Women Who Find Liberation in Islam


American, Muslim woman (author's sister) standing in front of the
Kaba stone in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

by Ayça BAHCE

Introduction:

I am choosing to write a series of essays because I have grown disheartened by the media's portrayal of Islam as oppressive to women.  Although today there are an estimated 750 million Muslim women all around the world, many misleading negative notions regarding how these women truly feel about Islam continue to exist.  Terms such as "subjugated" and "backwards" are not words that should describe Islam's stance on women.  On the contrary, Islam's perspective is one that exalts women to a high status.  I will be addressing controversial issues and debunking myths regarding women's position in Islam in these essays, and demonstrating why the Muslim women from North America to Europe to the MiddleEast and Africa find equality and respect for themselves in their way of life.  I will not focus on the spiritual aspect, but on the practicality of Islam's view of equality and respect for women and how it relates to society.  I have always believed that the more we can understand other people, the more we can live in peace and harmony.

Women Who Find Liberation in Islam, Part 1: The Headscarf

Why Women Wear the Headscarf in Islam:
I begin these series of essays with the headscarf worn by many Muslim women because this outer layering is quickly identifiable by most people.  One is hard-pressed to find an article, book, or film about women in Islam that doesn't have "veil" in the title: "Behind the Veil," "At the Drop of a Veil", "Lifting the Veil".  The press' obsession with the dress of Muslim women is repetitious.  Many assume the headscarf or Hijab (the Arabic word meaning modest or concealing garments; in particular, a woman's head covering, usually a scarf or shawl) is a mark of male dominace in Islam.  From this Muslim woman's viewpoint, the primary reason a Muslim woman wears the Hijab is in obedience to the words of God in the Qur’an (holy book of Muslims).

Regarding modesty, the Qur'an says, "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity for them...And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; and that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands.... [Qur'an: Chapter 24, Verses: 30-31].  The section also says that close relatives and other women can see a woman without full Hijab.  Prophet Muhammad Al-Mustafa quoted in several Hadiths (a collection of authentic sayings and practical applications of the Qur'an), "When a woman reaches the age of puberty, no part of her body should be seen, but this ---" and he pointed to his face and hands.  Like a precious pearl that is kept safe, God tells the believing women it's best to cover their beauty from the preying eyes of the outside world.  Protecting them from the evil that this world would never be void of and screening them from any harm that can come their way.  At the same time, it does not say that a Muslim woman is evil if she chooses not to cover.  In addition, there is no law that forces women to wear black; this is a cultural custom.  In fact, most African women wear floral Hijabs and French women wear light pastel-colored Hijabs because of cultural customs.  Furthermore, there is no law stipulating that women must cover their faces.  The custom of covering the face while leaving only two eyes open was the practice of Prophet Muhammad's wives because their special role in the community required them to take extra precautionary measures.

Another reason why Muslim women wear the Hijab is because they believe modesty is beautiful.  Having the freedom to wearing their most comfortable clothes, not tight, not revealing, not short, nor see-through, this woman makes a loud statement in a time when the exploiters of flesh have made the lives of women across the globe a living hell with their constant changing trends.  A woman who covers herself out of love for God is not just stating something about what she accepts, but she is also saying something about what she rejects.  .  Women have always been expected to play some kind of role in every society, a great part of this role revolves around sex and the aura of sexuality.  When a woman covers herself, she is rejecting that role; she says that sex will have nothing to do with her public life.  And unfortunately women who refuse to play these gender games which have become part and parcel of our society are often pushed out and looked down upon.  By wearing a Hijab, the features that makes her a woman cannot be appraised and all of a sudden one is forced to deal only with a person.  Thus, this woman is not only rejecting preset gender roles, but also the associated politics of gender.

I always found it odd that the women who think the Hijab is oppressing are the same women who are themselves slaves to an ideal physical image desired by men, which cannot be achieved by the vast majority of women.  For example, as a nursing student at a Plastic Surgeon's office, I experienced firsthand how epidemic plastic surgery has become.  Many women take out loans to get their breasts to look like Salma Hayek or their legs to look like Heidi Klum.  Many of these women confided in me that their desire for plastic surgery stemmed from wishing to please their men; many of them hoping that the surgery would return a straying husband or please their boyfriends. 

I wonder if Heidi Klum and the like wore Hijab whether men would continue to hold onto an unrealistic image of what a woman should look like.  For instance, a well-educated, 45-year old male friend once said that one of the things he hates about women his age is that, "if they do not take care of themselves, they begin to sag."  I told him well as women age, we will begin to sag.  His response:  "well look at all those actresses…they look 25 when their 45."  It's hilarious that men think this can be achieved without the assistance of a well-qualified MD and a scalpel.  At the same time, women have taught men to expect this by exposing our bodies and men get bored when women are dressed modestly.  After returning from an archaeological expedition in Iran, a male friend’s primary remark about his trip supports this point:  "I was so bored!  There were no girls in tight tops and sexy short skirts."  How different would this world be without the Sport's Illustrated swimsuit issue or Playboy.

