Headscarve Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Headscarve - Article Example The word hijab comes from the Arabic language for veil and is used to describe the headscarves worn by Muslim women. These scarves, regarded by many Muslims as a symbol of both religion and womanhood, come in a myriad of styles and colors. The type of hijab most commonly worn in the West is a square scarf that covers the head and neck but leaves the face clear (Muslim Veils). A woman is judged by her appearance. The outward appearance provides the attitude, temperament and personality of the person. For this purpose, it is necessary to dress well. Now what is a dress' The dress is the covering for the body. To a woman, it includes the covering for the head as well. The teachings of the Quran uphold modesty. However, in the present times in Europe the word "modesty" has become blurred with women enjoying clothes that quite often reveal more and conceal less. In European nations, women enjoy same rights as men. They have pubs. They can strip down to the bra and shorts in the beaches. In case there is any mismatch, the women in Europe can struggle for equal terms. Hence, when it comes to the issue of the hijab it seems strange to them that nobody is objecting. The reason nobody is objecting appears to be that nobody is forced to wear the hijab. It is simply the instructions of the Quran. The followers take the Quran seriously. As regards persona, it depends on the wearer what she wants the hijab to do to her persona. The hijab may make the woman wearing it appear more charming. However, the purpose of hijab is modesty. "Tell the faithful women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not display their beauty except what is apparent of it, and to extend their scarf to cover their bosom" Quran, 24:31. In the present times, the hijab has been the focus of much criticism and controversy because of the way it has been viewed in western countries. The popular view in the western countries is that the hijab is a sign of religious oppression. The Muslim woman does not enjoy the type of freedom that her western counterpart does. Hence, the impression that the westerners appear to have is that woman elsewhere live in slavery. Contrary to this feeling, Muslim women, by and large, enjoy wearing the hijab and consider it a part of their religion and culture. This adherence to the hijab is mistaken for Islamic radicalism. This misinterpretation is the biggest hurdle to integration. It separates the law-abiding citizen