Importance Of The Headscarf

Every tradition and culture has an impression of "appropriate dress." In the west, we have different dress codes at work, restaurants, hanging out with friends and so on. Within Islamic tradition, one fundamental principle regarding dress is modesty. This includes not dressing or acting indecently ("What is Hijab?" n.p.). The hijab is one form of modesty. It not only refers to the headscarf, but also a full body covering, known as the niqab or burqa. Lack of understanding of the interpretation of the headscarf has caused confusion, negativity, and ignorance within schools, media, and society.

Muslim women commonly wear the headscarf when they come of age, though not all women prefer to wear it. It is usually worn in front of all men excluding family, cousins, and children (Quran 24:31). Therefore, Muslims do not wear the scarf everywhere; it is most commonly worn in public. The purpose of the hijab is not only to hide an individual’s beauty, but also to reveal their true personality. “Many believe that the headscarf actually emphasizes a women’s beauty by drawing attention to the face and away from the hair and the body. It changes the focus to the face, facial expression, and conversation” (Mir n.p.).

Unfortunately, one of the most common misconceptions regarding headscarf is that it is an icon of oppression and lack of freedom. Since the September 11 terrorist attacks, western perceptions of Muslims and Islam have caused much confusion and debate. “Visible Muslim minorities, such as women who practice headscarf, are at the center of misinterpretations associated with the faith while the western world is learning more about Islam” (Khosroshahi n.p.). Some believe that women are commanded by their fathers or husbands or even bro...

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...mic requirement; it is also circulated in other monotheistic religions. Many women in Crete, a Greek island, were told to cover their hair. Hindu Sikh men are required to wear a turban on their head as a devotion to their principles. Until recently, Catholic women were told to wear something on their head in church or else they would be turned away; sometimes a headband would count, other times it wouldn't. Nuns wear an apostolic as a sign of their religious dedication and Muslims wear the hijab, niqab, or burqa for a variety of reasons. The list could go on. The main suggestion is that many wear a cloth of some sort on their head, but lack of interpretation has led to misleading information and misleading actions. Every religion, and even every person could have different reasons for wearing a cloth, but without understanding, no one should be judged (Conan n.p.).