Hijab: More than just a fashion statement

MANILA, Philippines - One of the most visible symbols of Islam is a dress of a Muslim woman. The word describing the head scarf is Hijab, which means veil or barrier. In Islam, however, it has a broader meaning. It is based on religious doctrine; the principle of modesty.

It is important to know that the principle of modesty applies to men as well; therefore Muslim men also wear hijab. Moreover, the principle of modesty not just applies through the clothes that Muslims wear, but also through the way they behave.

Muslim women wear hijab in front of men that they do not know very well. It aims to shift the attention of the men away from the body of the women, but toward her character and merit as individual.  Muslim men are mandated to treat women with respect, dignity, and honor.

In the Qu'ran, hijab wearing was cited in Surah 24:30-31

The believing men are enjoined to lower their gaze and conceal their genitals and the believing women are enjoined to lower their gaze and conceal their genitals, draw their headdress to cover their cleavage, and not to display their beauty, except that which has to be revealed, except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers or their brothers’ sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their women, or their slaves, or eunuchs or children under age; and they should not strike their feet to draw attention to their hidden beauty. O believers, turn to God, that you may know bliss. (Qur’an 24:30-31)

In a way, women wear the garment to refrain from being harassed.

The hijab is paired with clothing that is not tight fitting and that covers a woman’s body with the exception of her face, hands, and feet.

Traditional Muslim clothing goes beyond being a fashion statement. It reflects the culture of the people and the principles that they follow.