Generation Z And Hijab: Do We Still Keep To The Pure Hijab Requisite? By Oso Maryam

 

By Oso Maryam

Our generation has countless times been regarded as "THE GENERATION Z", "iGen Z", and many more, oweing to so many reasons ranging from the biggest-Technological advancement to prolific use of social media, interalia.

The influence of these has however led to negativity on the path of the feminine fundamental rudiment: HIJAB. Hijab has now been misinterpreted to "that particular colourful scarf styled neatly to commensurate the dress". In contrast to the original  meaning and reason behind this stipulation.

The increasing growth of hijabis in the world is not uncommon, grading from Africa, Asia, Europe and other continents, nevertheless, the fact that there is misconception cannot be overlooked.

Hijab originally has directed by Allah {SWT} was neither stipulated for "Fashion Trends" nor for "Fashion Inspo", but rather as A Shield for muslimahs, to accord Respect for Female Muslims, to ascertain Decency cum Modesty in the society. It will be foolhardy to ignore the fact that these original reasons are fading in our 'modern day' generation.

The so-called fashion is dictated by our favorite celebrities, nudism becomes an embraced concept carrying hijab as an accessory. 

The pure concept of the "Islamic Hijab" has been corrupted. Muslimahs go about in skin-tight dresses, heavy backlashing and over-highlighted makeovers, some even go to the extreme, dressing like men all in the name of 'street vibes', all of these decked with a hijab. 

The Generation Z's Hijab communicates the wrong notion. Frankly, I can boldly say that Hijabis sometimes seduce men with the hijab cum dressing unknowingly. A Woman in a sultry dress, with heavy makeup and a piece of scarf tied on her head, heavily fragranced passes and you simply hear the opposite sex commending either her curves or smell, then is the hijab said to have furnished it expected job?

 Although, the pivoting rate of femininism in the world may poise an arguement that men are expected to restrain and guard themselves as provided in Quran {24:31.} "And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! turn ye all together towards Allah, that ye may attain Bliss."

 Nevertheless, Women are still mandated and advised to maintain their modesty by Allah {SWT} in and Prophet Muhammad {SAW} Sunnah, not leaving out the elder women who have surpassed marriage. Quran 24:60;

"Such elderly women as are past the prospect of marriage,- there is no blame on them if they lay aside their (outer) garments, provided they make not a wanton display of their beauty: but it is best for them to be modest: and Allah is One Who sees and knows all things.".

The Hijab promulgated by Allah {SWT} and His Messenger {SAW} isn't a mere scarf or cloth to cover the head but rather a metaphorical VEIL to not only cover the ears, feminine hair, neck, but other exterior and interior body parts of a Muslimah, ranging from the chest to her backside and her heart "driven for the sake of ALLAH'S love". Practically, it is not just that piece of cloth on our head, it also covers our garments. 

Critically observing the recent Hijab fashion which seems to give we hijabis opportunities to explore fashion within our Islamic limits, restrictions of the prescribed Hijab, leaving muslimahs with fashion inspirations bending towards the wrongful lines is quite blatant, as some of us, if not all fall into one or more of these lines.

It's noteworthy that I am not mandating a particular Hijab type, but encouraging modesty in whatever Hijab style choosen by your level of faith. Don't get it twisted, I am not against them, a lady in simple hijab can still be modest about her dressing and vice versa, this applies well to other hijab types.

The question now is, "Does your Hijab instigates chastity?"

May RabbilAlamin guide us Right.

Masallam Wa illaliqoi Inshallah.