Honorable Mention - Sithi Faritha Naina Maraikar

In the Name of Allah, The Most Merciful and the Most Gracious 

The Hijab

Muslim women around the world wear the headscarf or hijab. There are several reasons why women choose to wear the hijab. One reason is to fulfill a religious obligation. Allah says in the Qur'an: "O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes are the one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Surah al-Ahzab, 33: 59). The hijab isn’t oppressive or demeaning for Muslim women but rather an honor and a constant reminder of who we are.

I belong to the Islamic faith and proudly wear the headscarf. Although it is an obligation, many of us start when we feel we’re ready and end up gaining a better understanding and appreciation of the blessings that the headscarf offers. There are, however, women who are forced into it and may not be able to appreciate or understand why they wear it. Living in such a liberated society as America, women not only can come to a better understanding but have the chance to eliminate any misunderstandings

One misunderstanding people have about the headscarf is that it is oppressive. People think it’s absurd for women to cover themselves, and feel they do it against their will. What some fail to realize is that a lot of women, especially in America, wear it by choice. It is not oppression but rather a shield. Women who cover themselves receive respect and admiration from males and females alike. It is a special honor.

Another common misconception about the hijab is that it’s only for women. Allah says in the Qur'an, "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty... And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty..." (Surah an-Nur, 24:30-31). These 2 ayahs refer to both genders. Hijab is an Arabic word meaning barrier or partition. In Islam, it has a broader meaning. It is the principle of modesty and includes behavior as well as dress for both males and females. However, the most visible form of hijab is the head covering that many Muslim women wear.

In conclusion, the headscarf is very important to Muslim women, it guards her modesty and helps her gain the respect and admiration of people around her.