It's worn by millions of women all over the world and has developed a bit of a negative reputation in areas where it's not fully understood. Of course, we're talking about the hijab. You've likely seen this veil being worn by Muslim women to cover their heads and upper bodies. But how much do you really know about it? For example, do you believe in a Cristian origin of the hijab?
Backstory
Interestingly, while many people associate the hijab with conservative Islamic culture, this piece of clothing was around before that. In fact, the hijab started out as a social symbol and not a religious one. In Mediterranean societies, upper-class women with wealth wore these veils. Women of lower ranking on the social ladder, like slaves and prostitutes, weren't allowed to cover their heads. This practice extended all the way from Greece to Persia – long before it became associated with Islam.
Interpretations
Like all religions, there's a lot of varying interpretations and disagreements over the meaning of various things in Islam. The hijab is one such item caught up in religious debate. Some religious experts are quite vocal that there is nothing in the Quran about having to cover one's head or face in a veil. They often point out that nowhere in verse 24-31 is there even a mention of head or hair. Yet, traditional scholars argue that this verse does mention covering one's head. The result is that some Muslim cultures make it law to wear a hijab, while others consider it more of a social obligation.
It's very Christian
People are often quick to associate head veils as being a Muslim thing. So where does that leave Catholic nuns? In fact, you could say the hijab Muslim women wear today had its roots in early Christianity. After all, it was the Apostle Paul who went on record saying Christian women should cover their heads. Other early Christian philosophers also encouraged this practice. So the next time you see a woman wearing a hijab, remember that there are many other cultures and religions that wear head veils as well.
Rules and regulations
There's often a perception in the non-Muslim world that women are forced to wear the hijab. In fact, many wear it out of personal choice or faith – not because they're instructed to. That some countries do have laws requiring women to wear a hijab is true. However, this is based more on individual cultural practices than religious ones. Take Queen Rania of Jordan as an example. She is a devout Muslim yet she makes appearances in public with and without the hijab.
It's not all the same
Just like the differences between countries and regions over the rules of wearing the hijab, the styles and colors vary too. Despite what some media outlets would have you believe, there's more than just black or white hijabs. Multiple colors, different fabrics, and a multitude of ways to wear one – it really is a fashion accessory. There isn't just one type or style and, much like how non-Muslims worry about what to wear for any given occasion, there really is a hijab for every occasion.
Old versus new
You remember how your parents or grandparents would scold you if your shorts were too short, your hair was too crazy, or your jeans were ripped? Yup, it turns out the battle between the older and more conservative generations and the younger more liberal population exist pretty much everywhere – even in Islam. Mainstream scholars and traditionalist Muslims argue the hijab should be worn without question. More modern scholars and many younger Muslim women don't see eye to eye on this. Turns out kids of all religions don't like being told what to wear by their elders.
Simple to complex
So, you've learned they come in all sorts of colors, fabrics, and styles – but it's more complex than that. In fact, it can often be more than just a simple sheet of fabric. It can be a simple one-piece or a two-piece version which is often used for women involved in sports. There are rectangular hijabs and an array of under scarves and bonnets that go along with it all to provide for a variety of different styling options.
It has its upsides…
According to those who wear them, the hijab can provide some rather notable benefits. First off, like how guys can just throw on a baseball hat and not worry about messy or dirty hair, Muslim women can throw on the hijab without worrying that they haven't washed or even combed their hair. Don't feel like going out? Not a problem. Just use the “hassle” of putting a hijab on as an excuse to stay in. On a serious side, some women say it helps reduce fashion competition – kind of like a school uniform.
…And downsides
Naturally, having to cover your head can have some notable negatives. It goes without saying hot summer days can get nasty and when it rains, that headscarf doesn't really provide any protection. Going out in the wind? Good luck! It can be a chore fighting to keep everything in place. Then, of course, there are the world events which can alter how people on the street stare at or talk to you.
A different way of seeing the world
One significant thing that non-Muslims have trouble understanding is that those who wear the hijab see the experience a lot differently. Especially in the Western world, the media often use the hijab as a symbol of oppression. However, for many Muslim women, covering up with the hijab also means that their personality, actions, and words carry more weight because they're not being judged as much by their looks. At least in this instance, you could say the hijab frees its user from the judgment so many women face when it comes to their appearance.
Well, we hope you learned a few things you didn't know before about the hijab.
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