The Muslim Woman

The unconventional conventionality:

In a desperate effort to break with tradition and herald a new beginning, the Muslim skeptic’s enthusiasm has indeed eluded his intellect. He conveniently forgets that to usher in modernity, a mere denial of the conventional is never enough. It requires a far more consistent and rationale pursuit of that which is elusive.

There is no denying that without wholeheartedly embracing concepts of modernity there can be no progress. That is precisely why it is vital to revisit our understanding of modernism in a Muslim society and all that it entails.

“.. being modern is more than what it is not. Recognizing and dealing head on with the problems of the day while striving for a better future is modern. Self-expression in many ways and in many platforms is as modern as rejecting the over exposure of the self. Accepting others’ experiences and making room for them in the human tapestry is modern. Being technologically savvy doesn’t necessitate modernity, but being connected does. Being modern is sifting through culture and finding what has actual value while holding little respect for the illogicality of thoughtless tradition.” Says Theresa Corbin a writer, public speaker and a revert to Islam.

The all so conventional and traditional ‘hijab’ (worn by a huge percentage of Muslim women as a symbol of their submission to God) has of late come under a lot of fiery debate and skepticism from all over the world. The premise of the whole discourse being the alleged oppression caused by the archaic nature of this ‘piece of cloth’ and its incompatibility with the concept of a modern Muslim woman.

 What we need to come to terms with is the fact that all that is “modern” is not directly opposed to all that is ‘traditional’ or religious for that matter.

Iqbal was a modern thinker of his time. His main accomplishment like a true thinker and philosopher was to reconcile the present with the past and in doing so foreseeing a way leading to the future. In his poem ‘khilafat e Adam’, Iqbal deals with this phenomenon of “hijab” and the concept of a “modern Muslim woman” with a wisdom and logic that still escapes many.

 Translated: “Throw a glance at the vitality of all affairs in the universe around you! (and ponder) Don’t disturb the entity responsible for creation with the hassles of company as the prosperity of creation lies in the concealment and secrecy of the very act of creation. Only in the depths of solitude is born the pearl of creativity!”

I refer to it as a phenomenon because this apparent manifestation of an essentially profound concept has been quite transcendental to the modern world causing many a stir amongst the powers that be.

The recent uproar at the burkini in France, the ban and then the withdrawal of the ban by the government. The hijabis in the Olympics, the Scotland yard allowing hijab as a part of its uniform and the Canadian PM denouncing French Governments ban on the Burkini, the post Trump violent incidents involving hijabis all over the US. While all of this points towards an extremely patriarchal and racist reality of the modern ‘west’, it also at the same time sheds light on the enormous possibility of space and freedom which a genuinely liberal and secular government might provide to its people. This very freedom has subsequently caused the hijab to become a symbol of empowerment, liberation, strength and identity for Muslim women specially in the west.

Naila Kelani a Muslim blogger for “Muslim Women Speak” in her piece “Art and Hijab Politick” says it as it is

“This foregrounding of beauty and self-confidence is not unusual; somewhere down the line popular, sound bite-y reasoning for wearing the hijab changed from “submission to God” and “modesty” into territories of “refusing to abide by Western beauty norms” and “maintaining a strong identity.” And sure, the hijab can be a marker of identity. It does disrupt notions of beauty in a way that pronounces the difference between public and private spaces, creating modes of being unique to each, but divorced from any directly spiritual reasons, the spectacle of it all can be tiring. We end up with the classic reduction: the purpose of the hijab is ostensibly to mask beauty, but also, that’s what makes it so beautiful”

Iqbal’s ‘Hijab’ on the other hand holds a deeper significance. It focuses on the way of nature. According to Iqbal the passion or the capacity to create is intrinsic to the human being and those who are able to reach their full potential in creativity know the importance of Hijab (a hurdle, barrier, curtain to achieve isolation). Great men have pondered on the secrets of this universe in solitude and reached the heights of intellect and creativity not possible without it. Iqbal’s woman in hijab is more than liberated, she is an epitome of power and strength. She is an aide to God himself. Creativity personified. She has been entrusted with the power to create and affect mindsets. The hijab is not merely a piece of cloth but a complete way of life for her so that her power and strength is preserved and magnified. Her creative abilities are the lifeline of a nation annd in her ‘hijab’ lies the salvation of her actual strength.

The world today is in a need of a more ethical understanding of this phenomenon. Tolerance not only for its visible manifestation but also a genuine and empathetic understanding of its deep conceptual basis is a must. Untill then we can have no real hope for a truly pluralistic society or world for that matter. Allowing such women freedom and respect regardless of their financial status in society. Granting them social acceptance and space. Resisting the systematic oppression and rejection of ‘hijab’. All this and much more can be done in this regard to safeguard a woman’s right to her ‘creative self’.

It is sad that the modern world is still trying to reconcile itself to the idea of ‘hijab.’ It is yet to be seen whether the ‘Hijab’ and its spiritual dimension; submission and a strong connection to God himself will ever be as readily acceptable and encouraged as its commercial version.

http://dailytimes.com.pk/opinion/25-Nov-16/the-unconventional-conventionality