From AHASRADA@aol.com

Thinking about hijab?...Steps to consider

by a Small Town American Sister 

	Many well-meaning brothers and sisters enthusiastically point out
ayat from
the Qur'an and Ahadith that reveal the Islamic injunction to cover our
bodies
so that the maximum that may be seen are our hands and face, expecting us
to
just as enthusiastically accept and begin obeying this injunction. 
Perhaps we
are convinced of the moral, social and many other benefits of hijab, and
maybe
even begin to desire to cover ourselves, but it is almost never that
easy.
There can be many consequences that come out of Islamic covering that,
although they should in most cases not be used as excuses not to cover,
must
be considered frankly and seriously before beginning to wear hijab
full-time.

1.  Yourself

	Whether you are a convert to Islam or were born into a Muslim
family but have
never covered, you must prepare yourself mentally for the way your life
will
change.  This involves being thoroughly convinced that covering is a
command
from Allah, as well as knowing in your heart and being capable of
explaining
to others all of the benefits and logical reasons for wearing hijab. 
Without
this inner committment, the outer appearance is meaningless.  You must
also be
prepared to accept the added responsibility of being a visible
representative
of Islam, and therefore be on your best behavior, being kind, fair,
polite and
following all of Allah's injunctions.  You can no longer mix with
non-Muslim
friends in Islamically disliked situations; no more riding the fence.  If
you
want to be a Muslima but remain inconspicuous among the kuffar
(unbelievers),
then you are not ready to cover.

2.  Family

	American families will probably have more difficulty accepting
your covering
than Muslim ones, but that does not mean you will not face opposition in
either.  Both types of families can be ignorant of the fact that covering
is
considered a command, not a cultural choice.  Try, very slowly, to
explain the
benefits of hijab, the drawbacks of not covering, and why you personally
have
a burning desire to do so (yes, it should be burning, or you're not
ready).  I
must emphasize that this is a slow process, which should be coupled with
discussions of other aspects of Islam and your good example.  Help them
to see
the whole picture and the benefits Islam has brought you.  If you are too
afraid of their reaction (as I was), write them a letter.  This way you
can
express all of your points without being interrupted and flustered.  But
be
careful to be loving and respectful, not pushy or threatening.  You must
also
be prepared yourself to endure and remain strong in your faith, no matter
what
their reaction is.  Prepare for the worst.  Don't cover until you can
accept
whatever happens.

3.  Employer

	This can be a delicate area, since we have seen that many sisters
have
unfortunately lost employment for following Allah's command to cover.  In
this
case, also, be prepared for the worst, but stay positive.  Write a very
professional letter, avoiding too much religious discussion, and
emphasizing
that your appearance will remain professional and will not affect your
job
performance.  Refer to your "right" to practice your religion freely, and
that
covering is a religious requirement that you have recently reached the
level
of faith to be able to fulfill.  Be polite (don't threaten them!) and
emphasize that it is just a small piece of cloth, not to be blown out of
proportion.  If you are unable to reach an agreement with your employer,
contact CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) at www.cair-net.org
or a
similar organization to advocate on your behalf.

4.  The Public

	This concern varies from state to state, city to city, but you
must be
emotionally prepared to be stared at, perhaps even yelled at, and remain
firm
in your convictions.  This does not mean you won't be startled or shaken,
but
such incidences should not be able to scare you into taking off  your
scarf.
You must also be able to explain, quickly and well, why you are covering
because you will be asked!  These are wonderful opportunities for da'wah
if
they are used well.

5.  Clothing

By this point, you can see that there are many important aspects of
wearing
hijab that go far beyond the clothes themselves, but they are, of course,
a
factor.  Depending upon your previous wardrobe, it may take quite some
time
and money to make it more Islamic.  My advice (and they way I did it) is,
as
soon as you begin to consider covering, even though getting the other
aspects
in place is far off, start slowly adapting your wardrobe, and your style
of
dress.  I began by not wearing shorts outside the house, then no short-
sleeves, then wearing untucked long shirts with pants, and eventually
adding
the scarf and more modest clothing, after I had worked through all the
previously mentioned factors.  For me, this was an 8 month period, but it
can
take more or less time.  You will know when you are ready because you
won't be
able to stand going out uncovered anymore and doing what you know is
right is
more important than what anyone else thinks.  Changing your wardrobe in
this
manner is easier on your pocketbook, as well as for your and your family
to
get used to.  Once everone is used to seeing you in longsleeves in 100
degree
heat, a little scarf won't seem like that big a deal.

	I have tried to break down into the major components what
preparing to wear
hijab should entail.  I certainly do not want to scare you out of
covering or
imply that is is acceptable to wait for long periods of time waiting for
the
perfect situation in which to cover.  On the contrary, you will be held
accountable to Allah for any command of his that you do not obey when you
are
thoroughly convinced to do so.  However, He is also the Compassionate,
the
Merciful, and He realizes all that is entailed in taking this step.  Ask
continually for His help in making you strong in your faith and
convictions,
and learn as much as you can about the reasons for a benefits of hijab,
as
well as about Islam in general to keep your faith pusing you forward in
your
efforts to obey Allah.  Whatever situation you are in, never think you
can't
do it.  If one of the above mentioned steps is a stumbling block, work on
it,
don't use it as an excuse.

	When I began covering, I was a 21-year-old senior in college,
working part-
time in a nursing home and about to begin student-teaching in a public
high
school, living with my Christian parents when commuting to a small
Catholic
college in an area that has more cows than Muslims.  My only Muslim
supports
were my husband and my American convert friend who was not covering.  The
nearest mosque was a two hour drive away, and I had only seen three other
covering Muslimas here in my lifetime, and they were all visiting from
out of
town.   And yet, by August of 1994, I couldn't stand it anymore, sent
letters
to my employer, my professors, my parents and grandparents, and started
covering.  My family and I have had a few good cries, and I have had some
funny comments by the elderly at work, but all in all, everyone has
gotten
used to me and within two to three months all the crises were over and
life is
back to normal...except that I no longer worry about being flirted with,
I
feel respected and respectful, and am very proud to have the priviledge
of
being a positive example of Islam to a community that has very little
experience with Islam or Muslims, and explaining it to many who know
nothing
about it.

	Hijab opens so many more doors than it closes, spiritually and
socially.  It
is unfortunate that there are so many obstacles to our finding this joy
and
fulfillment, but our best course of actions is to be aware of them, deal
with
them, and continue this form of jihad (struggle) in the way of Allah.
Insha'Allah we will all receive great blessings and heightened spiritual
benefits from our efforts to obey His wise commands, and never forget, no
matter how difficult it is, that Allah never puts burdens on us that we
cannot
bear, and the more we persevere, the more blessings we receive,
insha'Allah.
Whatever point you are at in your spiritual growth, remember that Allah
knows
what is in your heart and will not expect more of you than you are ready
for.
So keep preparing yourself, so that when your time comes, you will be a
strong, glowing vision of a person thoroughly committed to submitting
herself
to Allah, and proud of it!

 Back to Huma's Homepage on Islam ...


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