Resilience in face of fear: choosing to wear Hijab

This week, I heard a few friends and students discuss what they think about removing their hijabs. They argue that in the light of recent attacks against hijabi women, there is nothing wrong with uncovering, that security takes precedence. The cite the incident when Ammar bin Yassir (r.a) was subjected to the same torture which killed his mother, he saved his life by stating words of kufar.

I worry that the more we try to analyse the commandments of Allah, searching them out for loopholes and trying to find ways around them, the more we separate ourselves from the spirit of Qur'an and lose our compass, which guides us to the right understanding and right course of action.

Difficult political and/or personal circumstances  don't make the commands of Allah any less binding. Stereotypes and ignorance about the tenants of our religion does not make them any less true. Allah wants us to live a life of purity, and hijab is an expression of purity. Our bodies are a trust from Allah. We honour this trust through modesty. Our bodies are meant to be an instrument of worship. Our hijabs are a recognition of the fact that our bodies are created for worship and holiness.
Our hijabs reflect the beautiful religion of Allah. The hijab proclaims a heart radically humbled by the Words of Allah. When a woman recognizes that Allah owns her and everything in the universe, she could never take off the apparel that Allah has commanded her to wear.
So I feel that if I were to ever remove my hijab, notwithstanding the pain and humiliation, it will take me a step backward from the standard of purity that is pleasing to Allah.

People will always make inferences about a woman's body whether she covers or not. It is disgusting how subversively female identity is today in term of modesty. Everything from chocolate bars to sports magazines produce editions of half naked women parading on front covers solely for the enjoyment and capital interests of big businesses. The underlining message is that the greatest thing women offer to this world, is not their intelligence, not their faith, but simply the size of their chest and the complexion of their skin.

Sisters, please do not remove your hijab. Your hijab is your crown jewel. It is the most godly thing on your body from which shines the beauty of your faith, the testament of your purity and good works. Don't let a few racists cast you in doubt. Have firm confidence, hope and total assurance in Allah that you will be successful and safe with your hijab.

At present you may be temporarily harassed by all kinds of racial attacks. This test to wear hijab, is not happening without Allah's notice or permission.  The things we wish most to be removed from our lives are the very things that Allah uses to shape us and hone out our character. He uses problems and difficulties as an agent of positive change. So the testing of our faith is good for us, it brings spiritual growth and maturity and closeness to Allah through endurance. Allah is always there to help us see through this test so there is no reason to take stress or feel anxious. InshaAllah we will be fine, we will come out refined and much more modest.  We will come out victorious.

I know we may have to restrict our movements for a while. Be extra careful when outside, especially after dark. We may have to go out of way to be appear friendly, but firm. We may be forced to act overly courteous but confident. But let's not lose heart or our hijab. These troubles which are temporary and are winning us a permanent, a glorious and solid reward out of proportion for our endurance, inshaAllah.