The Dehumanization Of Clothing Of Muslim Women

Clothing is an extremely personal matter for all women despite of their culture or faith. Women of many faiths wear modest clothing such as Catholic nuns, Amish, Orthodox Jews and Muslims. There are different names for these clothing like habit, sheitel or Hijab but serves the similar purpose. Thanks’ to media public view of Muslim women wearing hijab as oppressed or dehumanized. Though Muslim and Nuns dress similarly clothing, but are viewed differently. Every woman on earth have a right to choose what she wants to wear because she is only subjected to the conveniences, or even inconveniences, that result from wearing anything. People should not judge women who choose to wear hijab, because they might

. When I moved to America it was couple of months before 9/11. My biggest challenge that I never imagined was my Hijab. The head covering and long black or colored dress Muslim women wear. The word hijab means to cover or hide from view. In general, it refers to Islamic modest dressing for men and women alike. That covers the head but also the body for women. Muslim girls are required to cover themselves after reaching puberty. Growing up in a country where every woman covers herself with flowing dresses when we go out in public and moving to a country where everything is open it was a culture shock for me. I have always been a shy person never wanted to stand out in public. Although I never had a thought of removing my hijab but I was afraid to go out in public because I did not knew how would look at me and approach me. I was afraid of being different. My husband would always assure me that he is with me, will always support me, and never forced me but did not discourage me either. I remember people coming up to me in the malls and grocery shopping asking what I was wearing. I would explain it to them it’s my dress for going out in public. I was always nervous about

It took me a while to understand that this hijab is my identity and served a greater purpose. I was so far from the ideal human being still am, I freak out like everyone else does and I lose it sometimes. It does make me worry whenever I answer someone question or do something wrong it no longer reflection of my behavior as an individual, but rather of all Muslims and Islam. It was not a role that I asked for, but it came as part of my identity. Under this hijab is a person with her own imperfections and flaws. And like any human being, I’m capable of making mistakes. Hijab protects me of certain sin but it does not by itself eliminate my negative manners or habits. Self-improvement remains an individual struggle. I had to cope with my shyness to show the beauty of Islam and how it gives me confidence and freedom. I had to explain to everyone who asked me if I was forced to cover myself. I felt save wearing it. Some would come up to me and ask directly if my father, brother or my husband is forcing me to wear it. There are those who do injustice in the name of Islam and force the hijab on unwilling women. I do not approve that! There are many reasons why forcing is incorrect. Hijab is not oppressive but rather is an honor and a reminder of who I Am. My hijab gave me confidence. I’m not ashamed of covering myself. I proudly wear my hijab knowing that I belong to a faith in which wearing hijab give me freedom,