World Hijab Day: Significance of the veil

There was the incident of Miss Aisha Alabi, a 16-year-old pupil of Kadara Junior Grammar School, Ebutte-Metta, Lagos, who was allegedly flogged by her principal, Mrs E. C. Ukpaka on February 5, 2013 because of her Hijab. Also, Miss Barirat Tajudeen of Mafoluku Senior Grammar School was allegedly victimized by her principal, Mrs Elizabeth Omidele […]

There was the incident of Miss Aisha Alabi, a 16-year-old pupil of Kadara Junior Grammar School, Ebutte-Metta, Lagos, who was allegedly flogged by her principal, Mrs E. C. Ukpaka on February 5, 2013 because of her Hijab. Also, Miss Barirat Tajudeen of Mafoluku Senior Grammar School was allegedly victimized by her principal, Mrs Elizabeth Omidele on February 20, 2013 for using the scarf outside the school premises.
The case of Marwa El-Sherbini, the Hijab martyr, was very pathetic. She died on the first day of July, 2009 in a court room, after being stabbed 15 times by her assailant, Alex Wiens, because she testified against him in court for verbal abuse hurled at her because of her Hijab. The lists of molestation of women in Hijab are numerous.
The world has always had negative thoughts and actions on Muslim woman’s use of Hijab. Whenever a woman in Hijab is seen in most places, the first thought that comes to people’s mind is that she is either being oppressed or is forced to use it by a male member of her family without bothering to ask her why she is using it.
It is said that, the man that wears the shoe knows where it pinches. When doing Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), the employer can’t do it alone; he has to involve those that actually do the job. It is said that the best way to identify hazard in JHA is to ask those involved in the job.
Ever wonder why a Muslim woman is so covered? The Hijab makes a statement about her. It tells whoever sees her that, “this woman you see is precious; that’s why she is covered. She is a rare gem. Just like the best of pearls are found at the bottom of the ocean covered in seashells, the best ornaments found at the base of the rock; just like you cannot expose your most beloved possession, this woman’s body is worth more than precious pearls and her Creator knows this. That’s why she is covered. The Hijab is a screen for the Muslimah, preventing her from being molested and from the unlawful stares of men.
This Hijab protects her modesty. It is a symbol of bashfulness. The Prophet (pbuh) said, ‘Each religion has a morality and the morality of Islam is hayaa (bashfulness)’. Islam requires people to observe strict standards of modesty especially with regards to relationship with the opposite sex in order to reduce the temptation of unlawful sexual relations. Adherence to Hijab is a manifestation of chastity and modesty. It is also a sign of purity. This is seen in the wisdom behind the use of Hijab, ‘And when you ask them (the Prophet’s wives) for anything you want, ask them behind a screen (Hijab); that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts…’ (Q 33:53).
The Hijab is a Muslim woman’s Bluetooth. With the Hijab, you can never have a bad hair day, you can identify your friends easily in a crowd and your friends can easily identify you in a crowd. The Hijab is an easily accessible nursing cover, keeps the head warm during summer, prevents aggressive hair vendors from accosting you in a mall, hides wrinkles and double chins. It also protects you from the lustful stares of men and most of all; it’s a symbol of obedience to the Creator (Allah). For Allah has said, “It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger (pbuh) have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has strayed into plain error” (Q33 vs 36).
As the world celebrates World Hijab Day, a global solidarity event meant to create awareness and better understanding of Hijab, today, Saturday, February 1, 2014, we urge all Muslim women to put on their Hijab and raise their heads high for they have been honoured by their Creator. We also call on the non-Muslim women to try out the Hijab, see how it makes them feel and celebrate with the Muslim women.