Have you ever wondered what types of struggles a Muslim girl faces? A Hijabi is a term for a Muslim girl who wears the Hijab, a covering (usually a scarf) around her head that hides her hair, neck, and chest. The Hijab is a known symbol for a Muslim girl and Muslims girls are required to wear it according to Islam. The Hijab of course doesn't stop at the head either, it spreads to one's character and the rest of one's body. Being a Hijabi brings about its own set of struggles and here seven of them. Being a Hijabi myself for eight years, I gave some of my opinions on how to face these struggles.
1. Bad Hijab Days
I always get the comment “Omg, you’re so lucky, you never have bad hair days!”. Though i might not have bad hair days, there is such a thing as a bad hijab day. When you’re fifty pins don’t stay in, and your hair keeps sneaking rebelliously out the back, or the front, or the side, it’s a bad hijab day. The worst is when your hijab is made of a slippery material, so it just decides to fall off whenever it feels like it. A simple solution though is to wear under pieces that are of a cotton material so that the scarf sticks and doesn’t slip off. Also, wearing more than one pin can also help.
- Shopping
The hijab doesn’t stop at the scarf on one’s head, it extends to modesty in character and dress. So shopping can become a bit of a problem. Imagine yourself in this situation: You’re a hijabi, searching for a nice long shirt, that’s full sleeves, and not too tight, preferably in a style and color that you like. You’ve been at the mall all day searching for this dream shirt. Just when you’re about to give up hope, after having looked through short sleeves and crop tops, you found a really nice long shirt. You pick it up excited and turn it around to see that there's no back! This is only one examples of the many shopping struggles a Muslim girl can face. But there's a easy solution, just keep shopping. You'll find something you like eventually. And if that doesn't work, buying something you like and then sewing it to fit Islamic requirements is an easy fix.
- The Muslim stereotype
Like every Muslim, the “Muslim stereotype” follows a Hijabi around. From being called a terrorist to being called a towel-head, Hijabis have serious struggles to face. These taunts come from all people, including less religious Muslims, who don’t understand why a Muslim girl should wear a Hijab and show that she is a Muslim. But the simplest way to go around these taunts is to ignore them. Stick to your faith. Like any other person who is bullied is supposed to do, just ignore the insults and keep good character, even to the worst of people.
- The Oppressed girl stereotype
Another stereotype that comes with wearing a Hijab, is the oppressed girl. This stereotype is painted in the minds of people who are above insulting and bullying Muslims, but just don’t understand the religion and think that all Muslim girls are forced to wear Hijabs by their parents. These people, though they mean well, will give you a piety look to show you that though they might not understand what you are going through, they are there to support you. Though I will admit that there are some girls who are forced, the majority of Muslim girls are not forced to wear their Hijabs, just like Islam dictates. A Muslim girl should be allowed to choose to wear her Hijab, not forced to wear it. The easiest way to get people to stop thinking that you are oppressed by your religion and family, is to educate people about your choice to wear the Hijab. Also, show that you are proud to wear your Hijab, don’t shy away from it.
- Where are you from?
Seeing my Hijab, people just assume that I don’t speak English and many times they just stare at me waiting trying to figure out how to communicate with me. Though I do sometimes enjoy people’s confusion (don’t tell me you wouldn’t either), at times it can get a little irritating when people look at you like you’re a foreigner in your own country. Though I do understand why people would be hesitant to talking to me in English the first time they meet me, my advice is just go for it, it’s more likely that a Hijabi will talk back to you in English than another language. English is taught around the world and many people who move to the U.S. learn English before doing anything else. As for the Hijabis out there, try to speak first to clear the confusion before any awkwardness can occur.
- Questions
I love when people ask me questions about my Hijab and religion. Questions give me a chance to explain to people and help them understand Islam from a Muslim’s perspective and not the media’s. But sometimes the questions can get a little ridiculous. “Do you shower with it on?” “Are you bald?” “What color is your hair?” I have come across these questions and many more, many times. Though I don’t mind answering them, sometimes if people just thought before they spoke, they wouldn’t have to ask these simple questions in the first place. No, I don’t shower with my Hijab on, just like people don’t shower with their clothes on. I am not bald and my hair is still the same color as my eyebrows. Again, I really don’t mind answering any kind of question, but sometimes it would be nice if people would think before asking questions and making me feel like I’m a freak that needs to be asked these simple questions. At the same time, Hijabis do not be rude to people who asks questions, just answer them. People really do not have any idea about our religion and the way we live and it takes a lot of courage to ask a question. Answer any question that comes your way in the best of your character.
- People acting awkward
So, the next time you find yourself having a bad Hijab day or you find yourself next to a Hijabi having a bad Hijab day, you are now equipped with the information to know what to do next.
Photos:
http://citrastyle.com/muslimfashionblog/bad-hijab-days-and-how-to-tame-them/
http://notyourtypicalshakira1.wordpress.com/category/common-misconceptions-of-hijab/
http://www.enargywebzine.eu/spip.php?article254
https://audioboom.com/boos/936878-i-speak-for-myself-scottish-muslim-woman-challenge-stereotypes
http://zaraweir.wordpress.com/
http://www.someecards.com/usercards/viewcard/MjAxMi0wZDUzN2FhNjMzMWU2Njky