Why Muslim women wear Hijab

Source: The Deen Show

She walks down the street covered up from head to toe. Her many layers and loose clothing have you very confused. It’s warm outside. Most people are wearing shorts and t-shirts. Yet, you find this particular 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 statisfaction 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 (brother, father, uncle, etc). Her husband has earned the privilege of seeing her beauty. He “earns” this right by commiting to her and signing a marriage contract. Thus, her splendor is not something to be tossed around; there is and 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 the streets and malls. She is not to be exploited.

Yes, the Muslim woman is hidden from most of the world. Oppressed and hidden, however, are far from synonymous. Muslim woman wearing this hijaab or covering are working as doctors, lawyers, teachers, 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 do 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 you see her 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.