The Hijab

The Hijab, or traditional head covering, is historically traced back to the Mesopotamian and Hellenistic Greek eras, when women would wear veils that covered their faces before leaving their homes in a show of modesty. The Qur’an, or the main text of Islam, states that women should “lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what [must ordinarily] appear thereof […]” (Qur’an 24:31). Basically, this says that Muslim women should dress modestly, which included the Hijab. Currently, a conservative movement is sweeping the globe. The only naked women on French nude beaches are over 60 years old, American Evangelical churches are growing rapidly, and more women in the Middle East have chosen to wear the Hijab in recent years.

While many women have chosen to wear the headscarf for personal and religious reasons, many are apprehensive about wearing it. It is expected in traditional Muslim households that young women will put on the Hijab after high school, college or marriage. In some cases, women are forced into wearing it after “tarnishing” their families’ reputation. When a young woman decides to wear the Hijab, it generally marks that she is becoming more conservative and serious, but not in all cases. Some young girls view it as a fashion accessory, wearing scarves in bright colors, bold patterns, and even glitter. Many women in Jordan, especially in universities, who break through social norms by listening to rock music, having boyfriends, and even getting facial piercings—all while wearing a headscarf.

One of the main factors behind the uneasiness concerning the Hijab, is the fear that people will treat girls differently after they decide to wear it. Based on my interviews, they do, which is understandable. Religion is very ‘messy’ in some ways—it’s personal, private, and restricts certain behaviors—and when a woman decides to wear a Hijab, especially in the West, it is a clear display of her religion. This, although it is not a negative thing, often makes people uncomfortable, and even many Arabs do not know where the ‘line’ is with Hijabi women. They do not know whether or not they can shake her hand or hug her. One woman recalled that foreigners in her office were afraid to even speak to her. In the majority of local restaurants, the serving staff makes an extra effort to seat Hijabi women far from bars and alcohol, as they don’t want to lose customers over perceived insensitivity.

Despite their fears and worries, many women still choose to wear the headscarf. Sometimes it is an experience that brings them closer to their faith, or the desire to feel accepted into adulthood. Their reasons for putting it on in the first place may vary, but in the Middle East the Hijab, and what it represents, garners respect among both women and men.