A Muslimah living in New York City- Part 2
A Muslimah living in New York City- Part 2
The questions continue:
A very hilarious, yet rude question that Muslimahs get asked is, "Are you bald under that scarf?" Now, first of all, this is a very personal question for someone who might be terminally ill and undergoing chemotherapy. Second, I would imagine that it's obvious how we are always trying to hide stubborn hair that keeps sticking out from under the scarves. We try wearing these little bandannas under the scarves so that the hair can stay put. We try many things, now why would we do that if we were bald? Okay, I am going to answers this in a direct way now, no we are not bald. We have hairs of all colors and sizes; we just hide this beauty for those we love.
Another question is, "Do you wear the scarf inside the house or do you sleep with it?" This can fall into a couple of categories. First, it all depends on who is in the house with us. If it's only our father, brothers, nephews, grandfathers, uncles, sons, husband, father-in-law, stepson, children who have no understanding of sexual relations, and Muslim females amongst some others, then no, we do not wear the scarf inside the house. We can also wear whatever makes us comfortable as long as it's still modest and respectful to ourselves and those around us. However, if the people in the house include those that are not mentioned in the list such as male cousins, male friends, male neighborhoods, etc. then yes, we do wear the scarf and cover fully inside as we would outside. As far as sleeping with the scarf goes, we'll be sleeping alone, so no we don't wear it when we sleep.
That's it for now; stay tuned for part three to learn more about the way Muslim women dress.
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Thanks--I've been waiting to hear more!
I find it amazing that people would be so forward as to inquire whether you are bald under your scarf. It's as if they see you as from another planet or something.
I understand that Islam makes the distinction between who may see you in public and who can see you with your hair down, so to speak. I would even compare it to anybody regardless of beliefs having a public side and a private side and only a close few get to see that private side. I think anybody that would have trouble respecting that distinction is a very nosy individual indeed.
Thanks for another great article!
DO YOU HAVE THE WRITE STUFF?
Burkha
Is the ultimate feminist statement! speaks louder than bra burning. its exercising the ultimate right to hide the female anatomy from male or female unwanted attention! kudos.
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That's how I feel about it, too
At least here in the States, there seems to be a certain segment of our culture that believes that women are asking to be ogled regardless of age, marital status, or manner of dress just because they are in proximity to a male that never had a thought that didn't originate from below his waist.
Part of my disgust with some of my shipmates while I was in the Navy was the very fact that they viewed women as possessions to be dominated and used then cast aside while they talked smack about her later. I remember thinking at the time, "No wonder some women get defensive toward any male attention, even an innocent 'hello'."
DO YOU HAVE THE WRITE STUFF?
True, we all have a private and public side
You'll be getting more :) Just note that my intentions are not to stop people from asking questions because on the contrary, I like teaching people about the way I dress. However, there are some questions that really cross the line as the one about baldness. It's very disrespectful as I mentioned especially to someone who might seriously be bald due to illness.
That's very true Jim; there is definitely a private and public side to each person. For instance, inside our homes we would dress in any way that makes us feel comfortable regardless of religion or belief, however, when we go out, say to work, we dress in a professional way. So there is only so much that we want to reveal to the outside world. Thanks for the great comments!
Thank you mamamia
Hi Mamamia
Thank you for the sweet comments, I hadn't realized my article would speak that loud :)
welcome
just a small anecdote. I read it in Vikram Seth's book, I think named Suitable Boy... its interesting and telling. A young Muslimah (I was not aware of that term!) asked her Mom sarcastically "Why do stoves burst and accidental kitchen deaths occur only in Hindu homes?" (she meant dowry deaths of course)...her mom replied - we have our burkha and talaaq too dear...these arent the exact dialogues, but form the gist... its of course not related to your article and i read it maybe 12-13 years back. just has got stuck in my mind.
keep posting.
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Glad you are here...
I am so glad you are here and sharing this with us....
Sadly, there seem to be rude people everywhere...
Angel