Peace and hello.
Well, this is probably something I have posted about in the past... but I guess I will be posting about it again, given that I have had this blog for a couple of years now. ;)
Hijab... (the head scarf and modest clothing a muslim women may wear).
I am not going to explain (other than that one statement) what hijab is. However, I am going to talk about it, to an extent.
Really, I understand that hijab is a public manifestation and symbol of faith that muslim women portray if they wear it. I understand it is a trigger in which people begin to question you about your faith, whether it is positively or negatively. I understand that it is something that does not subscribe to the norm of what an American woman may look like in American society. So, I understand when people ask me about it.
However, I am so sick of it... really sick of it... Why?
---and guys... i'm sorry... but you have never experienced hijab... so you can never fully (maybe partially) understand why I may feel like this, or why another hijabi might (not necessarily all though).---
Well, do you like being questioned about why you wore purple socks instead of green ones? Or why you are wearing shorts instead of pants? Or how about why you're wearing a button up instead of a t-shirt? Sure, maybe once in while, you can deal with it.... but on an almost daily basis (sometimes multiple times a day)... It really does get annoying..
I don't mind people asking me about my faith... but questioning me in a manner that pushes me on the defensive, will really push my buttons. I am sick of it. I want people to understand: HIJABI's ARE NOT AUTOMATED COMPUTER SYSTEMS WITH NO EMOTIONS. At some point, we get sick of people asking us the same questions all the time. I know that something that seems so natural, so common sense to us, may not be the same for others... but I ask:
If you want to know about why we wear hijab, ask... but if you want to argue with us, get over yourself. You will never understand it, never comprehend it, until you practice it, experience it...
Just as people question how I can run around and play sports in long sleeves all summer long, I question how they can prance around in booty shorts with all their cellulite hanging out... (okay, fine not everyone, but you know where i'm getting at).. However, I do not attack your beliefs... I do not question your independence, liberty, or choices. I will respect you, even if you're in "daisy dukes with a bikini on top" (if you're a guy... well, you chose that apparel, what can I do?).
All I can say is:
Let people make their own choices. Let them develop their own experiences. Let them live without being questioned constantly.
The Quran says: "There is no compulsion in religion" meaning, no muslim (or non-muslim) should be forced to do anything, except which they choose to do themselves. There are repercussions for your actions, sure, depending on the legal system in which you are a constituent of. Therefore, do not force anyone to live by your standards...
The point of my post is essentially, that^^
Do not force anyone to live by your standards...
I wear hijab, because I choose to.
You may wear purple socks, because you choose to.
The reasons may be different. But the right to choose is pretty much the same.
Peace.
reem
4 comments:
Reem,
I recall our chat about Niqab. I have to admit, that discussion made me change my views [a little]. Thanks for the post.
Nice post Reem. A friend of mine told me that he thinks that the history of minorities in this country is just that every new group gets jumped before they become part of the main stream. They will get over it if we tell them enough times to. However, do we just want them to get over it? Is it possible for them to actually understand? Is it a practice, covering head to toe, that can be embraced by everyone? Are we doing something that doesn't speak to people's innate nature despite our belief that modesty should speak to it?
I always like to take outsiders criticism to our practices as an opportunity for introspection, hence my comment.
But hey you have to keep telling them to get over it :)
the saddest thing for me is that more MUSLIMS question my hijab than non muslims.=/
its been sooo long since a nonmuslim was bothered by it.
well said, and great thoughts...but I have to agree with omaima. the world is going crazy.
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