As a Hijabi, I get asked several questions per day. When I first wore Hijab, questions used to be kind of acceptable, but then they started to get weirder and weirder .. and weirder. I mean how can a normal person with a normal mind ask a veiled girl: ” Do you sleep with your veil on? ” .. Really! Not to mention the ” Do you shower with it ” kind of Qs. Here I am today, writing this article to answer all the normal and bizarre questions once for all. With the help of some veiled friends, we manage to select some of the most asked Qs that people amazed us with.
– How did you decide to wear Hijab?
For me, it took me almost two years to finally say: ” You know what, I’m wearing it! ” It is not something you suddenly decide to do. It is a big decision and a life changing one; one should not take it for granted. Some girls seek in it tranquility; others just wear it because they look good in it. These persons exist and we all know that, but please do not judge all veiled women for the mistakes and the misbehaviour of a minority.
– What did you feel when you first wore it?
Honestly, it felt good. I left somehow safe and protected. I knew it was the right thing to do.
– Don’t you get bored wearing it?
Why would I? That veil determines our identity and religious background. No, we do not get bored. we get weak sometimes; it is totally normal. This is a huge commitment and everyone gets fed up of commitment sometimes. Yet, we look at it from a different perspective; our veil is our protector, our symbol of freedom and not oppression, our mirror to the world.
– Do you wear it at home?
If I will take the question seriously, I would say only in cases there is a guy at home who is not ” mehrem ” . Learn more about mehrems through this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahram
– Are you convinced?
I have been asked this question several times. What do people want me to answer: ” No I’m not convinced, please help to get out of this! ” One should not wear Hijab if she’s not totally convinced. You are not convinced just do not wear it and please do not go here and there telling that you are not convinced before doing deep researches about it. I am sure that once you learn the exceptions Allah granted women with in Islam, you will be fully convinced.
– Did your parents force you to wear it?
No .. -_- ( I wish I can make this facial expression in real life; it says it all ).
– Do you wear it for a guy or to get married?
Now let’s be clear; first, not every veiled girl is dying to get married. Second, if a guy is going to like me as I am, let it be and this will actually make me glad. At least I’m sure he likes for my personality and not for any physical traits.
– You are beautiful without it, why do you wear it then?
God made us beautiful but this beauty is not for everyone to watch and admire though. You’ve got to be among the special list huh!
– When are you taking it off?
I am not. Thanks for asking!
– Even though you’re veiled, you do listen to rock and put polish nails on, how come?
Even though you’re a human being, you are mindless. How come? Seriously, do some more researches before asking Qs. Do not just burst out stupidity revealing your low level of religious education.
– Do you pray?
I do not know why people tend to ask this Qs to veiled women more than the non-veiled ones. Prayer is an obligation for all persons.
– Don’t you feel hot wearing all these clothes in summer?
Let me tell you a secret; people who expose their skin directly to the sun get hotter because actually my skin is covered so that makes it less burning. See? You just got punk’d!
Now let the show begin.
– How does your hair look like?
Umm it is red in the back, blue in the front, with some flowers and plants here and there. An answer as stupid as the Q though, do not blame me!
– Is it because you have bad hair quality that you are wearing veil?
People sound wise and smart while saying that and expect me to say: ” Oh god, how did you find out? ” I mean that’s what they want to hear. One tiny advice: do not ask this question to any veiled girl, you may not know what answer she may chock you with and for your information, girls do not wear veil because they have bad hair quality; they opt for natural masks and hair products instead.
– Do you brush your hair every morning?
Do you? .. DO YOU?
– When people see your hair, they are like ” Oh so you have hair? I really thought you’re bald. ”
Should I laugh because it is funny or cry because I really had no idea that people can be this stupid sometimes! It kind of depresses me sometimes.
– Can you breath?
No, actually I’m a ghost; I don’t breath.
– Can you hear me?
No but I read lips. ( Seriously? )
– Do you shower with your veil on?
People, I was not born with my veil on! I can take it off sometimes, you know!
– Do you go to the sea? What do you wear?
Yes, we do. We have a normal life and we’re not deprived of any fun. We wear a special uniform called Burkini. Google it!
We are normal human beings; we make mistakes, we break down, we stand up, we fight for what we love and care for whom we love, we hate to be looked upon as different and we’re not, in any way, considering ourselves superior. So please, do us a favor, think twice before asking a question.
If you have been asked one of these Qs, leave your feedback to share your experience.