Nowadays,
it is clearly seen that many of the Gambian girls, to be specific, have
embraced the ‘Hijab’, wearing of which is said to be a part of Allah’s
commandments.
However,
the question is - what do they wear it for?
Though,
many girls have different reasons which inspired or made them embrace the
‘hijab’, others do it because of fear, whilst others because of fashion.
According
to Sainabou Ceesay of London Corner, the reason girls are wearing the hijab is
because the deen is rising at a higher level, “Ma Sha Allah!”
She
added that most of the sisters are now seeing it as something obligatory. “Some
years back it was different”.
“The
society made us to believe that wearing the hijab was just a part of our
culture,” she said.
She
emphasised that this was clearly a misconception, and that with time the youths
have started learning more and more about Islam, and thus most of the
misconception regarding the deen is gradually fading away.
Ms
Ceesay pointed out that using ‘hijab’ as fashion may be the case for some, but
may be just 5 per cent out of the 100 per cent who wear it.
“I
often hear people say most hijabis wear the hijab to go with the flow, but I’m
totally against it. Intention is what matters, and some might have worn it
because they simply admire the way hijabis dress; however, as time goes on they
will begin to realize the true essence of the hijab, and that motivates them to
continue wearing it,” she opined.
She
further stated that as a young Muslim who grew up into a Muslim home, her
parents were always an inspiration for her.
She
added that they made sure there family is brought up well, and in the Islamic
way by dressing decently.
“The time I was 9, I already got used to
dressing modestly,” she said.
Ms
Ceesay disclosed that it has been eight years now since she embraced that
‘hijab’ and still counting.
She
advised all those doing it wrongly, including herself never to lose hope,
adding that “we aren’t perfect, but we should continue to strive because no
human being on earth wakes up one morning and becomes the perfect man or woman;
everything we do in life requires efforts”.
“We
have to move from one stage to another. From the short clothes to wearing long
outfits, from letting go of attachments to wearing small scarfs, from wearing
tight fitted outfits to wearing loose ones.”
She
further said that one doesn’t have to remain static at one stage. “Allah loves
it, when his servants make efforts. Never be sad because I’ve seen a certain
sister wearing the perfect hijab, and you begin to look down on ourself.”
“Walk
to that sister and ask how she got to that stage, and you won’t believe the
hurdles she went through. Let’s just have the zeal and Allah will see us
through”.
For
her part, Fadima Ceesay of Serrekunda said ‘hijab’ is something that Allah SWT
told the Prophet SAW to convey to the Muslim women and men.
She
added that it was said: “Tell The Believing Men And Women To Lower There Gaze
and Guard There Modesty”, meaning it is compulsory for every Muslim woman to
wear the hijab in order to please Allah SWT
Ms
Fadima said some of the girls she see tend to make ‘hijab’ as a trend or
fashion, but that is totally wrong and she doesn’t even see the reason why they
are doing that, “Allahu Ahlan Allah Knows Best”.
“Well,
all I want to say is if you can’t do the hijab or you are not ready for that,
please don’t tarnish the image of others. Hijab needs a lot of commitment which
so many of us don’t know. Let us take the hijab seriously, and help each
other,” she said.
Fatimah
Samateh, a resident of Tallinding, also stressed that people have different
reasons as to why they put on the hijab.
However,
she said, our primary aim is to please Allah SWT and not the trend of fashion,
stating that some actually put it on because they see their friends with it,
and they look absolutely beautiful.
So
they also want to dress like their friends to follow the new trend, but mind
you, if that’s one’s sole reasons for putting it on then you are contradicting
the teaching of Islam and the rule of the hijab.
“I
put on the hijab because it’s mandatory upon every Muslim woman who has reached
the age of puberty. It’s not by choice as many interpret it; it’s a must! And
in other to fulfill one of my religious obligations, I put it on.”
She
added that it does not in any way limit her ability to go for what she wants or
what she wants to achieve in life; in fact, it’s a lot more easier with the
hijab Alhamdulilah.
To
Ms Samateh, she does not want to be judged by how she dresses or looks. She
wants to be judged by her intellect, personality and character.
“After all, I only cover my hair and not my
brain; thus it does not put any restrictions on my performance”.
She
explained: “I have started putting on the hijab since a very long time. I do
not regret it. I have never for one instant regretted it. I do not regret it
even one iota. Inshallah, you will discover that you feel the same. Even within
a few months, I came to feel that I would not be properly dressed if I went out
not wearing hijab. This is when you know that you have made it”.
The
21-year-old hijabi advised her fellow sisters to keep up the momentum, saying
that it’s not easy putting on the scarf, especially in this hot season, but the
reward is huge.
“A
day will come when you’ll realize that all the sweat was worth it. Most importantly, wear it for the sake of
Allah SWT,” she stressed.
She
emphasised the importance of obeying Allah SWT who is the source of everything
we have, our existence, our life, our capability, even our goodness.
“If He ever stopped sustaining us, we would
vanish in that instant. If He ever took away what he gives us, we would never
have even a speck of it”.
If
we worked for millions of years, we could never repay Him for all that He has
given us. And yet, He does give it to us, and all He asks in return is that we
do our best to obey what He has commanded us.
Surely,
wearing hijab is a very small thing that you can do for Him, compared to what
He does for you, she concluded.