Monday, April 30, 2012

the hijab : myths and misconceptions

Myth: The hijab is the scarf that covers a Muslim woman’s neck and hair.
Truth: Hijab refers to modesty in actions and dress including covering the entire body except the face and hands, wearing loose-fitting clothing that does not emphasize the woman’s figure, and is not revealing in any way.

Myth: Women who wear hijab have been forced to do so.
Truth: Wearing hijab is a decision for women, one with deep religious meaning.

Myth: Hijab only refers to women.
Truth: The Islamic perception of hijab applies to men as well referring to the way in which they conduct themselves.

Myth: Muslim women must wear hijab at all times.
Truth: Muslim women must only wear hijab when in public places and in the company of men who are not immediate family (brothers-in-law, cousins, neighbors). Muslim women can wear makeup and uncovered hair in the presence of their family and men who they cannot marry within the Islamic faith (fathers, brothers, sons, grandfathers) or at occasions where only women are present.

Myth: The hijab is a traditional Arab custom.
Truth: The practice of modesty and coveting the woman’s hair is mandated by Islam, and is a religious, not a cultural practice. Covering the hair out of modesty is seen in other religions as well - Mary is often depicted with her head covered; nuns take the habit.

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Poem about Hijab for my dear girlfriends :)
 You look at me and call me oppressed,
Simply because of the way I'm dressed,

You know me not for what is inside,
You judge the clothing I wear with pride,

My body is not for your eyes to hold,
You must speak to my mind, not my feminine mould,

I'm an individual. I'm no man's slave,
It's Allah's pleasure that I only crave,

I have a voice so I will be heard,
For in my heart I carry His word,

"O ye women, wrap close your cloak,
So you won't be bothered by ignorant folk".

Man doesn't tell me to dress this way,
It's law from God that I obey,

Oppressed is something I'm truly not,
For liberation is what I've got,

It was given to me many years ago,
With the right to prosper, the right to grow,

I can climb mountains or cross the seas,
Expand my mind in all degrees,

For God Himself gave us liberty,
When He sent Islam, to you and me!