Re: Hijab and the Maldives.... the struggle to take it off

Facebook post by: Maain
Regarding: Hijab and the Maldives: stigma, shaming and the struggle to take it off

Okay. First of all I'd like anyone reading this to know that whereas I hold nothing against those who decide to take their hijab off, the misinformation provided in this article is provoking me to go off on my first-ever rant like this on social media. Apologies if I'm getting on your nerve, but hey - isn't that what social media is for?

Alright, so, let's look in to this;

Is the Maldives now more conservative and more critical of women who stopped wearing it? Or is it the other way around? It's hardly surprising that as the world modernizes and the people get more aware, religious matters will also become more significant and show more attention to detail. As stated in our Holy Book, the Quran, "..And say to the believing women (that) they should lower [of] their gaze and they should guard their chastity, and not (to) display their adornment except what is apparent of it. And let them their head covers over their bosoms.." (al-Nur 24:31); I think it's quite obvious that as a Muslim woman, it is highly recommended to cover ourselves with the hijab. AND as stated in our constitution under Article 9, Section D,a non-Muslim may not become a citizen of the Maldives. See where I'm getting at?

HOWEVER, from what I can see from recent social media and public posts, rather than being shunned by the community, most of whom who've decided to take their hijabs off are supported and praised for being a "strong, independent" woman. Okay, I won't deny that while your confidence and strong-wiliness is admirable, is it really advisable to publicly support a practice that, as a Maldivian and a Muslim, is certainly not appreciated?

SECONDLY, it is discussed that wearing a hijab can cause some issues in your health. This, of course, will raise some concerns and while I looked into it, I found that instead of it being a danger to our health, wearing a hijab comes with health benefits. For instance, medical experts have warned us about the damaging effects of the sun's UV rays, and to avoid exposure to these rays, it is recommended to cover up with loose-fitting fabrics. FURTHERMORE, medical tests reveal that 40-60% of body heat is lost through the head and people are advised to protect their heads in cold weather. SO WHAT CONCLUSION ARE WE COMING UP WITH? In no circumstances does our religion advise us to wear our hijabs tightly wrapped around our heads, which will obviously cause some headaches or discomfort. So hey, if your hijab style causes you to be uncomfortable, isn't that your own problem?

Further stated in this article, and I quote, “For kids who wear hijab, somehow they’re made to believe their body is a sexual object." This is outrageous! Perhaps there might be some ill-perceived people who gives their children this message, but anyone with common sense will realize that our hijab is something to be worn proudly, something that symbolizes our modesty - a trait to be admired. Our body is not a sexual object, our body is our own business, and our hijab is simply a woman's assertion that judgment of her physical person is to play no role whatsoever in social interaction.

I'm going to end this here now, and FYI, although I'm not particularly religious, it unnerves me to see so many girls celebrating their decisions to take their hijabs off. Sure, you are your own person and you deserve your own freedom, but even that should be under some limits - why else would their be laws in our country and our religion?

Sorry for the long read, but I appreciate you reading the entire thing. Once more I apologize if you're offended, but I hope that some of you got some sense knocked into your heads, if you'll pardon my informality. Kthxbye

Top photo: Aznym; From top to bottom: Hani Amir; Images of Maldives Past; Auf Majeed

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