Great emphasis has been placed on flaunting women's bodies; portraying us as mere sex symbols, rather than human beings that are decent and dignified.  The manipulation of woman in this way subverts the esteemed female image given by God.  No one should be judged according to beauty or wealth; rather, the focus should be on one's character and personality.  A woman begins to be recognized for her intellect, spirituality, and character, gaining more esteem and confidence than if she were simply noticed for how good she looks in a skimpy tube top or a miniskirt.  One of my converted Canadian friends who wears the Hijab says that when she covers," that judgment of my physical person plays no role whatsoever in my social interactions.   My appearance is not subjected to public scrutiny, my beauty, or lack thereof has been removed from the realm of what can legitimately be discussed.  No one knows whether my hair looks as if I just stepped out of a salon with Gisele Bundchen's hairdo, whether or not I can pinch an inch of cellulite or not, or even if I have unsightly stretch marks.  And because no one knows, no one cares."

As women, I don't believe we are going to achieve equality with the right to bare our breasts and buttocks in public.  That would only make us part to our own objectification.  Women all around the world claim to hate when the female body is used to sell everything from cosmetics to cars; yet when Muslim women decide to cover themselves and protest the same thing, they are conversely regarded as being oppressed. 

Lastly, Hijab consists of many more, quite powerful aspects than the ones stated.  Of course, the responsibility of Hijab goes far beyond wearing a scarf, as the dress code is only the outermost step for Muslim women.  More significant than that and coupled with this act is the development of spirituality and faith, for borne from these qualities are modest behavior and manners.  Another one of the most important characteristic developments the scarf breeds is strength; strength to face the world with pride, dignity, and confidence in her Muslim identity.  Strength to refrain from anything prohibited in her religion with a constant reminder wrapped around her head every day.

Origin of the Veil:
In each of the Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Judiasm and Islam), women wearing veils or headscarves are commonplace.  The Blessed Virgin Mary appears to be wearing a veil or headscarf in her present day statues and depictions.  Traditionally, the wedding veil symbolizes youth and virginity, and is reserved for a first-time bride. For most brides, veils are essential components of their wedding attire.  Catholic Nuns have been covering their heads for hundreds of years.  Furthermore, St. Paul in the New Testament made a few interesting statements about the veil.  He said, "Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.  Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonours his head.  And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonours her head - it is just as though her head were shaved.  If a woman doesn't cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or shaved off, she should cover her head.  A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head" {I Corinthians Chapter 11, Verses: 3-10}.  St. Tertullian in his famous treatise, On The Veiling Of Virgins wrote, "Young women, you wear your veils out on the streets, so you should wear them in the church, you wear them when you are among strangers, then wear them among your brothers..."  Furthermore, among the Canon laws of the Catholic church today, women are required to cover their heads in church {25}.  Some Christian denominations, such as the Amish and the Mennonites keep their women veiled to the present day. 

According to Rabbi Dr. Menachem M. Brayer (Professor of Biblical Literature at Yeshiva University) in his book, The Jewish Woman in Rabbinic Literature, it was the custom of Jewish women to go out in public with a head covering which, sometimes, even covered the whole face leaving one eye free {22}.  He quotes famous ancient Rabbis saying, "It is not like the daughters of Israel to walk out with heads uncovered" and "Cursed be the man who lets the hair of his wife be seen...a woman who exposes her hair for self-adornment brings poverty."  Rabbinic law forbids the recitation of blessings or prayers in the presence of a bareheaded married woman since uncovering the woman's hair is considered "nudity" {23}.  Dr. Brayer also mentions that during the Tannaitic period, a Jewish woman's failure to cover her head was considered an "affront to her modesty."  Dr. Brayer also explains that the veil of the Jewish woman wasn't always considered a sign of modesty.  Sometimes, the veil symbolized a state of distinction and luxury rather than modesty.  The veil personified the dignity and superiority of noble women.  It also represented a woman's inaccessibility as a sanctified possession of her husband {24}.  Even in the present day, Hassidic Jewish women practice some form of covering as prescribed by their holy books.  One can easily find a Hassidic Jewish woman living in Rockland County NY or Brooklyn, NY wearing a long ankle length skirt with a long-sleeved shirt even in 95 degree weather.  Married Jewish women also shave off their hair and wear wigs.    

