Some views on the hijab

This has nothing to do with what we're talking about in class, but it does relate to my site visit to the Colorado Muslim Society this weekend.


I was not sure what to wear to be appropriately covered for a Muslim activity, so I looked online for some tips.  Here is an interesting article I found:


http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Choosing-to-Wear-the-Muslim-Headscarf/1


It talks about American woman Krista Bremer, her Libyan-born husband, and their daughter Aliya's reception of the two cultures.  The mother said she was "confident that she would favor my comfortable American lifestyle over his [her husband's] modest Muslim upbringing."  She was shocked, however, when her daughter begged for a Muslim headscarf to wear.  Bremer is apprehensive at first, and wonders what people will think.  She supports her daughter's decision, but is definitely aware of the reaction from community members: "In the produce aisle, a woman reaching for an apple fixed me with an overly bright, solicitous smile that said 'I embrace diversity and I am perfectly fine with your child.'"  Then Bremer talks about how she behaved as a child and then as an adolescent, describing the progression from a carefree lifestyle to an obsession with physical appearance.  She eventually arrives at the realization that the hijab could be a good thing for her daughter; Aliya doesn't care what people think of her, and the covered-up Muslim dress would allow her to show her inner beauty, not expose her entire body.  "As I pulled away from the curb, I imagined that headscarf having magical powers to protect her boundless imagination, her keen perception, and her unself-conscious goodness."


I think this article provides an interesting perspective because of the mother's internal dilemma.  On one hand, she wants her daughter to be free to make her own choices; on the other, she is aware of the stereotypes of headscarves in America and wonders if it would create difficulties for her daughter.  One thing I am finding as I research more into this topic is that hijab is not in itself a symbol of oppression.  Although many women argue that the Qur'an commands that a woman be covered, some interpret it otherwise.  Many agree that a hijab is only part of the equation - that it is also necessary to behave modestly, not just dress that way.  Aliya's choice certainly shows that a woman would voluntarily take the hijab and probably the life choices it implies as well.  It would be interesting to see if she continues down a path to Islam.


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Another website I found after my visit to the CMS was this one, called "Hijab Style: We Love Hijab":


http://welovehijab.com/


It is a blog created by a Muslim woman, and its purpose is to give readers ideas to make fashionable, modest outfits that incorporate the headscarf.  The blogger uses pictures from fashion magazines and puts together ensembles that would be appropriately covering.  For example, she pairs a short dress with wide-leg pants, a cardigan, and the scarf, then decorates the outfit with matching jewelry and shoes.  This website seems like a good way for Muslim women to look stylish even though they have to be covered up.  The blogger is adamant that covering the body except for the face, hands, and feet, is a requirement in the Qur'an, and she repeatedly criticizes clothing for not meeting these requirements.  She also emphasizes the modest lifestyle that goes along with the hijab.  It is weird for me to read something like, "Unfortunately these pants are too form-fitting" or "You should buy this dress one size too big so as not to show off your waist."  It is a completely different perspective on clothing; as an American girl, I'm accustomed to seeing (and buying) clothing that shows off every curve of a woman's body, and I have friends who deliberately buy items one size too small so it reveals even more.  However, looking at the elegance of some of these outfits, I can see how dressing modestly is not such a bad thing.  The beauty is created by the matching colors and the quality of each individual piece, not by the fact that skin is showing in as many places as possible and nothing is left to the imagination.


I want to find more stories about the hijab.  I would like to get a feel for women's opinion on this topic in different countries: How do they interpret the Qur'an with respect to body covering?  Do they like the hijab or hate it?  Does it give them a sense of security?  What are the personal values associated with it, and do these women find themselves adhering to these values or not?