Niqab:Veiling the True Message of Islam?

(flickr)

Disclaimer: This post reflects my personal opinion. In no way does this post mean a personal attack on anyone who chooses to dress in niqab.

I will be upfront with my views: I don't believe in Niqab in the Western world.

What purpose does niqab serve in a Western world but create a barrier and provoke stereotype. A woman I knew who observed niqab once shared a story that touched me deeply. She was roaming the streets of a small city in California in her niqab. She happened to be alone with her kids that day. A young boy of no more than 4 or 5 saw my niqabi friend and ran towards the street to avoid her. He was scared. The boy would have been run over if a car was passing by. Luckily there wasn't. And no matter what Muslims say, Niqab is SCARY for non-Muslims--and sometimes Muslims too!

It's a sad truth when the only thing Muslims around the world have been able to deliver about Islam is Niqab. This particular reality hit me when I was in Ireland this past Spring. I was in Dublin taking the tram back to my hotel. A few stops into my ride, a large party of routy adolescents hopped on. They were loud, obnoxious and reminded me of everything that I hated about my job at the time. They sat near us and used nonstop profanity. Halfway into their shared conversation they turned to my group and cursed us out in the thicket Irish accent I've ever heard! "Go back to your *#($*#(@% country!" they commanded us.

I was a little peeved but I let it go because how many times will I have the pleasure of hearing curse words in a ghetto version of an Irish accent?

Minutes passed and one of the teens decided to befriend us.

Irish teen: "Why do you wear that on your heads?"
Me and group: "Because we are Muslim."
Irish teen: "Do you ever cover your face (i.e. Niqab?)?"

Me, baffled that this girl who probably never sees or has been around Muslims knows about Niqab!

Me: "No, I don't"
Irish Teen: "I am Catholic. We believe in God. Do you?"

And that's when it hit me. The little ignorant Irish teen (probably just like silly American teens) has heard about Niqab but never the most important message of Islam: BELIEF IN ONE GOD?

What type of Islam are we spreading these days? If the West only knows our religion by Niqab, terrorism and Middle Eastern politics we are doomed. We haven't fulfilled our obligation to God.

**
A question that comes to mind often when I see a niqabi roaming through rush hour of one of the busiest metropolitan cities in America, why here?

I understand how some people believe that niqab is fard, some people think it's encouraged and others think it elevates your status in the eyes of God. I try to figure on what expense are these religious choices made?

I know my argument against Niqab in the West could be similarly applied to Hijab if someone wanted to take that route, but I would argue that there are major differences between a niqabi and Hijabi in the Western world. Niqab shuts a person's facial expressions completely! And traditionally niqab is worn in darker colors such as black, dark brown or navy blue. The niqabi then becomes a scary object floating through society. In some cases the niqab brings her more harm since she receives more attention which could be positive or negative. Although some people, in some neighborhoods have similar reactions to hijab, communication is possible when the face is visible. In addition, most hijabis in America have modified their hijab to suit their environment by dressing modestly in bright, friendly colors, etc.

I will return to my main argument, what sort of message is a niqabi sending with her black cloak? Perhaps internally she wishes to please God and express her piety; however, one might argue on what expense? What message is the niqab sending the Western world? "Stay away, I am too pretty/better to be bothered with?" How as Western Muslims are we planning to integrate if we plan to isolate ourselves?

As an Arab who has lived in the Middle East, I understand the importance of dressing modestly. Unfortunately, our Muslim lands are filled with perverts who would love to devour the first sight of a woman's body. When living in Egypt as a teen, I was harassed numerous times on the streets of Alexandria simply because I was a girl which translated into a piece of meat. Many women sought the protection of hijab and sometimes Niqab to protect themselves from the oversexed wolves manning and patroling the streets of a Muslim country!

One of my younger aunts recently related a story that sent shivers down my spine. She was outside her home in a gated community in Alexandria, Egypt waiting for a cab to pass. As she was waiting a strange car pulled up and opened the door. The driver commanded my aunt--a grandmother of four by the way--to come in his car. He promised to take her wherever she pleased. My aunt, a very pretty woman who looks nothing close to her age with curly blond hair and emerald green eyes was terrified to say the least. She was on the verge of being kidnapped outside of her safe home but luckily a good samaritan came to her rescue! Weeks later my aunt decided to wear hijab, and in some instances Niqab for her own safety.

I am not denying the freedom of choice. If a Muslimah chooses Niqab in the Western world, that is her choice and I will stand by her right to do it! But the nagging question still remains, "For what good?"

Brunch

Brunch, originally uploaded by Organica59.

"I Don't Give My Money to Mosques"

Before you get all critical, there is a good explanation to my above statement, let me share a scenario with you!

From my years of work and volunteering at mosques I've noticed a pattern. Kind Muslims donate their sadaqah or zakat money either monthly or annually. After doing such a pious of a deed they feel that their obligation towards Islam and their community has been fulfilled. Some of the more generous ones might even demand an audit of where the money had been spent and if an appropriate plaque to be made in the gentleman's name would be even better and prestigious so the community would know the actual sum they donated.

Mosques have money. Lots of it actually. With the nagging religious guilt, the motivational speeches and poor burdens on the community, people do give. I say a lot to criticize Muslims, but when it comes to one thing like giving away money--they do plenty of it!

But Muslim Mosques have nothing to show of all these generous deeds. I was embarrassed along my Muslim friends when a group of interfaith students visited our mosque. The walls were dirty, the rugs were stained and the garden was hardly well kept. And I will refrain of speaking of the bathrooms! Our building screamed "poor Muslims!", but if you could only see the nice cars parked outside! I will not accuse the handlers of the masjid's budget of dishonesty, but I will certainly assert a lack of fund distrubution where needed most!

