car to work then shuck it off when I arrived.  I progressed to wearing it through the halls to the office then shucking it at the door.  Then I progressed to wearing it to work.  Today, as a result of study gained through study, I wear it when I walk out the door and don't remove it until I return home or am in the company of only women.  This doesn't make me a saint, because one doesn't get into Paradise on the wear of hijab alone.  I have many more battles to fight  and attributes to acquire and knowledge to apply that I can't rest on my meager laurels thinking I've got a place in paradise. 

I say all this to say.  My sisters who told me hijab wasn't necessary; or, who just can't because of their particular jobs, or,  that they knew of a woman who was well versed who could prove it wasn't necessary; or, who smirk openly at the wearing of hijab.  Please sit up and take notice.  I have found more than one scripture in hadith and quran that points to the veiling of women.  One, my favorite, "...In the days after Allah commanded the veiling of women...." I didn't need any more after reading this.  What more do you need?  Where do you find the words and understanding in the Quran/Hadith that makes you sure of your position on Hijab?

Some of us worry about fitting in and standing out as different.  I know I did.  Some of us consider ourselves to be too well educated to be subject to wearing hijab.  Some of us are not truly Muslim at heart.    Some of us have muslimah mothers who didn't instruct us on the wear of hijab as we were growing up.  But, I wear hijab to job interviews and I'm working.  My sole non Muslim friend didn't forsake me when I converted.  In fact she's more a friend now than we were before (maybe she hopes to bring me back to her christian truth).  I've realized that any job that will terminate me for my wear of hijab isn't worth having and if I so choose, I have legal recourse.  Remember, if the sole entity who has the ability to give life is worthy of all worship, then he is worthy to be obeyed in this one very simple matter.  We've seen the women  in stores with the black squares (triangles?) of lace pinned on top of their heads as a show of their faith.  Even though I'm not sure of what purpose the little lace scarves serve, I know the purpose of the wear of hijab, or veil as we Muslim women wear is very evidently intended to cover or hide from view what lies beneath.

Now, on another note.  I'm amused at the hijab tease I see so frequently.  We're told to cover.  And I've always assumed it's intended to remain in place and be very sure in it's position.  This game I see of:  the veil falls, I put it up, and the veil falls and I put it up, and the veil falls and I put it up... is nothing more than a tease.  Do  you want to wear hijab?  Then wear it with conviction.  If you don't really want to wear it, then shuck it off.  But, quit sitting on the fence.  If you put it on, secure it so it stays on.  Otherwise, it's no more than an adornment for attracting attention.  I don't like to use safety pins in my hijab because I'd like the fabric to last without becoming holey, so I use bobby pins in particular the ones with the stud on the end with a rhinestone. 

My rant is over.  Except a little amazement that so many of our brothers would have so much interest in telling women what they can and cannot wear.  My worship of Allah is for me to do, not my brothers around me.  Let's get over the petty bickering.  Let's move on to the more intrinsic and crucial elements of being Muslimah after laying this brick in the path of our obedience.  It's time the hijab became as much a part of our lives as Muslimah as any other part of our obedience.

Rabiyah