I don't want to take it off once I've started wearing it. But God will forgive me if I have to in order to support myself.
Oh sad face :(
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Grad School YAY No More Head Scarf Boo!
I have been reading "Daughter's of Another Path" which covers the experiences of converts in America (I'll post more about the book later). What struck me in this book is that almost all of the women, when they began to wear the veil, had to quit their jobs or could not find one. Mind you, this book was written in the early nineties but its still a sad realization. Most of these women were well educated, some even with a masters degree. This worries me because I am considering returning to school for a masters in teaching. I don't want to begin wearing hijab, graduate, and then find myself unemployed because of a scarf. My Love says that if it causes that great a burden and a compromise cannot be made (such as the use of a hat instead of a scarf) then one is allowed to take it off because God doesn't want you to suffer. But he admits he would be sad for me because he knows I would not want to take it off. I would be sad too. And angry. We live in a free country for a reason. Church (or mosque) and state are suppose to separate so that these types of discriminations do not happen! A Jewish man can wear a kippah, a Sikh can wear a turban but a muslima still cannot wear a scarf in the workplace (just noticed both examples are men. Coincidence I think not!). I know that I would have parents pulling there kids out of my class, fearing that I will spread my Islamic disease upon their precious children. I know that many schools would not hire me our of fear of backlash from parents and society. Its easier to avoid an issue instead of attempting to deal with it.
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I love that book! It's so good. : )
ReplyDeleteIt is. I'm handing it over to my mother. I think it will be helpful.
ReplyDeleteSalaam,
ReplyDeleteSo I've held 4 jobs, sometimes simultaneously, while wearing hijab. When I wasn't comfortable with it or myself, I didn't get the jobs. When I became confident, suddenly I got all the ones I applied for, including in the beauty industry. Just be true to yourself and remind people that it does not, in fact, cut off any blood from your head or prevent your brain cells from functioning and you should be golden inshaAllah. May Allah SWT give you strength in this (and other) endeavors and inshaAllah you become my sister! (Ok, that last part's a bit selfish, but we can always use another good sister!!!)
HAHA you are funny NoortheNinjabi.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the word of support. I hope I that I can be strong enough to stand my ground. but it will take time.
Insha'Allah :)
I do not wear hijab full time because my family is already upset about the conversion and this will make it very public and bring more pain upon them. I cannot blame it all on them, though, because I am very nervous myself about encountering old friends and members of my church and having to explain myself. I just know they'll try and blame my husband.
ReplyDeleteI graduate with my teaching degree in May. I'll work for a year nearby (Insha'Allah if I get a job) and will probably not wear hijab (as in the scarf, I'll wear appropriate clothing). After a year we're moving so that my husband can go to a university for his master's. I don't know anyone in that town, so I will be more comfortable wearing hijab. I hope to get a teaching position there and wear hijab daily.
I have worked or know someone who works at the majority of schools in my current area. If I were to show up at a job interview in hijab they'd assume it was a "phase" and probably try to get me to take it off. The people in the town we're moving to, though, don't know anything about my past so will have no choice but to accept me as Muslim. (again, Insha'Allah!)
That sounds like it should be good :) I wish you luck
ReplyDelete