Faith Friday: The Struggling Muslim - Hijab and Modernity

Jumaah Mubarak everyone!

When I wrote a post about Islamophobia not too long ago someone asked me this question: I would love to hear what's your answer/opinion if someone, be it a non-Muslim or Muslim, asks you, "Why do you have to wear the hijab in this modern world?"

Muslims and non-Muslims have asked me a question along those lines. Wait, what? Muslims? Yes, there are Muslims who don't believe the hijab is relevant today and that's a personal choice. There's no compulsion in Islam, especially in matters pertaining to the heart's worship. Muslim men and women have told me that I shouldn't hide what God has given me and that covering the awrah is old-fashioned. To be honest, I used to think that the hijab was a conservative mode of dress and never thought I'd eventually wear it myself but I never criticised a Muslim woman for wearing hijab and dressing modestly. In fact, I secretly admired them for having the courage to be steadfast in their faith instead of conforming with the ever changing trends of with the "modern" world.

To answer your question, this is what I would say:

There are many misconceptions about the hijab. Firstly, I only have to wear hijab or cover my awrah in front non-mahrams. So that means when I'm at home or when I'm only surrounded by women I don't have to cover my hair or other parts of my awrah. Secondly, there's no point in trying to be "progressive" if it means sacrificing peace of mind and a relationship with your Creator. Fashion trends don't last but what has existed and will always exist is Him. The pursuit of pleasing people is like chasing pavements whereas the pursuit of pleasing God is never fruitless. 

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Allah the Most High said, ‘I am as My servant thinks (expects) I am. I am with him when he mentions Me. If he mentions Me to himself, I mention him to Myself; and if he mentions Me in an assembly, I mention him in an assembly greater than it. If he draws near to Me a hand’s length, I draw near to him an arm’s length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed." {Hadith Qudsi, Sahih Bukhari - read full commentary here} 

What is deemed modern is only modern for a moment in time but Islam was sent through the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Final Messenger of Allah swt. In Surah Al-Anbiyaa, God revealed to the Prophet (peace be upon him), "And We have not sent you except as a mercy to mankind" {21:107}. Allah swt didn't say he was a mercy to the people of the 14th century but to all mankind. This means the message of Islam is to last until the end of time.

Furthermore, Islam will always be relevant because the Holy Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad's sayings (hadiths) address the issue of the human character and human nature. Cultures and social standards have evolved but human nature has remained the same throughout centuries. The human character and soul are aspects of the self that will always require help. Yes, the Qur'an was revealed over 1400 years ago but if you think about it people are still dealing with the same issues that are discussed in the Qur'an. Issues such as identity, family relations, social relations and lifestyle. So when Allah swt tells us something in the Qur'an (i.e. to dress and behave modestly) there is surely wisdom in it that will benefit not only us but our grandparents, parents, children, grandchildren and so on. Let's not forget that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said,

"Every Deen (religion) has an innate character. The character of Islam is modesty (haya)."

 {Abu Dawood}

Islam is a way of life, a way of thinking. Its principles have been established by Allah swt to transcend all trends and eras. Women of the 21st century are as deserving of respect, dignity and honour as women of any point in time. Most importantly, while people may define beauty in terms of aesthetics, Islam advocates that true beauty lies in good character (akhlaq) and part of having good character is inner modesty which usually translates into physical modesty.

I thought it would be interesting to see what other people had to say about this topic so I posted the question on my Facebook page. Some of my favourite people responded, alhamdulillah. 

How would you respond to the question? Any thoughts or questions on hijab and modernity?