Amar Razali

Assalamu'alaykum Warahmatullah Wabarakatuh;

Actually, for the past few years I have lived in US, I am very amazed and feel very proud of the Muslim women - who stand strong in practicing one of the parts of their religion, i.e. dressing properly. I mean, for the man, maybe there are no obvious sign or signature that can tell he is a Muslim, but for the woman, Masha Allah, their faith can be recognized easily by their dressing, i.e. the hijab.

A Muslim woman walks down the street covered up from head to toe. There are many layers and loose clothing that may have the non Muslims very confused. Let say it's warm outside. (I just realized maybe this situation is not very applicable with Nashville weather currently but anyway,) most people are wearing shorts and t-shirts. Yet, we find the Muslim woman going against the norm and sticking out from the rest. In America, where one is "free" to do, say, or even wear anything, why would a free woman choose to dress this way?

It's a logical question.

Although the Muslim woman is indeed free - free to make her own choices, free to dress as she wills - she finds satisfaction in this way of life. She prefers to wear more rather than less. This is where she finds her dignity, her grace, and her value. She values her inner self, and as such would rather not put herself on display for others. This display is solely reserved for her husband and family members close to her such as her brother, father, uncle, etc. Her husband has earned the privilege of her beauty. He "earns" this right by committing to her and signing a marriage contract. Thus, her splendor is not something to be tossed around; there's an elite class of people who have the honor of seeing it. Her beauty is exclusively for a few and it is not to be enjoyed by others as she walks down the streets and malls.

Muslim woman is not to be toyed or exploited.

Yes, the Muslim women are hidden from most of the world. Oppressed and hidden, however, are far from synonymous. Yet, Muslim women wearing this hijab or covering the parts of their body are working as doctors, engineers, lawyers, nurses, and professionals all around the world. A mere covering does not prevent a woman from being an active and contributing member of her society in any way that she chooses. Rather, it gives others a chance to value her spoken word, her intellect, and her ideas over anything that she may or may not be wearing. The clothes that she wears does not diminish her independence or ability to think freely. Rather, it is when she thinks freely that she chooses to dress in such a fashion.

So, next time when we see a Muslim woman dressed properly and covered up, feel proud of her, and make prayers that she will stand strong in practicing her beloved faith.

Also for the non-Muslim, when you see a Muslim woman all covered up, don't be confused, sad, or disappointed. Know that this woman is indeed beautiful, inside and out. Know that she is content and at ease. Moreover, know that she would rather wear this than anything else.

Allahu ta'ala a'lam.