When the word "Hijab" comes to mind the first thing we come to think of is the head cover, some might think of the abayah or even the Niqab. But what does Hijab really mean? The Hijab is an Arabic word meaning a barrier or partition. However in Islam, it has a more deeper meaning. It is the principle of modesty and it includes behavior as well as dress for both males and females. So why is it that we as Muslims limit it to just a piece of cloth that we wrap around our heads? Don't we know that there is a more greater and beautiful meaning behind it? We shouldn't see the Hijab as being something forced upon us but rather something that is part of us. The Hijab is not only there as a symbol of our Deen but rather it's more than that. It wasn't created to oppress us but instead it was created to liberate us, to free us from the oppressive looks and stares of people who can't keep their eyes to themselves.
We live in a society where it's okay revealing yourself to others but the moment you cover you become a victim of oppression. But who really is the oppressed one? Our Deen is based around the idea of Haya and flaunting our beauty to the world is not part of it. Our Deen gives our women status, not every Jack and John has the pleasure of seeing who we really are. We believe a woman modestly dressed is as a pearl in it's shell. Our beauty is preserved for the deserving, but why does't everyone see it like that? The status women have in our Deen is incomparable and to call the Hijab an act oppression is a sign of ignorance.
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful” [al-Ahzaab 33:59]
The idea of Hijab is something that was commanded on every single Muslimah, shouldn't we take it upon ourselves to perfect it? We live in a society where the Hijab has become a fashion statement and the true beauty is lost in this cauldron of westernization. Instead of doing what is required of us, we spend our time changing our ways to fit into a society which differs in so many aspects. My sisters we shouldn't let the temptations and the pleasures of this Dunyah get to our head. What use is it to cover our hair but to beautify our faces with makeup? What use is it to cover our hair if we are going to wear clothing that highlights every single curve of our body? What use is it to cover our hair but the smell of our perfume can be smelt from miles away? Who are we trying to mess with? The Hijab is not only a piece of cloth on our head but rather a symbol of our modesty and Akhlaaq. Allah gave us status, Allah gave us pride, who are we to refuse this?The idea of your Hijab is to conceal your beauty and for you alter it to do the exact opposite just defeats the whole purpose. Allah did not create the Hijab as way of burdening us but rather as a way of protecting us from the Fitnah of this world. We spend our time looking up to celebrities to the point we even start to dress like them. But what could be better than imitating the dress styles of our mother Aa'isha RA?
It may not be easy to wear it in such a society where every Muslim is seen as threat but think about all the reward that Allah will shower you with. We need to remember we were not created to please the creation but rather the only person we should be pleasing is the Creator. The Hijab is the basics of our Deen. Don't get me wrong for Allah does judge us on our intentions raher than our external appearance, but we should always strive to become the best of Muslims and one way by doing this could be to start dressing like one.
The Hijab is a beautiful concept brought down for us all and like all things the more you learn about it the more you fall in love with it. At first it may seem like a struggle, it may seem hard but I promise you there is nothing more better than to cover for the sake of Allah. You will never regret it Inshallah.
The sun does not lose its beauty when it's covered by the clouds. The same way our beauty does not fade when we choose to cover for the sake of Allah. The Hijab was not made to protect men but rather to honor women. So the next time you walk out that door look at yourself and ask "Am I really wearing a hijab?"
May Allah allow us to remain steadfast and may he guide as and always keep us sincere in all that we do. Allahumma Ameen.
