Source/Credit: Dallas News | Opinion
By Saima Sheikh | January 28, 2011
Someone recently sent me an article titled, “Muslim Women Gain Higher Profile in U.S.” The article covered many topics, and one of them was wearing hijab or observing purdah by American Muslim women.
A lot of people have a misconception that Muslim women are forced to wear the hijab. That is why few governments have taken it upon themselves to liberate women of this so-called “backwardness.” One of the women interviewed in that article talked about her experiences after she started to wear the hijab in her 30s. This gave me the courage to share with you my experiences.
Before I begin, I would like to explain that the word “purdah” is also used to describe the concept and practice of hijab. The Holy Quran requires that Muslim women dress modestly, cover their heads and wear an outer garment to conceal their beauty from strangers.
I started observing purdah (head scarf and coat) about five years ago. I always had the feeling that as a Muslim woman, I was not fulfilling one of God’s commandments, but I always made an excuse that if I started observing now, people might respond negatively.
The very first day that I started to observe purdah, we went out to a Mexican restaurant in Allen for dinner. I knew it would be a good test to see how people would react. There were some stares, but on the whole, it was a good experience.
I am very active in my community and do a lot of volunteer work. A few days later, when I went to volunteer at my son’s school in Allen, someone asked me why all of a sudden I had started to wear hijab. I explained to them that this is part of my religion, and, therefore, I decided to start observing purdah now.
Another question they asked: “Does your husband force you to wear a scarf and coat?” I told them no and explained to them that in Islam, hijab is a means of protecting women and providing them with freedom from many social ills. We had a long conversation on the concept of purdah. It took awhile for them to realize that I was not forced into the observance.
There have been some instances at different malls, like Collin Creek Mall in Plano or the Stonebriar Centre in Frisco, where people have given me looks or stared at me. In the winter months, I hardly get any notice, but during the Texas heat, the more frequent stares are harder to ignore. People are always asking, “Aren’t you hot in that thing?” I always answer them no, because once you get used to wearing a scarf and coat, you dress yourself accordingly. In the summer months, my coat and scarf are made of cotton or some other light material.
There is a common misconception that if Muslim women wear hijab, they are not able to be an active member of the community. Nothing could be further from the truth. I don’t work, but I actively volunteer. I have participated in the Meals-on-Wheels program in Allen. I volunteer at my son’s school in Allen, serve lunch at a homeless shelter in McKinney and am now one of the Community Voices columnists at The Dallas Morning News.
Apart from these instances, I have never been discriminated against because of my religion, but I think we all need to better educate ourselves about different cultures and religions, because we live in a diverse society. I feel very blessed to be living in the U.S., where I can practice my religion freely — and openly explain parts of it to others.
Saima Sheikh of Allen is a stay-at-home mom and volunteer. She is also a Community Voices volunteer columnist. Her e-mail address is saima_mahfooz@hotmail.com.
Read original post here: Saima Sheikh: Most North Texans seem curious, not judgmental of my religious expression
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