To Hijab or Not to Hijab - Is that the question?

This book illustrates that thoughts of the average Muslim teenager grappling with wearing the hijab, peoples opinions, and how to get by as a observant Sister in a predominantly Non-Muslim society without making cultural waves. Read a review of Randa Abdel-Fattah's book "Does My Head Look Big In This?". A great read for anyone wanting to delve into the mind of a young Muslim teen!

This post is in response to a question asked by one of our Non-Muslim followers: Does the Hijab (i.e. headscarf in particular) make a difference in terms of modesty?

As a Muslim woman, i believe that it does and that my Creator knows whats best for me. There are the traditional responses about how a woman's hair is her crowning glory, how it adds to her sexual appeal etc etc etc. And yes, our hair is a very beautiful part of us. Lets face it, men are visual creatures. Its a well-documented fact the men are wayyyy more visually stimulated sexually than women. Not to say that women dont appreciate an attractive male physique, just that men....REALLY appreciate ours, really really really... ;).

So keeping that fact in mind, as Muslim women we try to make it easier for men (arnt we nice?), by covering our bodies in public, including our hair. (please note: men are also required to dress and behave modestly after all, one of the Names for God(Allah) is The Equitable, this post however, focuses specifically on the headscarf for women).

The headscarf is just another piece of the proverbial "hijab" pie, and without it, our modesty would not be complete. It would be like wearing a skirt, headscarf and belly top....you would certainly attract sexual attention that way. Sexuality is a powerful tool, one that Muslim women wield quite skillfully. The headscarf is just another part of our choice to be modest in public. Our choice to decide who views us in a sexual manner. The headscarf is a sign of true women power!

Get your hijab-on! :)

Egyptian Hijab Style Series - Part 4 , Nanees Selim

A new twist on the traditional shayla (oblong) wrap style. I like the two-tone scarf! :)

Rouge Abaya Hijab Fashion Set

Rouge Abaya Hijab Fashion Set - by elaniqa on Polyvore.com









Beautiful Rouge Abaya from Al-Hijaab.com, complimented buy a rouge shayla hijab with fringe, grey/silver shayla hijab, rouge sequin hijab cap, and cute flower hijab pin. :) Soooo pretty.

Hijab Style Guide - Asian Oblong Hijab Design 1

A pretty and quick Asian oblong hijab wrap design. A great way to take advantage of scarves with fringe! I like this style because it leaves room for you to play with the length in the front. :) Makes a pretty, modest look at weddings, parties, wahlimas, etc.

Need Hijabs to create this style?

Buy them here!

Meeting the Criteria for Hijab

Lets be honest, not everything posted on hijab fashion sites or sold in stores meets the criteria for hijab, right? These two pics above illustrate my point. Super cute for sure, but more appropriate for ladies functions or family gatherings. Not all hijab fashion designs may work. But never fear, there is a place and time for every cute wrap - and don't ladies appreciate those designs the most anyway??? :)

Some people think that hijab automatically means wearing all black - and it may in certain parts of the world where women wear all black in public. Wearing anything else would stand out like a sore thumb and attract unnecessary attention.

I LOVE black, its elegant, classy and very striking. An abaya with a scarf is soooooo beautiful! I LOVE abayas. I also love wide-leg pants, pashminas, skirts, jilbabs, caftans, knee length tunics, modest suits etc....There are tons of ways to meet the criteria for hijab! Be creative! Not everything cute will pass the "demure test". But you'll feel better about yourself for choosing to be modest and obey your Creator.

Be honest with yourself before you leave the house. Is this really appropriate? Why am i wearing this? Does what i have on attract a lot of attention? Am i dressing to please someone else? What is my intention?

Hijab is also an attitude, a modesty in behavior. How we behave says a lot about who we are, and how much we value ourselves. Be a proud, confident woman! Hold your head up. Treat yourself with respect inside and out, and others will respect you for it!

Egyptian Fashion Hijab Style - Part 3, Nanees Selim

Another Egyptian Hijab Fashion Wrap Style. :)

Buy your scarves for this wrap here!

Women of ALL Faiths wear scarves :)

Salaam-Peace to all my awesome readers out there!

