Re: Why is the hijab so rare among Pakistanis?
Secularism is destroying society. That's all I can say.
It's not apparently, because you yourself said that Canadians are a lot more religious than us Pakistanis. Isn't Canada secular and Pakistan almost a theocracy. What is it doing exactly, making better Muslims or destroying the society?
^ ahh Sahr you point out to a big truth. I'm a Pakistani Canadian. And I witness Pakistanis here following Islam more than my cousins back home. It's so sad. :(
Re: Why is the hijab so rare among Pakistanis?
Well Saeed, it's different here, because although Canada is secular, Pakistanis who reside here focus on the need to retain their identity and remember their roots. It's not so easy for us to assimilate and be like one of these white people. We hold on to our identity, and religious/cultural background.
Re: Why is the hijab so rare among Pakistanis?
Question one: do YOU wear hijab?
Question two: what makes you think this retaining of identity doesn't happen in other countries? We have a strong muslim community in the UK, for example. It's not nice to assume just based on first appearances whether someone is 'religious' just in terms of whether they wear hijab or not. That's a bit naive.
Re: Why is the hijab so rare among Pakistanis?
The UK falls into the category of countries I'm referring to (those outside of Pakistan). I'm not implying that those who don't wear the hijab are not as religious as those who do. I'm talking more about outer modesty in combination with inner. And the need to complete one's Islamic identity by conforming to the dresscode that God has prescribed for us. It's just logical.
Anyway, yes, I do wear the hijab.
Doesn't Saudia have air conditioning, everywhere.
yes, now they do..didnt when hijab was made part of religion
Re: Why is the hijab so rare among Pakistanis?
^ It was a different time. Women rarely got out of their home, hence rarely wore the Hijab. And I doubt they wore normal clothes inside and then a Hijab on top. What's with wearing multiple layers of clothes. Even if you do want to cover up, why can't you wear something other than black and not wear unnecessary layers, especially in hot locales.
Re: Why is the hijab so rare among Pakistanis?
Okay, my point is, it is easy to go by the women shown in the media in Pakistan - but the people being represented are just a small, 'elite' minority who are more concerned about wealth, fame or status than religion. I'm pretty sure that if we were to go to the ordinary middle and lower classes in Pakistan, a lot of them would be 'modest' and religious, both inside and outside.
I think Gupshup is a pretty good example of those people all over the country, and all over the world, where they don't approve of just any old dress, any old behaviour and try to promote the idea of behaving as a true Muslim.
I would also say that while I understand what you are trying to say, but I also think that you're coming across as a bit judgemental. I don't mean to insult you, but I think it's easy to make assumptions about a culture you don't fully live in.
Re: Why is the hijab so rare among Pakistanis?
The UK falls into the category of countries I'm referring to (those outside of Pakistan). I'm not implying that those who don't wear the hijab are not as religious as those who do. I'm talking more about outer modesty in combination with inner. And the need to complete one's Islamic identity by conforming to the dresscode that God has prescribed for us. It's just logical.
Anyway, yes, I do wear the hijab.
The key word is Islamic identity not Pakistani identity. It's wrong to judge every Pakistani on their hijab habits. If anyone should be judged it's the preachy types and most of them wear burqa. And I bet Paksitan has more burqas than Canada.
Another thing, the attire worn by most Paksitani women is pretty loose and is worn with a dupatta. Most of the women do a pretty good job of covering themselves up with just that, so burqa is just overkill.
Re: Why is the hijab so rare among Pakistanis?
Okay, my point is, it is easy to go by the women shown in the media in Pakistan - but the people being represented are just a small, 'elite' minority who are more concerned about wealth, fame or status than religion. I'm pretty sure that if we were to go to the ordinary middle and lower classes in Pakistan, a lot of them would be 'modest' and religious, both inside and outside.
I think Gupshup is a pretty good example of those people all over the country, and all over the world, where they don't approve of just any old dress, any old behaviour and try to promote the idea of behaving as a true Muslim.
I would also say that while I understand what you are trying to say, but I also think that you're coming across as a bit judgemental. I don't mean to insult you, but I think it's easy to make assumptions about a culture you don't fully live in.
Me like
Re: Why is the hijab so rare among Pakistanis?
I don't mean to sound judgmental, but it is in my opinion that one of the reasons for Pakistan's economic/regional/political downfall is due to secularism and a drive away from the "Islamic Identity". It's time to go back to it. I say this because I observe it first hand whenever I visit Lahore. My cousins pray because they feel obliged (parents say so and it's just a norm). They wear the dubatta only when they have to (yes, even middle/low class people who go out being modest and covered all the time will not wear the hijab at a wedding). So this selective following of Islam bothers me a lot. The overwhelming majority (over 95%) are Muslim so why do you guys have a problem when I use Pakistani and Islamic identity interchangeable. It should be very obvious that my post is directed towards the Muslims residing in Pakistan.
Even in places other than Pakistan itself, I find that Pakistanis are less likely to wear the hijab and that's just a norm. Our desi parties almost always involve the showing of the hair. And although our traditional clothing can be perceived to be more modest than not, that idea is also subjective.
