Many stereotypes and misconceptions surround the Hijab, so the Bradley Muslim Student Association set out to educate students and faculty about the article of dress and Islam culture itself last Wednesday.
Rahmat Na’Allah and Aisha Basith, two Muslim activists from Peoria, provided insight on the subject matter through presentations and conversations with audience members.
“We hope to place facts back into their context,” Basith said. “We hope to give new insights and perspectives.”
The word “Hijab” technically means “barrier” or “cover,” but according to Basith, the true meaning for those who wear them is deeper than any direct translation.
“It serves to identify us as Muslim women, we see it as protection and respect, and [it] gives women control over how much is seen and how they’re seen,” Basith said.
The Hijab is perceived as a restriction for women, but instead, it is seen as protection in Islam culture.
“If the physical body is covered, you don’t make a physical judgement right away. Instead, you see a woman with integrity,” Basith said. “She’s saying you’ll have to divert your judgement to her character and to her intellect.”
Na’Allah also touched on women’s rights in Islam, and cleared up some common misconceptions.
“Islam does give rights to women. They have the right to express themselves, to own property, buy, sell, inherit and the right to be educated,” Na’Allah said.
She also discussed how their religion itself promotes equal rights.
“A woman’s spirituality, in respect to God, is the same as a man’s,” Na’Allah said. “He puts men and women on the same playing field.”
The discussion also shifted toward the Muslim ban and the discrimination being faced as a result. Basith described dealing with this kind of prejudice, in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attack.
“When 9/11 happened, I was so busy preparing for speech class that I didn’t watch the footage or really know what was going on. During class the next day, the guy who went before me gave his speech on the attack, and I was to go next, and my speech was over Islam,” Basith said. “My confidence and trust in my faith gave me the ability to deliver the speech without fear.”
To those who are unfamiliar with Islam culture or the Hijab, Na’Allah said she believes involvement overcomes the cultural barrier.
“Engage [Muslims] in a discussion. Ask them why they wear the Hijab, ask them what their viewpoint is,” Na’Allah said.
