Walking down the street, young boys murmur amongst themselves when they spot me. "It's one of those terrorists in a burqa."
I ignore them and move on. This is a norm for many of us living in a non-Muslim country be it in a western country like Ireland or eastern country such as India. Media has tarnished the image of Islam and its followers. But partly we are at fault when a segment of heretics have interpreted their own meaning of Islam. A religion that was descended upon Arabia when it was in the dark ages. It was an enlightenment and a ray of hope for many people in the period of ignorance and many times regarded as savages. Then why have we turned into savages ourselves.
I don't want to delve into this. But what I want to point out is, there will always be adversaries when we are trying to follow the Straight Path. In today's world, even the small head scarf piece cloth has become an irritation for the world where it is being banned in many secular countries.
But I have held tightly to my hijab, in fact I started wearing my abaya residing in a European country. Why? This is my identity. The Quran clearly states the purpose of hijab is for a woman to be identified as a PIOUS woman. And in today's world when there was so much vulgarity around us, I completely agree with this verse.
"O prophet! tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested: and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." [Quran – Surah Ahzab Verse 59].
Anyone can clearly identify me as a Muslim. Even my seven-year-old son, when he was only four years old would recognize a woman in hijab and say "Mommy look another Muslim lady. Is she your friend?"
The concept of hijab is misunderstood by many in Sub continent – India and Pakistan where the thought of wearing the dupatta is sufficient. No, it is not my dear sister. One needs to cover her hair. Hair is an essential part of the beauty and it makes a difference when one is wearing a hijab. And Hijab should be maintained from ALL NON-MEHRAM that includes cousins, brother in laws (sister's husband) and all male relatives of your husband except your father in law. We may be very strict about wearing the hijab when going out of the house but become very relaxed about wearing hijab at home even when there are presences of non-Mehram men.
We will be questioned about this. Hijab is an obligation that we have to follow as a Muslim woman. I know there are many struggling women out there including my teen sister. But Inshaa Allah when we have the intention Allah makes the path easier for us.
Last thought, when we are to go to our Lord a woman's kaffan (dead body-shrouding) includes a hijab (head scarf) while a man's doesn't. When we depart from this world in hijab shouldn't we be practicing it in this world as well?
