Hijab: The Misused Garment

The purpose of the use of the Hijab which is like a garment by Muslim women has been misunderstood. In Nigeria over the past few years, the Hijab has been used by insurgents in perpetrating evil and this has thus created a lot of uproar regarding the use of Hijab in public areas. The Hijab […]

The purpose of the use of the Hijab which is like a garment by Muslim women has been misunderstood. In Nigeria over the past few years, the Hijab has been used by insurgents in perpetrating evil and this has thus created a lot of uproar regarding the use of Hijab in public areas. The Hijab has been banned in some parts of the world. The Hijab is a cloak/veil worn or used by Muslim women which covers their body. This garment is worn in accordance with the commandment of God as He instructs the believing women in the Qur’an to draw their cloaks all over their body. For the ideal Muslim woman, wearing the Hijab is not a sign of degradation or oppression; it is a sign of purity and dignity. The Hijab is associated with so many ills that people fail to realise the immense benefit it has to our society. The Hijab enables a woman to pay maximum attention to the tasks she has set out to do outside the confines of her home. She does not seek to impress anyone but her creator. She is not concerned whether or not she is attractive or if people are impressed because she has the latest fashion; she leaves her home as a self-confident part of human race. Women are known for competing among themselves especially in terms of dressing and they spend a whole lot of money while at it. This garment cuts down on competition. The rate at which women sacrifice their financial savings and wealth in order to meet up to an unrealistic standard of beauty is something to worry about. Do not get me wrong; I am not saying women should not look good but the extent to which women go is what I am after. The Hijab which is supposed to serve the aforementioned benefits and many more is now used as a means of perpetrating evil. People are always cautious whenever they see someone in
hijab. This has led to several debates on whether or not the Hijab should still be allowed in public areas. Women who wear Hijab are not comfortable with the kind of treatment they receive from people. The Hijab is a shield for the Muslim woman and she is obeying her Creator by using it. Do not hide under the pretext of being a Muslim and use the Hijab to commit all sorts of atrocities. The Hijab should be used the way it ought to be used and for the right purpose. Using the Hijab for any other purpose other than covering as instructed by Allah is an abuse to the garment.
Habeeba Muhammad, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai [email protected]