#claim 3

[muslimusproject]

As the hijab has transformed into an American symbol, differing views of the symbolism of the hijab between Eastern and Western culture has created a cultural gap dividing the two; however, both sides can come together to have a united, shared belief system about these veilings.

[muslimusproject]

The most visible form of hijab is the head covering that many Muslim women wear. Hijab however goes beyond the headscarf. In one popular school of Islamic thought, hijab refers to the complete covering of everything except the hands, face and feet in long, loose and non see-through garments. A woman who wears hijab is called Muhaajaba.

BBC Religions

[muslimusproject]

The hijab protects women from men, preserves marriages, and causes men to focus on the personalities of the women not their looks. (Why Hijab?)The hijab is not only based off of their religion, but of woman's personal beliefs and values for themselves; it’s also helpful for non-Muslims to understand these beliefs and values, and the symbolism behind the hijab.

[muslimusproject]

Non-Muslim women in America are choosing to wear the hijab after experiencing the inappropriate ways guys look at their bodies. These women are not converting to the Islamic culture or religion. They value the idea that they have sole control over their bodies and men get to view them. One woman, Amanda tells how this experience helped her, as she applied the symbolism of the hijab to her own personal life (Amanda). 

Amanda had to navigate around disrespect and appropriation of the islamic culture, which is an important topic when it comes to western views, namely American, of the hijab.

[muslimusproject]

Not all Muslims support "Americanization" of the hijab; one Muslim women believes that those who are not Muslim should not wear the hijab. (The Hijabinist) In a blog article, a muslim women states that when non-muslims wear the hijab for a social experiment or even for fashion, they are ultimately appropriating it and disrespecting the culture. This perspective provides a view that clashes with Amanda’s (above), and is against non-muslims wearing the hijab. This is very important because it provides the other side's perspective on why American non-muslims should not be allowed to wear the hijab.