Hijab is My Decision, Not Oppression

The hijab carries a different story in every country. History, culture, and personal influence the story, which also forms different perspectives for each person who hears it. The ideas that arise in the minds of general public will vary. For example, the story of the hijab from Iran might lead people to perceive it as a symbol of oppression, while the story of the hijab in France and India might suggest that it is a part of individual rights to express one's beliefs. 

As a hijabi, I feel a responsibility to introduce what the hijab truly represents. Specifically, the main point I want to emphasize is that the hijab is not a form of oppression. There are a few questions that I believe can provide a picture of the hijab that is far from being oppressive. Here is the explanation.

What is your view as a hijabi regarding the hijab?

The hijab I know is simple but has deep meaning. First, what I mean by "the hijab I know" is not that the command of the hijab in the Qur'an carries different perspectives or that the command in the Qur'an is confusing. "The hijab I know" refers to how I, as a Muslim woman, was introduced to the hijab in an environment where the majority of the population is Muslim. 

It can also be said that it is about how society applies the commandment of hijab within a community. Then about "the hijab is simple" refers to the simplicity of the command to wear the hijab itself. The command regarding the hijab is written in the Qur'an, one of which can be found in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 59, which is translated into English as follows:

"O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful."

Personally, the command to wear the hijab is simple because it has been clearly explained in the Qur'an and is easy to understand. The above verse and its interpretation fall under the explicit meaning of the Qur'an, so it does not spark much dissent. Then, the "deep meaning" of the hijab is that wearing it reflects a commitment to religious spiritual values. Additionally, for me, the hijab is related to how a Muslim woman wants to be seen by the world. The hijab can be seen as a symbol of self-empowerment and helps build self-confidence.

How is the hijab perceived in your environment?

The hijab is my decision but not a choice. This does not mean that the hijab is a command I created myself, but rather a decision I made personally. "The decision I made" has almost the same meaning as "the hijab is my choice." However, personally, the phrase "the hijab is my choice" feels a bit awkward because some people might think that the choice means "You can wear it" or "You can choose not to wear it." 

Personally, I believe that the command to wear the hijab is obligatory for Muslim women, but how to carry it out depends on each individual. Therefore, I wouldn't casually say that a Muslim woman is not a Muslim because she doesn't wear the hijab. Furthermore, the hijab is my decision but not a choice in the sense that wearing it depends on one's readiness. This readiness is not about "You can wear it" or "You can choose not to wear it," but rather about "now" or "later."

Additionally, regarding the hijab being my decision, it means that I wear the hijab because of a decision I made on my own without being forced by anyone. I live in Indonesia, where more than 80% of the population is Muslim. The environment in which I grew up is also predominantly Muslim, with very few adherents of other religions. I was raised in a family that upholds religious values. My father is a religious man; he would ensure that his children always practiced religious rituals such as prayer, fasting, and reading the Qur'an.

However, when it came to the hijab, he never imposed it on his daughters. He always respected our space to explore and understand our beliefs, but on the other hand, he also explained the importance of performing religious rituals as a foundation for maintaining balance between this world and the hereafter. In the social environment where I grew up, the community never judged a Muslim woman, whether she wore the hijab or not.

Why the hijab?

As stated in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 59, the commandment of hijab aims to guide women on how to dress in a manner that is appropriate which is modest and safe. In my journey from a girl to a woman, I have certainly faced various challenges and issues. During my teenage years, I experienced changes that also affected my perspective. Moreover, the vulnerability to peer opinions made this perspective easily shaken and frequently changing, especially concerning self-image, which often left me feeling lost in social contexts.

Looking back at how I grew up and how society is now, I increasingly realize that the hijab is not just a religious symbol but also a necessity. I see the role of the hijab as a boundary to be able to say "enough" to myself. This "enough" is mainly directed at the social pressures that demand physical perfection and appearance as a measure of a woman's worth. The hijab serves as a reminder of the existence of Allah as my Creator, who teaches me about what is good and what is bad through the Qur'an. This distinction between good and bad then becomes the standard for saying "enough." 

Why stay within the bounds of "enough"? Because it is a form of worship.

It's important to underline that even though the hijab is referred to as a form of boundary, this doesn't mean that women who wear it are restricted or cannot do this and that. However, when a woman has resolved to wear the hijab, it means she has committed to getting closer to Allah, so every action she takes is based on the question, "Does Allah approve?" This commitment guides Muslim women in determining what they should and shouldn't do. So, women who wear the hijab do not live in confinement, but the steps they take in their lives are part of their desire to get closer to Allah.

So, Why the hijab? Because the hijab helps strengthen self-identity and build self-confidence that does not rely on the views of others, as the primary goal is closeness to God.

How important is the hijab to you as a hijabi in society?

The hijab serves as protection against objectification by a society often obsessed with outward appearance. Wearing the hijab is like making a statement that my body is mine and not open to be judged or exploited by others. Therefore, wearing the hijab for a Muslim woman can bring peace, protection, and strength in navigating daily life, especially in society.

So, from my perspective as a hijabi, the hijab is not a form of oppression, it is a decision made out of a servant's desire to draw closer to the Creator.