What’s the first thing you notice when you see a women who practices Islam? Her hijab? Her niqab and how she wears all that clothing in such hot weather right? All it is, is a peace of clothing that she uses to cover up her body, but you wouldn’t think that because of how much of an uproar it causes. In the eyes of many western countries, the hijab is the definition of oppression.

In the time of prophet Mohamed (pbuh). There was a running problem in which women would get abducted and raped at night while running to get milk or water. The prophet took it to Allah (s.w.t) or God to find a solution to the problem. And that’s when this verse was revealed to him , “ O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close around them (when they go abroad). That will better, so they may not be recognized and not annoyed. Allah is ever forgiving, merciful. ’’ (Quran 33:59).

In many cultures or third world countries women are forced to wear the hijab. But don’t let this fool you into thinking that it’s because of the religion, understand that religion and culture are two very different things. In Islam, the hijab is the women’s personal choice, But let’s review why women started wearing hijab in the first place.

In todays society women’s rights and women’s freedom is a very important thing. They are free to express themselves how they feel is right, even if it’s walking through the street topless. That’s seen as empowering, strong, and is seen as her standing her ground. But why is it a different story when Muslim women decide to cover their bodies? Why are they seen as women who are having their freedom taken away? Why don’t you ever see covered women on magazines, commercials, or billboards?

So next time you see a covered women, know that they are freeing themselves from a toxic society.

Modesty with Evontelua

But in a world where a women’s value is based on how her body looks. What’s more empowering than rejecting that notation?

Note: when I say hijab, I’m talking about any clothing Muslim women use to cover up her body