I have come to find that people often jump to conclusions because of stereotypes and lack of knowledge on a subject. For the most part, the media has portrayed Muslims in a negative image, which is why a Muslim woman’s choice to cover her head, face or body is misunderstood by society. As Sania Tahir, a Muslim hijabi says, “I am not looked at for how thin my waist is, how sleek my hair is or how long my legs are, but instead people identify me for my character, my intellect and my poise.” This is one of the real reasons why a Muslim woman would wear the hijab. Her innate beauty and her character matter much more than her physical appearance. Her beliefs and the way she chooses to present herself towards others through her personality are what make her who she is.
Wearing the hijab is also not a form of oppression for Muslim women. In fact, it liberates them from being a sexual object for men. “The literal meaning of hijab is to veil, to cover, or to screen” (Islam Religion). Islam is a religion that has a lot to do with community. It also includes the idea of moral boundaries. One of the other reasons our women cover themselves is to keep within those moral boundaries when it comes to interactions between men who are not allowed to see them unless they are covered. You see, the word ‘hijab,’ actually means a lot more than just a headscarf or a way to hide a woman’s beauty. The word hijab has two meanings. The one that most people know about is that we must dress modestly. But, this term also refers to our behavior as women. We must be decent and presentable both in front of the public and God. It also makes me think carefully of each action I take, because every time I step outside with my hijab on, I represent Islam. Therefore, covering our head and body must include really good behavior along with it.
American people have not been given the proper message regarding why Muslim women are requirede wear the hijab and cover themselves out in public and in front of men who are not immediately related to them. The hijab is worn to protect women from men who may have the wrong intentions when they look at them. It is also worn to portray modesty and humility in a woman, and by no means does any of this, sound like oppression to me.