Hijabis integrating in society
It’s true that in order for a woman to be independent, she should go and experience the “outside world”. But, it’s also true that not every Muslim woman wants to socialize to the extent that teenagers might want to on social media. According to an article in The New York Times called, “The French, the Veil and the Look” by Elaine Sciolino, “French tradition has also long encouraged mixing of the sexes in social situations. ‘The veil,’ Ms. Habib continues, ‘interrupts the circulation of coquetry and of paying homage, in declaring that there is another possible way for the sexes to coexist: strict separation.’” What’s wrong with being separated? I mean, it’s not like the Earth is going to stop spinning, and Saturn will bump into Jupiter and the Sun and Moon will then bump into Earth and the galaxy will just - CRASH. If a woman wants to stay away from a man because she doesn’t feel the need to interact with him, the she should have the right to.
Islam wants its followers, both men and women to stay pure and safe. Less interaction is good in that it won’t spark the word “desire” in both genders. Instead of focusing on how or when to kiss their partner, Islam wants its followers to focus on God and that my goal in life is to be good, not lustful.
As you can see, women with hijabs can do many things to integrate in society such as donating, volunteering, teaching, raising awareness of certain issues, etc. So this misconception of the headscarf preventing them from doing so, is false.
By: Sadia Bashir