Ive gotten several questions and comments about non-Muslim women wearing the headscarf, how Muslims might react to it, and also comments and feelings of our greater non-Muslim societies' reaction to this "statement".

First off, its important to note that the scarf (headscarf/hijab) has been worn by women of many faiths and cultures pretty much since the beginning of civilization. Some wear it to keep warm, some because its fashionable, some because it is a part of the traditional cultural dress, and some because its a part of their faith. Unfortunately, wearing a scarf, veil, tichel, pashmina, hijab, dupatta (whatever you want to call it) today has become a symbol of oppression and extremist belief.

I am not an extremist, not even close. I am a VERY proud American. I vote, work, participate in community events, shop, go to school, exercise, travel...etc etc etc. And i do it all as a women wearing a scarf. I encourage ANY women who wants to wear a scarf to do so. The hijab is not just an Islamic practice. Jewish, Christian, Jain, and Hindu women (just to name a few) also wear headscarves. It doesn't stop me from conducting business, interacting within my community, volunteering at the homeless shelter, or even speaking in public at a forum. I love to meet new people from all walks of life, and my oh-so-interesting-scarf as often been the catalyst for many of the random conversations that have lead to lifelong friendships!

The best way for people to get over their fear and apprehension about the scarf (after all it is just piece of material)is to see women from non-Muslim groups and other faiths and beliefs wearing it as well. Wear it because its fashionable. Wear it because you don't feel like doing your hair that day. Wear it because its cold. Wear it...just because you want to! Its your body. You have control over it! 100% of it, even what goes on your head! :)

Hijab Fashion for Ladies Events

Ok sounds like a typo right? Hijab at a Ladies Only event? Why? This is one of the few times where we dont need to wear it right?

Yup, you are correct. We dont need to wear hijab around ladies, or our husbands, fathers, Mahrams, kids, etc. But, what if you are new in the community? Or there is a particular Sister at the event that may have jealousy issues? Or you really dont have time to style your hair into some ornate creation? Or even something more simple: protection from the Evil Eye.

Here are some scarf style ideas for ladies events!

Basic Egyptian Hijab Wrap Series - Part 2 , Nanees Selim

Here is the second how-to-hijab video in our recurring Egyptian Hijab Wrap Series. Enjoy!

Indonesian Hijab Fashion

Spring 2009 brings many new hijab options in the Asian Hijab Fashion Market. These cute looks were done by Busana Muslim Filendra, out of Indonesia. Super cute looks, and great for warmer weather!

Asian hijabs come in many varieties, but my favorite is the Hijabicap. These caps are pre-made in many vibrant colors and designs. Most come with neck cover ties, but to be sure you get enough coverage,you might also want an al amira overtube or neck cover underneath. Enjoy!

Want to get the Indonesian Hijabicap Look?

Buy them Here!

Hijab Snags - Hijab at the Gym

Today exercise and staying in shape are apart of most people's routine. Gone are the post-permanent baby weight days where moms just kept the extra pounds referring to it as "extra character" or "more of me to love." Women nowadays, mom's especially want to look great pre and post baby(s). So hitting the gym, pool or bike trail has become common place. But with exercise, comes sweat. And a sweaty head with a damp scarf on isn't exactly comfortable, or cute.

How to remedy this problem? First, choose a hijab made of breathable material. Alot of the synthetic ones are going to hold moisture in and end up making you feel like you've been standing in the rain. 100% cotton is the best, but a stretchy jersey will also work pretty well. Second, choose a style that is comfortable and slip free. The last thing you need when on the treadmill is for your hijab to come loose. Then as you are simultaneously trying to slow the speed of the machine and reposition your scarf you stab yourself with a hijab pin! Ouch! So slip free, pin free styles work the best.

Our gym-worthy commendation: One or Two piece Al Amira Hijabs! These look like hoods, are are worn by simple pulling them over your head. No need for hijab pins or constant adjustment. Cool, and comfortable. You can run off your baby weight, weight train, or practice yoga to your heart's delight without ever worrying about hijab again. Happy trails!

Chic New Hijab Style - Spring 2009

This chic Muhajaba has her hijabistyle down! Check out her great hijab design tutorial. I love this one. Its become one of my favorite staples. :)

Need cute oblong hijabs to rock this style?