So as a result--I DON'T GIVE MOSQUES MONEY, instead I offer my humble services wherever needed.

Solution:

Recently a group and myself started a project with the mosque's garden. We spent a few weeks weeding, designing our garden and finally planting. A number of people shared in the efforts including the Imam, his children and a few non-Muslim passerbys! It was an awesome project and the hours spent out in the hot sunny summer days were much more effective than my green dollars!

A current project is in the works: a school library and recycling program for our Sunday school section. The project design, coordination and implementation will take a lot of effort and man power. We can use the talent of our youth to achieve all this without handing our money blindly for non-useful things such as the Imam's monthly cell phone bill or gasoline bill! We can purchase the books individually, recycling boxes, paper, etc. Why donate money, when we can donate what is needed, EXACTLY?

So the next time you decide to donate your dollar bills in the sadaqah box, think of what else you can offer to your community!

Just a thought.

My Hijab: What Does America Tell Me?

Two weeks ago I started a summer job in an affluent part of the suburbs. The summer camp was packed with kids of all ages and counselors from all professions. On my first day I was looking for the main office to sign in and meet my "client." It immediately became obvious after a quick glance at my surroundings that I was the only Muslim in the house. A better second look made it apparent that I was one out of 3 minorities at the camp.

I stuck out of the crowd like a sore thumb. My bright turquoise scarf, my long jeans and layered dress was too modest compared to the tankinis and shorts sported everywhere.

From my experiences of being in similar situations, one of two things always happen: 1) either people are way "too" nice welcoming you into the new situation; 2) or people ignore you and pretend that you aren't there to avoid being caught looking curiously.

**

Two weeks later, the kids and staff have become accustomed to seeing the "covered" lady on the premises. Yesterday I wore a bright pink scarf with my Egyptian earrings. A number of young girls stopped me to praise my outfit and choice of accessories. A little girl not older than five, stopped by the tree I sat under to introduce herself. We chatted for a bit and parted ways after exchanging names and the normal pleasantries. The little girl was so fixated the earring her mommy wore that looked just like mine and couldn't I accept a little flower she just picked out of the grass from her magical garden, I wondered if she saw that I was "different" at all?

During lunch, one of the little boys asked where I was from. When I stated I was from Los Angeles, born near Hollywood, he gave me that look of "are you serious?" When I further explained that the scarf was a religious practice and my hair color was the same as my eye brows, he looked satisfied and moved on. I couldn't let him go without asking this question.

Me: "Have you ever seen a Muslim before?"
Little boy: "Never!"

**

Now, many weak Muslims in the world use the excuse of being a little different as means to blame the universe for their failure to succeed. I've heard numerous accounts of how a person didn't get the job because at the interview they realized that he/she were Muslim and it's racist world like that! Poor Muslims of the world! I am far detached from these notions because a piece of cloth or a name won't stop me from my dreams. And more importantly our faith teaches us to rely on Allah, the One. So why should I worry about people since they control nothing?

**

The little boy at the camp yesterday made me realize that I am different, and how uncomfortable it might be for some people to encounter something new for the very first time. I imagined that it does take a lot of courage to face a crowd of 400 who have similar backgrounds and upbringings. With every new encounter one must prove to be just as efficient, intelligent and normal.

**

This last week, a friend of a friend, a local Alexandrian, fellow classmate, an expecting mother, sister and daughter, Marwa El Sherbeini was murdered, in a German court because of her hijab and everything it symbolizes. She was stabbed 18 times. Her husband tried to rescue her and was shot in the leg while the murderer was allowed to complete his deed. Marwa was in court suing the man for making discriminatory comments to her son and self. She was fighting for her right to freedom, to exist like everyone else.

Yet she was murdered; her husband widowed and son orphaned.

**

I read this account from a fellow blogger that has left me shaking and grieving for the hate in the world.

**

As a Muhajabah in America, I feel safe in most places. I feel welcomed and respected. But sometimes that doesn't always hold true. I know the looks or the silent threats. I've been followed in the past by fanatics who wanted to take care of me for good; mistreated at a hospital and given the worst care; targeted at work or Uni. But those are very minor incidents compared to the greater good I've seen in the 8 years as a Hijabi or Muhajabah in America.

It's not about being Muslim or being a woman or a minority in the majority White land. It's the principle of freedom: To be, To practice and To Coexist.

Between the Old and New

Between the Old and New, originally uploaded by Organica59.

Bribing My Dentist: Part Deux

Check out last year's bribe!

The Summer Job

I didn't plan for this job, it sorta came my way unexpectedly. I was planning to be a happy jobless person for the 2 month summer break but on my third day it got old. It didn't feel as refreshing wearing my PJ's all day nor sitting doing nothing. My glorious plans to pursue certain hobbies, exercise, and see people never worked out. Instead I sat in the same spot all day watching myself turn into what they call a "potato couch" or Facebook game junkie (stalker).

The job is located in the perfect world of suburbia where kids are way over-educated, indulged and stimulated at all times. Their parents paid more than 4 grand for the 8 weeks of day camp heaven. They are guaranteed attention, love and lots of food. LOTS OF IT.

Although I am assigned to one specific little boy, I still get to interact and observe other children in the camp. I must confess, it was difficult adjusting the first couple of days. Children at this camp are courteous; they follow directives closely; and can work individually or in groups without any problems. I am yet to hear a curse word. I think the worst I've seen was a tennis ball hit a boy on the back BY ACCIDENT.

I was a little taken back by my own reaction. I expected violence, defiance and disrespect. It's strange how my 6 month experience has changed my expectations of the world. The worst of my worries is falling into the swimming pool by accident or not putting enough sunscreen on to avoid the hijab-tan line!

What a change in pace. Life sure does take sudden turns.

P.S: This is a temporary summer position in case you were wondering.