"What's that thing on your head and why do you wear it?"

bismillah a rahman a rahim alhamdulillah ya rabbil alameen

"What's that thing on your head and why do you wear it?"

The other day I was asked this question. And I suspect many Muslim women are asked this, particularly in western countries where it is not the norm to see.

The short answer is that it is a head scarf. Many will say it is hijab. But there is more to hijab than just the head scarf.

Hijab is about dressing modestly. This means covering your head, but also covering the rest of the body except for the hands and face. It also means covering in loose fitting clothing. So, wearing a full body "cat suit" with a head scarf isn't exactly hijab!

And.... for those that may not be aware ~ the concept of hijab applies to men as well. Although the recommendations for men differ somewhat!

That is the abbreviated version of WHAT is on my head. Now for the WHY!

I can give you the history of Arabs back in the olden days and show that they wore a headscarf. I can tell you that even in Biblical stories, Mary (RA) the Mother of Jesus (PBUH) wore a scarf, as did virtually every woman around her. I can tell you that the Quran instructs us to cover ourselves.

But.... that doesn't tell you why I would choose to wear it.

You see, whenever I am wearing a head scarf I am more aware and cognizant of my actions and how I am presenting myself. It becomes a constant reminder that other people are viewing Islam when they are seeing me. It says 'I am a part of something special'; something bigger than me.

What is YOUR why? Why do YOU wear a headscarf?

And if you are struggling with it ~ what worries you?

Salam Alaikum sisters!