The hijab is the headcover used by Muslim women used to cover the head and chest. It is saddening that what a lot of people will learn about the hijab through their lives is false information. They will learn that it is a form of oppression in a patriarchal society and that women wear it by force. While in some cases it is true, they are very few cases.
In the Quran, which is the holy book of Islam, it is explicitly mentioned that women should cover up most of the parts of their bodies including their hair, chest, arms and legs for their own protection. It is a form of safety for most women who decide to wear it. It is also left as an option for women whether they want to wear it or not, where they have the freedom to evaluate the consequences of either options.
In societies where hijab is forced on women, the problem lies within extremism and patriarchy rather than the hijab itself.
Besides being worn as a form of protection, women opt for wearing the hijab as a form of identity especially where Muslims are a minority. Muslim women might wear the hijab as a form of pride and expression of belief and that does not mean they are against other groups, nor that they are oppressed in any way.
The hijab can also be a form of resistance and liberation, in opposition to what people think. For example, when Algeria, an Islamic state, was imperialized by France, the hijab was a form of resistance for women against the colonies and to liberate them and give them some form of freedom from the higher power.
And finally, hijab can be fashionable and fun for Muslim women! While abiding by their beliefs and the Islamic guidelines, hijabis (women who wear the hijab) find different and exciting ways to style their hijab differently and mix and match them with different outfits. The scarves nowadays come in different colours and patterns and allow Muslim women to feel equal and satisfied while fulfilling their faith and feeling protected.
Ultimately, the majority of Muslim hijabi women do not need people to help them break out of their oppression. The hijab is a choice and holds many meanings to Muslim women, and the majority of times it is positive.
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