Muslim Monday: Why Do I Wear Hijab?

I’ve been meaning to write about this for a year but never got around to it. There are so many questions people have about hijab and why Muslim women cover. I’m going to start with the easiest question to address: Why do I wear hijab?

The word hijab is literally translated from Arabic as a curtain, veil or cover. However, it has been used to define the dress code for Muslims. Notice I said Muslims, not Muslim women. The dress code applies to men too!

God (Allah) instructed us in Qur’an...

Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.

And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their head covers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed. Surat An-Noor 24:30-31

I cover {by wearing hijab} because I believe in God’s instructions - but more importantly, I do it because I feel just a little closer to God by doing so. I believe it’s a great protection; I’m protecting my body from environmental elements. I’m also protecting myself from the gawking and objectification of men. Covering is how the world recognizes exactly what I am, a Muslim woman. Ultimately, it’s my choice.

There is so much more to say, but I’ll save it for future posts. If you have ANY questions about Islam or Muslims - please feel free to email me. I’d love to use your question(s) for future posts {with your permission}. You’re welcome to ask anything - even if you think it’s silly, or embarrassing... I’d rather people get the facts!