Many of us know the reality of hijab specifically for women; the obligation of it, the reward in it... and the difficulty for many in wearing it. It concerns me when people claim that women who do not wear hijab are doing so out of their obsession with fashion or self vanity or simply to get mens attention. Is there truly no other reason, no other struggle, for a woman and the way she chooses to dress than obsession with looks? Women are already attacked by our greater society for not being thin enough, pretty enough, successful enough, educated enough... And then we deal with those exact same - and sometimes opposite!- attacks when we walk into many Muslim circles. Do we have mentorship programs in place for most women in most our mosques? No. Do most of our masajid have places where were given space to be on boards, making decisions that affect the community? No. Do most of our masajid provide the same access to educational opportunities and amenities for women as they do for men? Frequently, no. Do most of our communities have relevant programming, specific to addressing the spiritual, psychological, emotional and physical struggles and realities many of our sisters- and our brothers- face on a daily basis? Oh wait....no. Yes, its every individual male and females personal responsibility to try their best to adhere to the guidelines of hijab. Yes, we should encourage wearing it. Yes, it isnt only a womans issue. But hijab was legislated years after the Prophet [peace be upon him] gave dawah, provided mentorship, educated and built his empowering community to female and male worshippers. The community had a solid foundation before God revealed clothing guidelines. And that is not at all to imply that those who do not wear hijab do not have that solid foundation, or that they are not more pious than someone who covers in other ways. Its simply to say that as an entire community, we must first hold ourselves accountable before shaming and blaming others, when we ourselves are not carrying our weight in our responsibilities to our congregation. We hate so much when others judge and stereotype our community. And yet we do the same to members within our own community! Our community members love God. They love God! Many are looking for that love amongst other believers and never finding it. We all struggle differently. Dont be the reason someone doesnt feel loved. Dont be the reason someone feels they cannot be a part of the community. Instead, cultivate the mentorship of the Prophet [p]. And I promise, we will likely find that while we thought we were the one supporting, well really be the one who benefits.
Posted on: Fri, 24 Oct 2014 03:28:40 +0000
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