Why? Why? Why?

In the five or so years since I adopted proper hijaab, I have been asked all sorts of questions about it. So, as FAQs (frequently asked questions) seem synonymous with The Net and computing, here are a few FAQs concerning proper hijaab and proper hijaabis. They are all extracted from actual e-mail and snail mail correspondence.

 What is a proper hijaab? Where does it originate?

The proper hijaab is simply a veil that covers the wearer's face, normally not leaving the eyes exposed. The ones we are talking about here are opaque and are not fashion statements! Its origins are lost in the mists of time, but it's usage grew more widespread with the expansion of Islam in the 15^th and 16^th Centuries.

 Is veiling only to do with Islam?

We know that some Greek women and especially virtuous Roman women veiled their faces in public. And the same is true of the Persian Empire. So veiling as such predates Islam as a form of modest concealment. But, in the three examples I have mentioned, the use of the veil was social and cultural, and had little or no religious significance.

 What do you mean by the term 'proper hijaabi'?

Proper hijaabi is just a slang term, like Hijaabi - one who wears Hijab. Or in this case, one who wears proper hijaab. More generally, it includes all sisters who cover their faces in public fully.

 Are women that cover their faces different than the women that only cover their hair and not their faces?

I hope not! It is merely that our interpretation of Holy Writ differs from Sisters who do not veil themselves as we do.

 Aren't we simply talking about clothing here?

Yes and No. Of course we dress differently to our sisters who do not veil their faces. But the main difference comes from the way we interpret the relevant passages from the Holy Qur'an and from Hadith. We view it as our duty to hide out faces; not for social or cultural reasons, but because it is what we believe we are told to do in the Holy Qur'an. Other sisters interpret the relevant passages from Holy Writ differently to us, so their 'clothing' will be different to that of a proper hijaabi.

 Is 'Hijab of the Eyes' something just done by proper hijaabi and why?

Keeping one's gaze lowered is an instruction to be found in the Holy Qur'an. (Surah al Nur. 24:31) The previous verse also calls on men to do the same................... It is something that all proper hijaabis do .

 I'm interested in the psyche of the one that wears the proper hijaab as opposed to the one that chooses not to. Do they become more religious?

I would not say that I was any more 'religious' than many of my Sisters who do not wear proper hijaab. I do take my obligations as a Muslimah seriously, but I do not think that makes me a 'better' sister than the many who chose not to veil themselves. I have non-proper hijaabi friends, many of whom outstrip me in piety and knowledge, and to whom I have turned for help in the past. Just wearing a proper hijaab and covering-up does not in any way guarantee a sister's religiosity. It is what lies under the coverings that counts - what the wearer believes, how she acts, and how pure is her soul.

 Do they assume a role different than the one that does not?

I would hope the role that every Muslimah would aspire to would be a true servant of Almighty Allah and to eventually become a good wife and mother. So, in that, we are no different to any other well-intentioned muslimah.Where differences do occur is in what was can NOT do. For example, I cannot go roller-blading, mountaineering or skiing, nor swim in public. I do not go to the theater any more, nor to the cinema. But, for all that, I lead a full and interesting life which meets ALL my needs, both spiritual and intellectual.

 Why do some Muslimahs also veil their eyes?

The eyes have been described as 'the windows to the Soul' and they are very expressive. Regretfully some men see every glance by a woman as inviting, and therefore many proper hijaabi conceal their eyes so as not to tempt or distract men who may see them in public.

 Why do you wear gloves?

For two reasons. Firstly, if I cover up all the rest of my body, it seems a bit silly (and contrary to me beliefs) to have my hands exposed when they can be expressive in themselves. The second reason is the prevent me from touching haram items. For instance, my studies take me into libraries where there may be (there are, in one case) books bound in pig skin.

Gloves are a required part of the Islamic Hijaab for Muslim women! As stated by one of the best Companions of Rasullilah (saw) The JIlbab is what covers a woman from had to toe, ONLY excluding one eye(the left eye) to see the way, and two ONLY in necessity. So, to expose the hands while the rest of the body is covered is indeed not good for a Full Hijaabi and just may cause confusion with men who may be able to tell your age, weight, skin color, and attractiveness by seeing your hands.

Do proper hijaabi's Assume a Role Dif. than one who does not veil?

YES! Full proper hijaabed sisters do have a greater responsibility in educating Muslims and Non Muslims on excepting and practicing the proper hijaab Most Muslim and non Muslims see the proper hijaab in a very Negative light. So, it is not so much that the head scarves are being seen as a threat! It is the face veil or the full hijaab. Sisters who wear the headscarves can moderate them, color them up, wrap, twist and turn them to suit the styles and approval of the Kufar. Sisters, who veil are seen more as a threat, because they are seen to be very serious about Islam, and therefore give a very stern and serious representation of actual Islam.

I'm interested in the psyche of the one who wears the proper hijaab?

To wear the full face veil/proper hijaab in this day and time the psyche of a Muslim woman who does so is seriously strong! For the most part she is well prepared to defend the proper hijaab at all cost. She must be a sister who walks, sits, and stands upright at all times, being heavily on her post.

Finally, and this does not come from me, but is a statement made by another proper hijaabi.

 Isn't it very hot wearing those veils and all that clothing?

The sister replied, "Ah yes, but the fires of Hell are hotter still!"