The Islamic veil, unlike the veil of the Christian tradition, is not a sign of man's authority over woman, nor is it a sign of woman's subjection to man.  The Islamic veil, unlike the veil in the Jewish tradition, is not a sign of luxury and distinction of some noble married women, although they do this for modesty as well.  The Islamic veil is worn by woman who desire to obey God.  And like Judiasm, Islam says that the veil preserves modesty thereby protecting woman.  Thus, contrary to popular belief, Islam did not invent the head cover, but Islam endorsed it.

Women Desiring the Hijab for Themselves:
When the Taliban in Afghanistan were defeated by the US, the media portrayed the wearing of the burqa as the major issue faced by Afghani women oppressed by the Taliban for years.  A dear female friend of mine from Afghanistan stunned our college professor one day in class when she defended her decision to wear Hijab.  The professor said, "you are in America now, you don't need to cover your hair and wear a curtain on your body.  It's okay no one will arrest you."   Our professor's simplistic view of the Hijab astounded and disheartened the two of us.  In reality, the major focus of the Afghan women's concern were more basic, such as feeding their children, becoming literate, and living free from violence.  Nevertheless, articles in the media suggested the burka was everything to Muslim women.  But these same journalists were bewildered that Afghani women didn't cast off their burkas after being freed from the Taliban.  In fact, the veil continues to flourish as the norm rather than the exception in Afghanistan.  Some Afghani women took off their burkas in the sense of uncovering their faces, but most still cover their hair and wear a cloak-dress. 

Another interesting story concerns my sister, a medical student, who does not wear a headscarf.  This year, alongside 2-3 million other Muslims, my sister performed Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudia Arabia.  When she returned many of her hospital colleagues assumed she had felt oppressed and strange wearing a headscarf while in Saudi Arabia.  My sister's response surprised them: "Actually, I never felt bullied into wearing a headscarf, or oppressed or strange covering my hair and wearing loose-fitting clothing.  It's not a big deal when everyone else dresses similarly.  I truly didn't care about what I was wearing.  On the other hand, if I walked into the hospital today wearing a headscarf, I would certainly feel odd.  People would stare at me, or at least take a second look and in general be apprehensive and suspicious of me.  And some people would question my intelligence and ability even with this white coat and my ivy league education... I have seen these happen to my friends and family."

Many of my girlfriends who converted into Islam and Muslim friends who began wearing the Hijab were forced to make a difficult choice by their families:  wearing a Hijab or being their daughter.  These women never gave up their Hijab because their faith was so strong.  Furthermore, I was upset when a fellow Nanny who worked in Oman began denigrating her former employer because she not only wore a headscarf, but she would cover her face, exposing only her two eyes exposed.  I explained to her that in Islam women are not required to cover their faces or hands.  But more importantly, I asked her why she needed to criticize this woman for covering up, but choose not criticize women who reveal too much skin.  She thought about my comment and much to my surprise, it changed her thinking.

"My Veil, My Choice", women are
protesting prohibiting religious symbols
in France.

Finally, on March 15th, 2004, the French government passed an amendment to the French Code of Education prohibiting religious symbols and clothing (such as the Hijab) being worn by students in public primary and secondary schools.  This law is considered unjust and preposterous for the growing Muslim community in France and for Muslims everywhere in the world.  The sadness of this law was especially felt by the Muslim women who cannot imagine parting with their Hijab.  With slogans like, "My Veil, My Choice," "Beloved France, Where is My Liberation?", thousands of Muslim French women protested on the streets of France.  Parades against the ban swept the world from Holland to Germany to the United States to Lebanon and tens of other cities in the world.  Thousands of non-Muslims and Muslims walked side by side in these parades protesting for this basic human right.  Yet another statement made by the women of Islam coming out loud and clear.  In the same headlines that people around the world used to read about the Hijab being an Islamic tradition that oppresses women came the pictures of thousand of women declaring they will not leave their Hijab even if they are forced to do so.

Is there any more proof the world needs to know how misleading the media has been.  It is evident that Muslim women choose to wear their Hijabs, and that they want to hold on to their beliefs just like women all over the world want to live their lives according to their own beliefs and culture as well.

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Profile of Ayca Bahce:
Ayca Bahce was born and raised in the late 1970's in New Jersey, USA.  She is of Karachai-Cherkess (Caucasus Mountain region near Russia) descent. Her family emigrated from the Caucasus Mountain region in the early 1900's and settled in Turkey before arriving in the United States in the early 1970's.  She double-majored in sociology and nursing in college and currently works as a Nanny caring for young children.

She is a firm believer in spreading peace between people of all religions, ethnic groups, and races and volunteers for such organizations.  She is also involved with the American Nurses' Association and American Nanny Association, and the Editing/Proofreeading Committee of the Light Millennium.

In her leisure time, she enjoys fitness related activities, reading about health and medicine, studying world religions, and spending time with her family.