Hijabs - The Modern Faces Behind the Muslim Head Scarf

Muslim women started wearing hijabs or other headProphet Muhammad (PBUH), are the paragons for
coverings centuries ago in order to keep in step withMuslim women. However, they were much later
the modesty taught by their religion. However, withfollowed by powerful women such as
the passage of time, people started embracing theZaynab-al-Ghazali, who is an Egyptian Islamic Activist.
westernized way and covering the head no longerShe strongly supports the rights of Muslim women
remained the center of focus for a number of Muslimincluding their right to dress conservatively. Maryum
women. Some named it liberation, others named itJameelah is another prime example of the modern
modernization. However, when a few years ago thewomen supporting headscarves. Maryum was the
Non Muslim world created a misconception aboutfirst American Jewish woman to convert to Islam.
hijabs symbolizing radicalism. At that point, a vastShe then followed the teachings of Islam to the core
majority of Muslimahs become more conscious ofand in addition wrote numerous books about the
restoring their religious as well as ethnic identities andconcepts of Islam. Her work is well read and
reverted back to the use of head coverings forappreciated equally by Muslims and non Muslims
themselves. Today regardless of what country theyaround the world. The former president of the
are in, Muslim women globally have embraced moreIslamic Society of North America (ISNA), Mrs. Elkadi,
modest ways of dressing including the use of jilbabs,is another prime example of a modern day muslimah
abayas and most of all hijabs.who is never seen without hijabs. She actively
There are a number of famous Muslim women thatworked for ISNA and promoted modesty and
also endorse the fact that covering the head is not adecency for the young Muslim women living in
sign of oppression or fundamentalism. In reality, theseAmerica.
women cover their heads to please Allah swt, who isThese are just a few examples of the current day
the creator of the entire mankind. From newsMuslim women who are neither afraid nor ashamed
anchors to political activist, scholars to scientists, ato wear hijabs in all circumstances. In fact they wear
large number of famous Muslim women proudly wearthem with pride and feel honored to be educated
their hijabs in public and feel more confident whileand successful women that can make an impact on
covering their heads.others as well as lead by example. As more success
Islamic beacons such as Khadeejah, who was astories are publicized about women in hijabs, it will
famous businesswoman during the prophet's time andhave a great and positive impact on the next
later became his wife; Fatimah, the daughter ofgeneration, promoting the feelings of morality and
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH); Asma bint Abu Bakr, theuprightness about Islam!
daughter of one of the closest friends of the