Muslims, is it okay to not wear a Hijab while travelling overseas to non muslim countries?

Question

I'm a 16 years old girl. I'm currently wearing a Hijab. My parents asked me not to wear it while travelling overseas for safety precautions and not to be biased at. we're going to travel to Cambodia which is 90% buddhists this March 1st. I've agreed not to wear the hijab because my parents kept pushing me. I'll just be wearing a hat. Is it okay in Islam? What can I wear to look less extreme?

Answer 1

Here, I got this from my passport packet info for you

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1080.html

It's the U.S. info sheet on Cambodia. I took this from it:

"SAFETY AND SECURITY: In the aftermath of bombings in Indonesia in the last two years, Southeast Asia remains a possible target of terrorism. The Department is concerned that individuals and groups may be planning terrorist actions against United States citizens and interests, as well as sites frequented by Westerners. Extremist groups present in Southeast Asia have transnational capabilities to carry out attacks against locations where Westerners congregate."

I don't know where your from, but it sounds dangerous, so it is probably best not to wear hijab. However, I have never known a Buddhist to be violent. May G-d/Allah keep you safe.

Answer 2

its up to you really. not wearing hijab in non-muslim countries doesnt mean you'll get punish, but for me there's nothing wrong with wearing hijab in non-muslim countries. i dont know about cambodia, but i wore hijab all the way from london to paris and even pray in the mid of the paris garden (i forgot the garden name)...for me, i accomplished a mission as a moving media of what islam is about. yes i do get stares from the people there, but i mostly remembered smiles as well, and it the nicest thing when i was walking towards eiffel tower some guy said salam to me and smile and just resume life...
and as far as i know buddhists doesnt look at islam as extreme religion, they think islam is beautiful

21-year-old malaysian muslim girl (and happy~)

Answer 3

As long as you are wearing modest clothes it should be ok. I don't know the situation in Cambodia and if wearing Hijab maybe unsafe for you then hat should suffice.

Answer 4

As an Islam girl, it stated in Quran that it is wrong to attract uninvited and unwanted attention and to put words on ppl mouth. By not putting Hijab in the country you mentioned, and if you can avoid attention on yourself, I guess its ok. Many muslim girls in other countries like myself in Singapore, I did not put on a Hijab due to the multi culturals and religions here and by putting on a hijab here at my worlplace will invite talks and unwanted attention which will than hinder my working progress and lost confidence. Thus putting on a Hijab here will depend on occassion and if I visited the mosque.

Answer 5

Many muslimahs do not wear hijab by choice actually. If you feel that this may be wrong though ask Allah for his forgiveness. Your parents are worried and want to make sure you are as safe as possible. Do as they say and repent whenever you feel the need.

Answer 6

Three things to point out

One I think it would be okay for you where a Hijab

Secondly if your parents insist and it will make them happy, then in followign their wishes you are respectign them

Lastly I completely agree with you, I think you should wear it, Islam is all about leading by example, if you are visibly a Muslim and you arer respectful and courteous then you may teach them something about Islam

Allah knows Islam needs to be represented in a better light

Answer 7

u should always wear hijab. many women dont which is kind of sad. but if its for safety reasons i think u should be fine.

dont ask anyone on yahoo answers. ask ur local imam.

Answer 8

Cover your hair. Ask an Iman in your local mosque.

Answer 9

Not only should it be okay, it should be obligatory.

Non Muslim countries shouldn't have to put up with that stuff.