Head Scarves, Obligations and the Freedom to Choose

For Muslim women, wearing the hijab is often a defining point in the struggle for religious freedom, both within Islam and in the wider civil societies. This is an issue in the US but perhaps even a larger concern in “secular” Europe where nations and regions have banned the wearing of the head scarf in public schools or in government jobs.

A lively discussion about this has erupted as a result of a compelling video clip on the web site of one of Intersections’ co-productions—The TE’A Project which employs a unique theatrical model (and on-line community) to address the question of being Muslim in America since 9/11. The discussion appears in two places—both on the main TE’A site and, in an even more extended fashion, on TEA’s Facebook page.

One of the themes in the discussion pits “religious obligation” against “religious conviction” (often called religious liberty or freedom of choice). As one who has often felt called to swim against the tides of both prevailing religious thought and the majority political culture, I am deeply respectful of Muslim women for whom wearing the hijab is a statement of religious conviction—especially in societies where this is socially risky (as in some US communities) or illegal (as in some European settings). There is no room in a free and pluralistic society to deny women this right or to discriminate against this practice. Sultana’s brilliant commentary in the TE’A video beautifully expresses the joy and devotion to her faith that this symbol represents.

But I am also aware that millions of devout Muslim women around the world do not wear the hijab, and I am equally impressed with Mona’s courage to speak on behalf of those who follow a different path. Mona is unyielding in her conviction that this practice is not necessarily a sign of faithfulness. Amen to Mona.

Recently, I saw video of the crowd at Egyptian President Gamal Abdul Nasser’s funeral in 1970. Miniskirts abounded; barely a head scarf could be seen. Were these women less faithful than their sisters today? Who can say?

It is incumbent upon believers of all faiths to use the tools at our disposal—religious teaching, archeology, linguistics, history, etc. to interpret ancient sacred texts. My own sacred scriptures contain passages that, when they stand alone, are problematic at best: the Bible does not forbid slavery or polygamy, states that women should be silent in the churches, that gay men are an abomination, that we should rejoice in dashing the babies of our enemies against the rocks. These passages are not consistent with the religion I follow, yet there they are in the text.

In many of us, our faith evokes passionate feelings and acts of profound commitment and sacrifice. But it is important to understand that God speaks to each of us differently. Examining our own faith and honoring another’s understanding of religious conviction is an essential ingredient in a society that reflects the magnificent human mosaic that surrounds us. Both Sultana and Mona are excellent examples of this witness.

Watch "Headscarf" by TE'A