World Hijab Day

Photographer Marwah Alzabidi

Linn-Benton celebrates Muslim women’s right to hijab

Embracing different cultures under one roof, Linn-Benton welcomes diversity among students.

Feb. 1 is known as World Hijab Day. It is a day for Muslims and non-Muslims to come together and experience hijab, the traditional Muslim head scarf, for a day.

The Human and Civil Rights Club put together a Hijab Panel on Monday, Feb. 1, to better inform the campus of the wearing the hijab. The event was held at noon in the library.

Three woman braved the crowd: Elham Maqsood, Maryam Almasoodi, and Mona Gutub. The panel was mediated by social science instructor, Tim Watson.

“Draw the Hijab over your whole body,” said Maqsood. “Cover body from head to toe.”

A hijab is a veil that covers the head and chest. It is worn by some Muslim women after the age of puberty in the presence of adult males outside of their immediate family.

Maqsood began the discussion with “alssalam ealaykum,” which means peace be upon you. She then went on to discuss the religion Islam.

The religion began in Arabia and was revealed to humanity by the Prophet Muhammad. Those who follow Islam are called Muslims. Muslims believe that there is only one God. The Arabic word for God is Allah.

Maqsood explained the Holy Quran, which is a compilation of the verbal revelations given to the Holy Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years. The Holy Quran is the Holy Book of the Muslims. It sets forth their law and commandments, codes for their social and moral behavior, and contains comprehensive religious philosophy.

After discussing the religion and the Holy Quran, Maqsood explained the five pillars of Islam. These five pillars put into perspective the framework of Muslim life. The five pillars are: the testimony of faith, prayer, giving Zakat (support of the needy), fasting the month of Ramadan, and the pilgrimage of Makkah.

“Most western people have very negative ideas about Muslim women,” said Maqsood. “They think that we’re ignorant, segregated, and invisible.”

Muslim women are not represented in the media the way that they would like to be portrayed.

“Both genders are equal,” said Maqsood.

In Islam, sex is only allowed in matrimony. Men and women are not to engage in any sexual contact before marriage. When Muslim women wear a hijab they’re covering up and limiting the temptations. They also practice “lowering the gaze,” which also helps avoid any misleading behaviors.

“The face is what tempts men,” said Watson.

In America, Muslim women wear hijabs with their faces revealed for the communication factor, as American culture tends to rely on facial expressions for nonverbal communication. However, when traveling to Saudi Arabia they might cover their faces up because it’s less acceptable in their culture to reveal it.

“When I used to go to Saudi Arabia I would cover my face...over there it is tradition,” said Maqsood.

After presenting Maqsood fielded questions from the audience.

Christina Johnson a sociology student asked, “Do you see us objectifying ourselves as women?”

“No,” replied Maqsood.

Chelsey Mick, SLC clubs and engagement director asked, “Is it ever hot or uncomfortable?”

“It is good, we do it for god. It is not for us,” said Almasoodi.

Social science instructor Arfa Aflatooni asked hot button topics.

“Why don’t men cover their face? It’s a double standard here. It puts men in a difficult position.”

No matter the question the panel didn’t back down.

Maqsood closed by telling a story about discrimination her daughter has faced as a teenager.

“Don’t care about them,” said Maqsood.

She went on to tell a story about how her daughter’s classmates tried to convince her to take off her hijab because her mother wasn’t there. She stood up for her faith.

“If you're not from a society you can't judge it.”