Hijab is not just another pretty scarf!

Is dressing modestly a new phenomenon to this world and how long has the concept of modesty been around?  Is dressing modestly only an Islamic "thing" or is it a woman's "thing" across this great big blue globe? Are we more alike than different? What religions practice modesty now and have practiced modesty throughout history?

In my research I have found there are many religions out here and just as many versions of dressing modestly.

Lets look at a few religions starting with Christianity.



Before I converted to Islam I was Christian, however, I did not practice modesty at all! The Bible does teach modesty and many Christian women practice modestly every day.

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” (I Timothy 2:9-10)

“The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are an abomination unto the LORD thy God.” (Deuteronomy 22:5)

In the Bible is says that women and men should not wear the clothes of one another. Women wear pants all the time and it has become a common place in society, however, the bible clearly states: “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are an abomination unto the LORD thy God.” (Deuteronomy 22:5)

Now one can always argue as most people do that these passages are from the Old Testament, however, when the Bible is studied it is studied as a whole and lessons are to be learned from all chapters of the bible. Gods word is Gods word right?

Of course times have changed since the bible was written, however, Gods words haven't changed. Different denominations of Christians practice modesty in today's times. So many different denominations of Christianity to look at for practices of modesty.  http://christiansdressingmodestly.com/ 

Amish:

I have found Amish women and men dress more modestly and plainly than many of those who practice Islam. In saying that, everyone has their own vision on what is modest and what is beauty.

Why do the Amish dress modestly and plainly? Several answers exist for this question. The answer is not only because of scripture in the bible as mentioned above but they wear it for "simplicity and practicality" as well. (http://amishamerica.com/why-do-the-amish-wear-plain-clothing/)

Mainstream western culture is very fixed on looks, style and materialistic things and many wouldn't be caught dead in the drab, oversized clothing, however, the mainstream western culture accepts the Amish and their modest dress along with Mennonites and Mormons.




Mennonites:

Mennonites dress very similarly to the Amish. Both Mennonites and the Amish are from a "Protestant" background called "Anabaptist's" that came into existence from around the "16th century." Just as Muslims believe in living out their daily lives as the Qur'an says, so do Mennonites and the Amish and many Christians. The Amish separated from the Mennonites during the late 1600's because they believed they should live separate from the rest of society and the world living more in line to what the bible says. "Mennonites believe in simple living, but express that simplicity in a spirit of stewardship and awareness of the needs of others rather than completely separating from society as the Amish continue to do." (http://www.thirdway.com/menno/FAQ.asp?F_ID=3)

Mormons:

Not all Mormons practice modesty as this particular denomination, nonetheless, many Mormons do practice modesty to some extent. The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints does practice such modesty as it does practice polygamy as well. Some of you may remember one such group of Mormons as the subject of a federal raid back in 2008 when it removed over four hundred children after allegations of young girls (underage) being married off to older men. The group denies allegations, however, it is not their first interaction with authorities in regards to child marriages. Back on "July 26, 1953, raid in Colorado City, Ariz., involved more than 300 women and children. It backfired on then-governor Howard Pyle when pictures showed weeping children being torn from frantic mothers. Most of the children and women returned to their homes within months." (http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-04-07-polygamy_n.htm)

Their leader, Warren Jeffs was convicted in 2008 on sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault on children in relations to the raid of the FDLS (Fundamentalist Church of the Latter Day Saints) compound in Texas where the over four hundred young children were taken into protective custody.

Greek Orthodox:

The Greek Orthodox church dates back to Ancient Christianity and as shown here Greek Orthodox Nuns where hijab to this day.

"But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head. (I Corinthians 11:5)."

Even though many Greek Orthodox women in the United States stopped wearing the veil for various reasons (many due to vanity) there are many across the world that still hold to the religion and what God asks of them in the Bible.

