In the Midst of the Controversy Surrounding the Hijab Ban for Muslim Women as Citizens: What is the True Meaning of the Hijab for Women?

The hijab is one of the commandments explicitly stated in the Qur'an, directed towards women. The hijab as a garment is intended as a form of protection for women, serving as a shield against unwanted situations. This command implies that wearing it symbolizes obedience to religious teachings. It becomes a symbol of submission to God and a reflection of deep conviction.

What do Muslim women have to say about their hijabs? 

According to The Muslim Vibe, in an article titled World Hijab Day: What Hijab Means To Me, many Muslim women shared their views on the hijab, including Maryam from California, who said, "Hijab, to me, means a complete liberation from any societal pressures and expectations regarding arbitrary standards of Eurocentric beauty. Hijab has helped me focus less on my exterior, aesthetic self and focus more so on developing my spirituality and character in my journey towards reaching closeness to God. Hijab, to me, serves as a special little reminder (especially amid a society obsessed with female objectification and nudity) that my body is my own and not for capital consumption."

Another spark was found in an article titled Hijab Stories: 8 Women Speak Out on Hijab, from About Islam. Nicole from Georgia, USA, says, "Men usually stared and pissed me off (making hissing sounds to try to get my attention), but with my hijab on, men don't bother me anymore. They stare, but they don't say anything. I love the hijab. My body belongs to Allah first and my husband second, and nobody else has the right to lust after me." 

Another one was quoted from Al Jazeera titled What the Hijab Means to Me, Ifat Gazia from Kashmir, says, "I wear hijab not because it represents my morality, intellect, backwardness or modernity, but because it makes me feel complete. I choose to wear a hijab and it represents my pride in being a Muslim and somehow makes me fulfill my duties to my religion, but it doesn't give me the liberty to judge those who don't wear it."

These views say that the hijab is more than just a piece of cloth; it is a powerful symbol of liberation, self-identity, and spiritual commitment.  

The hijab is a statement of a woman's independence in determining how she wants to be seen by the world. It also represents a deep commitment to the spiritual values that form the foundation of their lives. Moreover, the hijab serves as a protection against objectification, affirming that their bodies belong to them alone and are not open to judgment or exploitation by others. In this context, the hijab offers a sense of security and confidence, serving as a way to maintain personal dignity and integrity in a society often obsessed with outward appearances.