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When Islam ordained woman to cover her hair and to dress modestly, it was not to infringe on her rights and impede her freedom, but rather to grant her the dignity and respect that she deserves. The Islamic dress code enables the woman to have an independent identity that is far removed from the dictates of fashion.
In today's world, advertising is the fuel that drives the fashion-conscious to discern what's hot and what's not. If we look at fashion today, what is deemed modern and "with it" is what is glamorously exhibited on the catwalks of Milan and New York and splashed across bold fashion magazines. The must-have mentality, coupled with intense advertising, propels the hypnotized shopper into a frenzy and she just has to spend a lot of money on fabric or clothes that have convinced her that if she wears such things she's hot and has style.
Fashion and style mean different things to different people. What may seem bizarre to some may be totally acceptable to others, and what shapes people's perception of good or bad fashion most often is advertising and attitude. For instance, there are many in the world who find it inconceivable that a woman would choose to cover herself completely, her body and head, yet still consider herself to be part of the modern world. Some are even perplexed by the manner in which such a woman conducts herself and exudes confidence and is perfectly comfortable in public with the way she has chosen to dress.
An increasing number of Muslim women today, especially younger women, are choosing to wear the hijab, and while adherents of the "free modern world" may gasp and holler at their audacious preference, these women feel liberated when they make such a decision.
The hijab is not a homogenous form of dress, as most people perceive it to be. The way it is worn differs from culture to culture, and in fact has become quite a fashion sensation in many Muslim communities. In West Africa, for instance, women wear bold colors and tie their scarves differently from the way Arab women do. In Pakistan long scarves are elegantly draped over beautiful traditional dress. Among Arab Muslim women, the hijab is worn in various styles and colors. But all these women share a common purpose: to retain their dignity and morality and to assert their right to be treated as human beings and not just as a piece of flesh.
Wearing hijab does not mean abandoning a sense of style. While traditional values hold that modest dress entails bland colors, particularly black, Islam does not prescribe any particular color. In fact it is more liberal towards women with regard to color than men. In fact, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade men from wearing yellow, while these colors are permissible to women.
Hijab and modest dress as an approach to fashionable dress sense may seem a paradox to the bare flesh advocates. But Islamic fashion can be very stylish, and fashion designers in the Muslim world have worked up quite a sensation with a kaleidoscope of dress designs and scarf styles.
If you're a Muslim woman, young or old, who shies away from adopting the Islamic dress on the assumption that it is dull and dreary, take a closer look and you will find an array of exciting fashion wear. And if nothing catches your fancy, go on then and create your own styles!
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