One of the biggest misconception about Islam is that it oppresses the women by forcing them to cover themselves. Worse, there are some muslimahs (May Allah lead them to the righteous path) who agree with this statement. They call themselves ‘liberal minded muslimahs’.

First, let’s ask ourselves these questions…“what is beauty?” “what symbolises beauty?” “what is oppression?” and “what is freedom”. Beauty to me, is what Allah gave me, physically and mentally. My beauty isn’t for the world to see.  People say it is silly for muslim women to let men oppress them by telling them to cover their beauty. Would you call it a freedom when men gazed at you with lustful thoughts and allowing yourselves to be a slave to please men and other human beings? So, is sheltering yourself from being an object of sexual needs and freeing yourselves from being a slave to others, your definition of oppressed? If yes, I would rather be oppressed.

I remember during my pre-practicing days, whenever I would go out, it was so tedious. I looked at myself in the mirror a lot of times. I spent time in front of the mirror, trying to decide what clothes I should wear, fixing my hair, applying my makeup. For what? Just so that I could justify myself in front of the creation? Just so I could blend in with the rest? What I didn’t realise was that I was slaving myself for other people’s acceptance! I was a servant of magazine, fashion and media. Is that what freedom really is?

But now, I look at the mirror and check whether my awrah is showing. I look at the mirror and ask myself “Is this enough to please Allah?” I do not have to worry about others’ acceptance. I do not have to worry about my hair, about my makeup, or how good I look. As long as my Creator is pleased with me, I am fine. This is my definition of freedom.

They say it’s a waste and stupid for muslim women to cover their beauty. Is that so? Does showing your hair symbolise your intellect? Does showing your bosom makes you feel pretty? Does wearing shorts makes you superior? No, to all of that. There are many muslimah who cover themselves and excel in their career. We have doctors, we have lawyers, we have teachers. Are you denying their intellectual abilities? Are you calling them stupid or ugly? Clothing is nothing. It does not imply one’s intellectual capability! Your beauty, is God’s gift to you, only you, not a gift to everyone else. It’s what makes you unique from others. Why do you want to share it with the rest of the world? Why do you want to show something that sets you apart from others?

Let’s ask ourselves again, are we really being oppressed? Give it a shot. Grab an abaya, a loose hijab, cover your feet with socks. Only show your face and hands. Try it for a day. You can feel the freedom.

Whilst the non-muslim, the liberal minded, the media, have gone crazy in painting the image of Islam as oppressing women, they forgot to point out that Islam is a fair religion that gives women their rights.

This can be seen in Surah An-Nur:

“Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.” (24:30)

“And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears…” (24:31)

The two ayah clearly show that the men were ordered to lower their gaze first, then the ordered for women came in next ayah. Both parties need to respect both genders. Nope. Definitely not oppression.

Anisah Matasim,

Writer, AAT