Buy them here!

Pink Bellissima Fashion Hijab

Just off the runway! Chic Belissima multi-tone oblong hijab style has shiny silver and gold lurex filaments sown into the lines of the scarf. This style is great for wraps and styling. Slightly seethru, you may want an underscarf with this style. Great for parties or events. Comes in pink or black tones.

approx. 68"X17"

BUY IT HERE!

Maternity HijabFashion Set - 1

Purple Maternity Hijab Fashion Style - by elaniqa on Polyvore.com

Spring is in the air and many Sisters are in bloom. Dress up your baby bump with this modest grape fashion set. Cute and comfy. Great for Sisters gatherings, or wahlimas.

Get the look:
Pants and Dress from Old Navy, and Grape Chiffon Hijab from Al Muhajaba El Aniqa

*depending on how tight you wear this outfit, you may need a pashmina or other overgarment to meet the requirements for hijab. :)

Blue Khaliji Abaya Fashion Hijab Set

Blue Khaliji Abaya Hijab Fashion Set - by elaniqa on Polyvore.com

Beautiful blue khaliji sheer embroidered over abaya top with sequins makes a very regal statement. Add a plain chiffon hijab, satin underscarf, gold earrings and some cute satin pumps! :)

Non-Muslim Women Wearing Hijab

I recently received a comment by a lovely non-muslim lady wondering about my/our opinion on non-Muslim ladies wearing hijab, and how it would effect us. i want to thank you so much for writing and for looking into hijab, why we wear it, and considering all the options for yourself. So often in public i get very ignorant comments bout my hijab or modesty in general...which is really sad. So i want to thank you for looking into Muslim Hijab from a more authentic source....a MUSLIM WOMAN :)

First of all, while i cant speak for the whole community, my assumption is that ANY woman (or man) for that matter - regardless of creed, culture, political views etc., who dresses modestly would be well-received and appricited by Muslims here, and all around the world. The Hijab actually refers to one's complete dress code and behavior, not just whats worn on the head - although "hijab" in both Western and Muslim societies has come to be known as the head scarf for pop-culture reasons. When one wears hijab, we are telling the world that we value ourselves, command respect from others, and want to be evaluated based on our minds, ideas and actions...not on our bra-size. :)

I think most women can relate to this experience at one time or another, cat-calls, innuendos, even inappropriate touching (i.e.your boss forgot his personal space bubble at home ....again!) All being modest does, is deter people from mistreating us based on our gender and sexual appeal, or at least, make them think twice before doing so.

My modesty - headscarf included , tells the world that i am more than just my sexuality, that i have a brain, and am intelligent enough to know that i have value beyond the bedroom.

thank you so much for writing. Get your hijab-on!

Sisters Halaqa Central - a network exclusively for Muslim Sisters

Salaam!

You are invited to join Sisters Halaqa Central, a network for Muslim Sisters to share their faith and support each other in the Deen. Design your own page, chat, blog, post videos and pics, glitter graphics, groups, discussions, forums, fun and love...all in a non-judgmental, safe environment.


JOIN NOW!

Hijab Snags - My scarf is too sheer! Now what?

Hijab Snags is a new editorial section that we'll be offering to help fellow Sisters with common dresscode issues - like sheer scarves.

Senario: You're in hurry in the morning getting ready for school or work and as you're running out the door you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror....your scarf is see thru! Theres your hair peeking back out at you, as if to say...did you forget something???? Because it was darker in your room, you didnt notice just how sheer your scarf was when you were putting it on. Now in the light of day, you can see that you're going to have to turn around and go make an adjustment. As you hurry back to your room, you think...how didnt i notice this? what can i do in the future so that i dont have this problem again? I dont want to throw away this scarf, how can i make use of it while still observing hijab?

ANSWER: Consider layering a sheer scarf with a opaque one beneath it. Or wear an opaque underscarf and full neck cover. Or wear an al amira hijab beneath your sheer wrap.... there are soo many ways to overcome this problem with ease. Keep in mind that that the rest of your body should be covered appropriatly as well. :) Now in the future, the next time you grab a slightly-too-seethru hijab, you'll now know how to turn that piece into an appropriate hijab accessory. :)