Before you take off the Hijab
So another Hijabi influencer removes her hijab and the social media platforms go into a complete frenzy, with people quickly jumping to take sides; ones condemning and others supporting free choice and some just simply sticking to stalking the comments section. With the age of influences ‘coming out’ and speaking their ‘truth’. We often wonder; what if your ‘truth’ doesn’t align with Allah’s truth? When our primary focus becomes on the self we no longer worship God, rather ourselves. It has become increasingly apparent that women are being fed a heavy diet of ‘we are goddesses.’ Female magazines tripping over themselves to remind us we are flawless. We no longer feel the need for obedience, self – reflection or aspiration to be elevated rather we are already Queen. Although self- love can be fortifying for one’s health; when taken to extremes it transforms into an act of feeding one’s ego. The almost religious experience of self-love now leaves little room for the idea of Divine obedience. A decision from loving God to loving me. Women’s relationship with the hijab has drastically evolved — from a religious duty to a fashion statement and now an authentic form of social expression. This is problematic as forms of social expressions change with times and trends. Hijab is rather a symbol of obedience and devotion to God.As a result women are not to be objectified sexually; a declaration that we are beyond the external as we place Allah before our desires. However, Youtube platforms are built upon self-admiration, narcissism and sheer materialism. It is understandable why Hijabi influencers don’t feel they ‘fit in’. Besides the hijab, Muslim influencers are not much different from the non Muslim; in their lifestyles, interests, tutorials and brand. So it is almost inevitable to compromise your faith. We are constantly bombarded with these glamorous lifestyles which infiltrates our subconscious mind and harms the heart. No modern woman is immune to this. Many women wearing hijab probably don’t know why they are wearing it. The normality that is seen on the media is not being seen in themselves. A piece of cloth that simply places us with ‘extra responsibilities’. Leading women to remove hijab. Others claim its the cause of Islamophobic climate that pressures one to steer away from their Islamic identity. So are Muslim sisters choosing to remove the hijab because of the recent islamophobic political climate? Or have we lost the conviction as to why we are wearing the hijab in the first place? For someone to make the decision of removing the Hijab, many other aspects of their faith have to have been previously compromised. With our day to day hustle, it is easy for our Iman to take the backseat. And just like anything in life if you don’t pay attention to it it will decay with time. When the fashion world dictates that it is liberation to remove your clothes, in a ‘woke’ society it can be tough blending in with your hijab. The narrative being driven is now post Hijabi’s ‘coming out’ is welcomed with praise and admiration for being their authentic self. And while no one is commenting on others’ state of Iman, it is important to point out that these influencers are “influencing” many of our sisters nowadays. Even if Hijabi influencers never claimed to be role models, having such a huge platform comes with great responsibility. So instead of using the victim narrative of an islamophobic climate, or that hijab is no longer representing the “real me”, maybe own up to the truth that this is your own personal struggle with faith. Maybe it is time we move away from the mainstream feed and make sure our support system is intact. Making sure we have sisters that help us when we are hitting that Iman low. No one is immune from that and that is why it is important that we constantly make Dua to Allah to give us the strength to persevere despite all the challenges that come our way through our religious journey. And there is no need to point fingers as to who is in the wrong here or to post hateful comments saying “I cannot believe you took off your hijab?” This is a real issue that as sisters we should stand together and tackle head on. So for all our sisters out there at a crossroad, before you decide to take off your hijab, ask yourself this. Are you praying your daily Salat? Is your environment cultivating your Iman? And how is your relationship with Allah? And maybe then you’ll find your “Truth”! ______________________________“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity…
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity…
(Quran 24:30-31)