When we walk down the streets wearing our "gowns" (abayas) and headscarves and face-veils (niqabs), we face everything from annoyed looks to stares and glares to outright nasty and hurtful comments. Yet, we persevere. We stand with you shoulder to shoulder at the school, doing the same tasks you do. We are behind you in the drive-thru, driving just like you. We struggle to balance matters of the home and outside, just like you.
But our presence insults you; as though we are lower beings. It irks some of you to the point, that you have the gall to tell us to go away. You point fingers at us, whisper about us in your friends ear, roll your eyes at us. Yes we can see and feel all that you throw our way. Yet, we persevere.
Our husbands/fathers and brothers are respectful in our presence, they thank us for the balancing act we perform everyday because they know Allah didnot burden the woman with chores. They credit the righteous upbringing of their children to us. We are incharge of our household and all its decisions, and they wilingly lend us their help. They walk ahead of us, as a show of their love for us so they may face your stares before we do.
Our covering and veil is to please our Lord - Allah! Not because we were forced by our husbands or fathers; but you dont believe our words. We speak our minds, only watchful to not say something to displease Allah. We do not confine ourselves to the standards of society, we are today's woman; but you don't believe our stance and you dont acknowledge our courage.
You oppress us - not our veils!
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