Hijab: Looking beyond the Western Perspective

One of the first introductory comments my professor said the first day of class was “Years ago I thought I saw positive progress and that I would be done teaching this course. Unfortunately these past few years have forced me to continue fighting this ignorance I’ve witnessed in both the media and in my everyday life.”

            My Junior year Spring Semester, I studied abroad in London and had the opportunity to take the course, Islam and the West. It was through this semester I was able to open my eyes to the “unwestern perspective.” Even a few months before taking the course I wondered, why has there been a recent resurgence in the use of the Hijab?

This cultural practice of the hijab upheals stigma in the West and is rarely explored and recognizes for its true symbolism and importance in some Islamic communities and culture. While the west views veiling as an antifeminist practice, many Muslims argue it is a symbol for liberation for women.

The revolution of women choosing to adopt the veil are drawn to various aspects of the experience. Many Muslim women who have embraced the use of hijabs argue it sets women free of the world's materialistic and superficial nature.  By covering one's body and face, women are challenged to enhance their intellect and personality (Bunting). Sexual harassment also largely diminishes, as women are not seen as sexual objects.

In "Can Islam Liberate Women?" Muslim convert explains her experience being recognized for her thought rather than her appearance marked a special kind a freedom (Bunting).  Flipping through a magazine was a drastically different experience since her conversion. Jordan explains the hijab freed her from the enslavement of female degradation and sexualization of the media (Bunting). She felt empowered by her mind and values rather than stifled by her body. Women no longer fall into the trap of unrealistic expectation the media feeds them. This allows them to dedicate their time and thoughts to worshiping Allah and acting in modestly. Practicing this modesty also creates appreciate and cherish the special sexual bond between husband and wife. On reddit, young Muslim females revealed their commitment to expressing individuality in "their choice" to wear the Hijab. One user commented, "If women can choose WHY and HOW, they are exercising basic rights. You decide if you want to, decide when, decide how."