Hijab, Niqab and Burka FAQ (part 2)

Are women forced into wearing it?

HIJAB, NIQAB AND BURKA FAQ PART 2 !!
PART 1 (http://imgur.com/gallery/BneLA)
PART 3 IS HERE! (http://imgur.com/gallery/zLFnR)
Thank you so much everyone for being so receptive and asking thought provoking questions. If I get more questions, I'll do part 3!!

___________________

It is an unfortunate truth that, in some parts of the World, women don't have much of a choice regarding wearing or not wearing hijab.

Another issue is social pressure where, even if a woman doesn't face any real threat from not wearing the hijab, she may still face psychological torment from her entourage.

Both of these situations are appalling and not in accordance to the spirit of Islam, they are also not the general rule. For every woman forced into wearing hijab, there are countless who are free in their choice.

Since the (male and female) hijab is an outward form of worship, it's easier to pick on. Some shallow Muslims love to judge and pick on each other for appearances. Even Muslim men fall victim to this. It's unhealthy, but it unfortunately seems like human nature to debase others in order to make oneself feel better!

That being said, in every religion there are groups who take scripture out of context to control and intimidate people to act in ways that THEY see fit. That is not OK.

Nowhere in Islamic scripture is there an earthly punishment prescribed for not adhering to the hijab.

Do you have to wear it at home?What do you wear at home?

The hijab is reserved for the public sphere, so there's no real limitation to what I can wear or not wear in my own home. Booty shorts, t-shirts, birthday suit - it's all good man (although some Muslims do believe one shouldn't walk around naked the house for no reason).

That being said, it also depends on WHO is in my home! If my dad is coming over, uh yea no I'm not going to prance around in my undies!

The only two circumstances I wear hijab in the home is #1. To pray my 5 daily prayers or #2. If we have male guests over who I'm not related to by blood.

Also, us Muslim women love to host girl-only parties where we totally have fun dressing up, doing our hair and make-up and dance to the latest tunes. It happens a lot, especially at weddings!

What happens if I see your hair?

Nothing.
Different women react differently to having been "exposed". Some will be unreasonably dramatic about it, while some won't give two craps. I couldn't tell you why a woman would be particularly upset.. Honestly, if it's an accident, it's an accident and no one is responsible for accidents.

It got seen without my hijab by strange men many times, it happens. Someone walks in on you while you're changing, you open the door for the delivery guy because you didn't look through peep-hole first, wind blows my skirt up, whatever. I just don't make a big deal about it because it would just make the situation really awkward.

I just make a mental note to use the peep-hole next time!

If Islam's about being modest, what' up with Dubai?

Like with practically every belief (and even political) system, there's theory, and then there's practice...

Jesus was a great figure, yet how many Christians fail at following his most basic preachings? The Westboro Baptist Church is a prime example of people who claim they follow a faith, but act completely against its most basic teachings or love, acceptance...

Similarily, many Muslims completely fail at embodying the spirit of Islam and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) such as the values of humility, humbleness and giving to the poor.

People in the Gulf are blessed with lots of money. Many of them use their money for good and give towards charities. But there are also those who spend very extravagantly on unnecessary things - something most people with money probably do, unfortunately.

Should I wear it in certain situations out of respect?

Honestly, it really depends. Muslims are all individuals with different views, and there's 1.7 billion of us, so you can never please everyone! What wouldn't offend me might offend another Muslim and vice versa.

As a general rule, I guess it's expected to wear it to holy sites as a sign of respect. Other than that, I don't see the need to.

I would never expect a non Muslim friend or relative to wear one for my sake etc. That being said, some Muslims might find it flattering or cute that you're wearing one (looks, she's trying to be like us awww) Just be sincere and go with your guts given the circumstance.

In some parts of the world, it's unfortunately just safer to wear one if you don't want to stick out like a sore thumb.

How do you tie it?!?

Honestly, there are SO many different ways. From super simple to super complicated and stylish. Women will choose different styles depending on occasion, outfit, comfort and even just face shape! Some styles look better with a square jaw, others with a more oval face etc.

When I'm super lazy in the winter, I'll just wear a knitted hat over my hair with a matching knitted scarf around my neck for short errands, lol.

If you're curious to see, there are countless hijab tutorial channels on Youtube. Just look it up!

I hope you enjoyed this FAQ. Please feel free to PM me with questions and if I have enough questions I may do a part 3!!