The Truth Behind The Veil



In this article, I would like to discuss the questions I get asked the most and what daily life is like for me as a Muslim teenage girl. Above all, the questions I am most often asked besides whether or not I am related to Saddam Hussain (which if any of my dear readers are wondering the answer is NO) is “what is that thing on your head?” And when asked, a short quick reply is usually given, but now I will give a more in-depth explanation in hopes of your attaining a better understanding.

As the saying goes “things are more than meets the eye” the same applies to my modest dress, in fact it can go some much in-depth I could certainly write a book on it. As we all know, girls start being interested in boys around age 11 (sometimes even younger) and vice a versa, by which they like to “show off” themselves and attract attention by of way dress or just because they see most girls do it. And as we see and hear in this society this often causes problems because of what goes on between boys and girls. So to ensure this doesn’t happen Islam has placed certain rules and dress code on boys and girls (The dress code is more so on girls because let’s face it, we are usually the ones attracting attention). I don’t want too go to much in-depth so I will explain more of what applies to the girls. Girls must cover their hair (with Hijab, scarf, meaning covering or veil) legs, arms and curves of their body, showing only their face and hands (the dress code is usually enforced by age 9). When interacting with each other both boys and girls cannot touch, meaning no holding hands, rubbing against each other etc. Or even look at each other in a certain way (no flirting). I know what you’re thinking...it sounds strict and to some oppressive, but if you really think about it and study the reasons, it actually isn’t. Of course we are still allowed to be around boys, talk to them, interact, and be friends. Another purpose is to make sure girls don’t become “sex objects”; our interior should show first, meaning our minds and intelligence, rather than our exterior. And this can even help build stronger relationships, because it won’t firstly be based on looks.  As for the boys, they should “lower” their gaze to girls, in respect as well as to avoid looking at them in certain ways.

“What is your culture?” When I am asked this question my usual reply is, well I am American, I was born and raised in Florida. Yes  my Father is from Pakistan (which actually has very little to do with Islam) and I have roots of Native American, Hispanic and others I don’t even know of. But that doesn’t mean we follow them. We as Muslims cut off from all cultural man-made traditions (no offence to anyone). Islam was founded in Arabia, but that doesn’t mean it belongs just to those countries. Which also means, that we do not take part in arranged marriages, dances, songs etc.  Islam is a universal religion (faith) that is for everyone, everywhere, for all times to come.

“Can you eat meat?” Yes actually I can, but we have certain dietary rules, which I shall touch on. There are certain places we get our meat, because there is a certain way to slaughter the animal. This meat we call Halal (Permissible, kosher) it is slaughtered in the name of God, prayed on at the time of slaughter, along with the animal has to bleed, slowly, to get all the blood clots and impurities out of the animal, and thus it becomes Halal. And pig is completely forbidden as well as any alcoholic beverage or any other intoxicants.  Any other meat, from the regular grocery stores, restaurants etc. is Haram (non-permissible).


These are just the questions I get asked the most, but there is so much more in depth to this wonderful religion, sadly hidden beneath many misconceptions and misunderstandings. That one could keep going on and on about it. So to end this article I will sum up our main 5 pillars. 1. Belief in one God (Tawheed). 2. Prayer (Salat) 5 times daily. 3. Fasting (saam) which is required in the month of Ramadan. 9th month in the Islamic calendar. 4. Charity (Zakat) and 5th Hajj, pilgrimage to Mecca.

In conclusion I hope this article has been interesting and helped serve in clearing up any questions you might of had. And I urge everyone and anyone to learn about the world and the people, cultures and religions around you.  Because we all share this world, we should building bridges, not walls.

(any further questions please feel free to note me. And please I would preciate 'healthy' and 'civil' comments. no hate, i come in peace here.)