Catholic:

Catholic women were always required to cover their heads with a veil before entering church up until the mid 70's when it was decided wearing a veil inside the church was no longer a requirement. Modestly among Catholic women had always been taught, however, with each generation came a rebellion and defiance against the teachings. After all if you go to church on Sunday, go to confession and knock out a few Hail Marys all is forgiven right?

Baptists:

Perhaps the most famous Baptists in America and on reality t.v. are the Dugger family of "19 and Counting." A lovely family with very well behaved children that have gained the respect and love of America.

Some Baptist denominations encourage modest dressing as well. Commonly  Baptist women wear a long skirt or floor length dress and shirts with long or short sleeves that show no cleavage and very little make-up if any at all.

Jewish Orthodox:

Modesty and humility the theme thus far with the religions that we have seen and Jewish Orthodox does not differ from them in this aspect. The term "tzniut" refers to "modesty and/or privacy and is practiced among Orthodox and many conservatives in Judaism. It not only relates to "modesty and/or privacy" but the interactions with the opposite sex as well.

In certain Jewish communities such as the "Haredi" men wear long trousers, shirts, coats and beards topped off with a hat and the women wear skirts below the knees, sleeves that cover past their elbows and crew neck collars that are not plunging and cover up to the neck. Many women cover from neck to feet only showing their head and hands and you won't catch them in slacks or jeans.

Hinduism:

"Rig Veda Bk 8 Hym 33 V 19
Modesty of a Women: Hinduism Cast down thine eyes and look not up. More closely set thy feet. Let not the garments reveil what the viel conciels , for thou, Brahma hast made you a dame(women)."

"Vishnu Sutra Ch 25 V 9-10
Not to decorate herself with ornaments (or to partake of amusements) while her husband is absent from home; 10. Not to resort to the houses of strangers (during the absence of her husband"

Hindu women also cover their hair and partial face with their sari or dupatta when they are around other men that are of no relation to them.




Islam:

Surely modesty is subjective as is the style of modesty right? In Islam women cover themselves selves as well, however, we see they do so with much vibrancy and style. Is modesty being covered from head to toe or about the color of ones clothes? Is it wearing drab clothing? Who is to judge but God right?

For myself dressing modest is not showing anything but my hands, face and feet and wearing non-form fitting clothing. The picture above and to the left shows a few of the many different styles of hijab typical of Middle Eastern countries and western culture.

Is hijab about just another pretty scarf and sparkles? Absolutely not! We must not mistake personality and colorful clothing for modesty and hijab. Hijab like other religious coverings is about attitude, kindness, charity, behavior, personality and so on. As my friend Hina stated in her post the Holy Qur'an states:

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their modesty. That is pure purer for them. Lo! Allah is aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornments save to their own husband, or father, or husbands father, or their sons, or their husbands sons or their brothers, or their brothers sons, or sisters sons, or their women, or their servants, or male attendants who lack vigor, or children who know not of women’s nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn onto Allah together, O believers, in order that you may succeed.” (24, 30-31)


A pretty scarf is a pretty scarf but what lays beneath is so much more....welcome to the world of hijab where ones personality and character are of the utmost importance. How a hijabi treats another person is more important than the color or design of a scarf and that includes the treatment of non-Muslims as well.

From Hindu to Jewish and Greek Orthodox to Islam to Christianity to most every religion dressing modestly is looked upon favorably, however, as my friend Hina also pointed out "many in the west have strayed away from modesty yet many still practice it within certain religious denominations."

Many people in the west view hijab as oppressive, however, it is the farthest thing from the truth. Many people confuse culture and talibanish laws with the religion of Islam thus is where confusion, misinformation, stereotypes and preconceived notions stem.

Life is about coming together and building bridges on commonality and working together to understand and to respect one another's beliefs even though they are not our own and that includes that of an Atheists non-beliefs. Take away politics and media and people do wonderful all by themselves. Religions and people have more in common than just modesty and I will cover that in future posts.