”I have a keloid. I use it to cover my ear till I get to school.”
I still remember the exact words I uttered that fateful day. It was during my Senior High School days when a co-passenger in the Dansoman – Kasoa “trotro” sitting beside me asked why I wore a Hijab to school. Those words were my turning point…
This has been the question of a lot of Non-Muslims and even some Muslims.Due to this and other related Hijab questions asked, Nazma Khan initiated the World Hijab Day in 2013.
The Hijab is a complete package which goes beyond the covering of the hair and head but also include a dress code, behaviour and lifestyle. Hijab which originates from the Arabic word “hajaba” means to conceal or hide from view.The Hijab covers the body except the face, hands and feet and the clothing and should be loose enough to not appear like a male outfit nor make visible, the shape of the woman.
For some “Hijabi”, the Hijab is a personal choice to devote to Allah and adher to the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). But for others, they wear the Hijab because they were instructed to. While a section of Muslim women wear the Hijab to inform the society their identity asMuslims.
In any case, what does the Qur’an say about the Hijab?
“…And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; and that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty beauty except to…” (Qur’an 24:30-31)
The above quote explicitly state what Hijab is and should be. Thus it is more of an obligation for a Muslimah to be in Hijab.
I’m without a keloid now, however I wear a Hijab. I’m a Hijabi because it is stipulated in the Qur’an and out of personal choice. Hijab is Modesty! Hijab, my Pride!
By Fati White (Student, Ghana Institute of Journalism)
