As we celebrate Women’s History Month it might be an opportune time to dispel some misconceptions regarding Muslim women. In the western world, the Islamic veil is often perceived as a symbol of backwardness and oppression. It is often alleged that the veil or the hijab takes away women’s rights. Across the world we see women rising up and fighting for fundamental human rights, may it be for equal opportunity, fair treatment or justice but a woman who chooses to practice the hijab is seen to be someone who either supports oppression or is a victim of one. However, it is evident that there is no correlation between the Islamic veil and the progress of women’s rights rather advocating against the practice of hijab plays against fundamentals of the same rights women are fighting for today. The veil in no way hinders the progress of women in the society. However, unfortunately, the negative perception of the Islamic veil has tainted people’s view about it. Islam advocates for women’s rights and these rights have been mentioned in the Holy Quran many times. "Men shall have the share of what they have earned, and women shall have the share of what they have earned. And ask God of His bounty. Surely, God has perfect knowledge of all things" (4:33). Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) made it compulsory for every Muslim man and woman to seek and obtain knowledge even if it required them to travel to far places. His first wife Khadijah (May God be pleased with her) was a well known prosperous businesswoman, and his wife Ayesha (May God be pleased with her) went on to become one of the most famous scholars in Islam, and she even took part in battles.
Many women in the history of Islam embody the spirit of liberation in its truest form all the while practicing the Islamic veil and encompassing the teachings of Islam in their daily lives. Society today has set out certain standards of beauty for women, and these are plastered all around us. However, Islam teaches that one does not have to follow these standards in order to feel and look beautiful. When a woman practices the hijab in its true spirit, she unveils many of its positive benefits. The veil frees a woman of societal pressures and expectations to look and behave a certain way. Her choice to wear modest garb and not worry about a bad hair day gives her more time and space to invest in productive and fruitful activities. It in no way hinders her progress in society; furthermore, it empowers her and forces others to focus on her intellectual abilities rather than outer embellishments.
Tawakkul Karman is the first Arab woman awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 in recognition of her work in nonviolent struggle for the safety of women advocating for their rights. Ibtihaj Muhammad the first female Muslim-American athlete to earn a medal at the Olympics. Ilhan Omar is the first Somali-American Muslim person to become a legislator and, as of November 2018, the first Somali American elected to the U.S. Congress and the first woman to wear the hijab in Congress. Through their actions Muslim women today have been shattering the myths about Islam. Their accomplishments and perseverance show that they are indeed abundantly talented and liberated. They carry the hijab with confidence every step of the way.
