By Deana Nassar /aboutislam.net
As Muslim women who wear the hijab in non-Muslim countries, we often spend our days being stared at, pointed at, and at times, even glared at.
It is all part of the Muslim experience. The greatest part, though, is being asked what one can call interesting questions. Even more so during the hot summer season we are asked how we continue to wear the veil despite the heat.
Don’t you feel hot in summer; it’s 45 degrees out there?
While it is OK to, in your imagination, roll your eyes thinking everyone feels hot in this weather, embrace the chance to respond to this cliché question, which has come to be repeated over and over again.
Wearing hijab, like any other act of worship, needs strong will, faith and self-discipline. We need to remain strong against the whispers from the devil and attacks from those who intend harm against Islam; we need to overcome the lack of self-motivation to respond to the order from Allah. Call it if you may our challenge; our jihad against our whims.
Remember that hijab is a symbol of piety. It is also a sign of great inner strength and fortitude. A woman wearing hijab becomes a very visible sign of Islam
With islamophobia taking the front seat in social media and television, one has learnt to take advantage of the many arising questions and use it to our advantage.
One way is through social media. Here we find a huge opportunity to reach out to people who may not know about Islam or Muslims. Many non-Muslims have never met a Muslim but do however have access to us through social media.
Islam is known as a religion concerned with community interrelation and moral boundaries. As a result, hijab which means to veil, cover or to screen is a way of ensuring that the moral boundaries between unrelated men and women are respected.
In this sense, the term hijab encompasses more than a scarf and more than a dress code. It is a term that symbolizes modesty.
While Muslim men can blend easily into any society, we as Muslim women are often put on the line, and forced to defend not only our decision to cover, but also our religion. That is why we must remain patient and intelligent when answering questions.
Opportunity for spreading awareness
Many, and I for one am guilty as charged, have wanted to let people know that sometimes it’s okay to use your brain and think about the ridiculous questions before opening their mouth.
Really, questions such as ‘Don’t you want to dress as a normal person?’ or ‘are you bald underneath?’ trigger many answers not suitable for sharing.
But sister, see it as an opportunity to promote our religion and envision yourself reaping the rewards for your patience.
Do not forget if a Muslim woman was wearing a scarf but at the same time using bad language, she would not be fulfilling the requirements of hijab.
We know that Islam has liberated us women way before the west even associated freedom with women. Ignore hearsay and ideologies of feminism. Tell your questioners that hijab cuts down on competition among women.
In a desperate attempt to meet up to an unrealistic standard of beauty, how many sacrifice financial savings and health in order to have plastic surgery.
Hold your covered head up high and proudly explain that in Islam we are appreciated for our knowledge, piety and contribution to society.
Responding to the call of Hijab enriches the quality of our life. The Qur’an reads:
{O you who believe! Answer God and the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life} (Al-Anfal 8:24)
Actually if you really want to defend women’s rights, highlight that a woman is assessed for her mind, and not just the superficial physical traits. Be sure that the advantages far outweigh any disadvantage conjured up by media bias or general ignorance.
Next time you find yourself uncertain on how to reply about how hot you are with the hijab in summer think about these benefits.
For sure, you would not want to be the one standing in the way of promoting our beautiful religion. Be an ambassador for Islam. Renew your intentions and put yourself out there with humility, integrity and patience.
About Deana Nassar
Deana Nassar is a published writer. As a mother of four, in her home she’s the sole expert on all things related to marriage, children’s psychology, motherhood and creative survival. She loves charity work, reading and writing poetry, and is mostly known for writing articles discussing family and social issues, faith, freedom, and purpose that comes through God. She can be reached at deana_nassar4@hotmail.com
