How do you see hijab in USA?

Question

Salem
I want to know how do you see hijab (not Niqab) in USA because i live in France and most of people don't approve of wearing hijab
(sorry for my bad english)

thanks for your answers !!!

Answer 1

Your English is fine.

The hijab attracts attention, but for the most part it's a free country so wear one if you like. However, don't expect any special treatment for it in school, work, official photos, etc.

Answer 2

It really depends on what part of this country you live in. In the highly populated areas towards the extreme east and west, people will probaby hardly notice. In more rural areas towards the center of the country, people have not been exposed to other cultures and ways of life, and may be either very curious or slightly scared because it represents something new, different, and unknown (and humans everywhere are always scared of the unkown no matter who or what they are). For the most part, though, I think hijab is simply seen as a foreign style of dress that is, in itself, neither good nor bad but just from another culture.

Answer 3

Your English is better than some native speakers' English.
I see lots of women wearing hijab, and a very small number wearing niqab, here in New Orleans. I see it as a matter of personal choice. No one seems to give the ladies trouble for wearing it, either.

Answer 4

Your English is fine.

People who wear garments that make them stand out (in another culture) - whether a Mennonite cap, Jewish pe'ot, priest's collar or whatever, are psychologically 'attached' to being seen as different, even pious and "special." Be careful, though, whatever sets you apart, LITERALLY sets you apart from others.

For Muslims in the West this shows a pride in their religion - one that is in present turmoil - that is repulsive for most people at present. Generally, it is ignored but NOT conducive to opening dialogue with others.

This kind of special physical apparel makes the wearer feel special but clearly communicates that others are wrong to NOT do it, whether you are aware of this or not. Better to set a loving spiritual example than 'show-off' one's piousness through appearance and apparel. Your contribution to the greater good is almost always constrained by what your little ego has been taught to believe makes you 'special.'

Answer 5

I'm okay with seeing a few people wearing a hijab, although I wouldn't want to live in a place where they are a majority. I don't want to get beaten or harassed for opening my hair or wearing shorts.

Answer 6

Hello,

How people dress themselves is no concern of mine. I have enough problems and challenges to worry about each day without interfering in some one else's dressing habits.

You are doing ok with the English. Just keep practicing on these forums and you will get better and better.

Cheers,

Michael Kelly

Answer 7

1.) Your English is just fine -- better than some native speakers I know.

2.) I don't see hijab as any big deal; but I live in a large urban area with many immigrants and visitors (Washington DC), so people tend to be more tolerant.

Answer 8

I hope this not another plant question? lets see, new account, "I have the desire in my heart to obey Allah" seriously :) The regular users are already used to these type of questions where the asker eventually chooses one answer that favors the Hijab and changes her mind because she "realizes" that by wearing the sect propagated suffocating Hijab she will be pleasing God. Needless to say nothing can be further than the truth. Wearing a Hijab is not an "act of worship" The only injunction in the Quran is to dress modestly both for men and women. Forgive me if I am wrong but these questions are designed to trick young impressionable girls into believing that Hijab is central to their salvation. Furthermore, invariably it encourages and even pits kids against their parents. Imagine that. As I said, the truth as detailed in the Quran is obviously nowhere near the sect propagated position. The sect scene's fixation on dress code of women is understandable. Regimentation is the first prerequisite of control. Separation of the genders follow closely. Add no make-up to it and now you have the most visible indicators that can be used to subjugate half of humanity. The other half (brothers, fathers, husbands even sons) are given busy work to police the women. Perfect. The real solution is what the Quran says, dress modestly and that goes for men and women and men and women decide what that modest dressing is on an "individual bases" and not imaginary dress codes forced down their throats. The oppression manifests itself once again if young impressionable girls are duped into believing that Hijab is an "act of worship" which it is not. Hence when the environment is ignored, it is setting them up for ridicule and harassment once again and inadvertently joining their sisters who are forced with a stick held over their heads. Only in this case the stick is invisible but very much there and just as real. My humble advise; if you live in a community where wearing it is the common practice then there is no harm in it but not the suffocating version popularized through sect games, no showing hair and all that nonsense. Since you are not then consider this; as long as one wears it as part of ones attire to dress modestly the only dress code requirement as per the Quran for both men and women then covering your head is understandable. On the other hand if one is likely to stick out as sore thumbs then better not to wear the Hijab (the sect defined one) because that will also defeat the purpose of dressing modestly, that is to not draw attention to oneself. If one were to ignore the environment then the objective of wearing a head cover shifts to identity or even exhibitionism of the type "look at me I am a Muslim" and thus defeat the modesty principle behind it of "don't look at me, I am not on display". If someone is likely to wear it as religious exhibitionism then definitely not, Hijab as a search for identity is also to be discouraged. A Muslim must be known by his/her conduct and ethics and not a piece of clothing. Hijab by itself is not oppressive but declaring it obligatory invariably open the door for people to use it for oppression. The easiest way to go wrong is to let "others" verify your faith for you and then don't be surprised when "others" tell you what you ought to believe. The only way to verify our beautiful Deen is through the only 100% verifiable and fully self referenced book the Quran. If it was good enough for the Prophet of God Pbuh it should be more than enough for us. Obey the messenger not Bukhari and co.

Answer 9

I see it as a needless oppression of women. But it's also their right to put one on, and I respect their decision to do so.

Edit:

Reverent Soleil, didn't know you were in the DC area too!

Answer 10

Because of the terrorism, most American people fear those who wear anything resembling middle eastern wear.