I feel that Pakistanis worldwide will prosper if they just make the external hijab the norm. But of course this should only be added when there is internal modesty within oneself. May Allah taala guide us all. I am not perfect. Far from it actually. So this is a reminder to myself before any of you. We should all attain for thorough modesty and haya. :)
Re: Why is the hijab so rare among Pakistanis?
I thought it was because of poor economic policies. And Pakistan is not secular. The mosque and state aren’t separate. The constitution does draw it’s inspiration from the Shariah. You’d understand how theocratic this country is if you lived here.
They’re forced to conform, you got that part right. The condescending, in your face preachy “I’m better than you kinds” are judging you all the time so people have to pretend, just to avoid any unnecessary attention. If you don’t want to be killed by a lynch mob, you pretend.
Well that’s life. A lot of things bother me too, but I don’t judge other people’s way of life.
Yeah the majority of Pakistanis are Muslims. But all of them don’t belong to the same sect. Every Muslim’s level of religiosity is different. Some people obsess over religion while others don’t.
And how is Hijab going to fix all our problems?
Re: Why is the hijab so rare among Pakistanis?
I meant to say that Pakistanis worldwide would prosper if they made conforming to Islamic ideals a norm (through their own free will). This happens to include the wearing of the hijab. Modesty is beautiful and gains worldwide respect. :)
^What beautiful sentiments 
would be even better if they didn’t reek of bs 
Re: Why is the hijab so rare among Pakistanis?
Well what would the solution be then?
The way I see it, our people in the media are puppets of non religious or corrupt ones, so are our politicians and the whole order of things around the world seems to be controlled by this need to "civilise" people, but according to the largely Western doctrines.
There are several approaches to this, you could go the outright Salafist way and turn to the roots, run to the hills, become further backward and resort to banning everything you see as a threat to your faith and culture... however at the same time you will be ridiculed and commiting yourself to a backwards existence which while you might enjoy... the odds will still be stacked up against you.
Alternatively you could just embrace the "superior" notions pressed onto you and simply accept that to advance yourselves in this "new brave world" you try and fit in with the modern global "western" culture and in some cases constantly strive to better the odds and outdo the "Gora" in every act. Forget Hijab why not take up all the other supposedly fashionable habbits too.
Then again there is the other path of treating the situation like an oportunistic and calculated commander... taking the best elements from both worlds, keeping your own traditions and identity firmly your own... but also understanding what makes the rest of the world tick... doing that you will have the ability to utilise a lot more knowledge and knowledge is power.
I dont support the notion that we have "Purda Police" like Iran and other countries where those not observing the rule are beaten or opressed. However neither do I think we should be bombarded by secular notions to the point that it becomes a subliminal message to the people.
People should be free to make up thier own minds... if your will is strong then you will choose your own path.
A while back I used to get annoyed with the mainstream media... and seeing the world going to pot the way it is... but one can choose to step away from it all... you dont need to watch tv or movies if you dont like them. Besides there is always an alternative.
I like to think I am a good Muslim who follows things by the book but that does not mean I must press my values on others, nor does it mean I fully support secularism especailly the sort that does not have any value or respect for others choices. One must learn as with a lot of things to strike a balance. Allah knows best, but often it is wise to compromise.
Re: Why is the hijab so rare among Pakistanis?
Qtc88 you say your not judging but the first words that are written are why don't women wear hijab? i think that's judgmental. second look at UAE that economy is booming how many people you see there wearing hijabs? plus we need to make our selves better before we talk about anything else. so your cousins wear dupatta because they are oppressed, that means everybody is like that? hijab doesn't really make you who you are, it's what inside you. plus you don't live in that country so how would you know what's going on? ooh i wear hijab that means im a better muslim then you? would you be asking this question if you weren't wearing hijab? country isn't bankrupt becaus firdous ashiq awan doesn't wear hijab, it's because politician are messed up
Re: Why is the hijab so rare among Pakistanis?
Loved your post Faris, especially this
[QUOTE]
People should be free to make up thier own minds... if your will is strong then you will choose your own path.
[/QUOTE]
Re: Why is the hijab so rare among Pakistanis?
You guys are misinterpreting me. I don't mean to say that they should be forced into it. Free will is of course one of the many fundamental cores of Islam. Without consent and one's own desire, hijab means nothing. Usman, your definition of prosperity is different from mine. First of all, I have been to the UAE and all women over there do practically conform to the hijab dresscode. I agree with you that corrupt leaders do play a large role in the downfall of Pakistan but there are other reasons.
I don't believe in the purda police idea either. I say this generally, that it saddens me that hijab is not a norm (due to what people desire). I wish it was the case that people desired to wear it and be externally modest (as well as from within) because of their own desires. But yes, like other people have stated, we need to work on other aspects of our character and religiosity before making the hijab a norm. Because hijab is nothing without inner-piety.
Re: Why is the hijab so rare among Pakistanis?
I see well qtc88 I agree with that last sentiment.
I’m sure it would be nice if people stook to the old ways or at least the better aspects of them, that make up our Islamic traditions.
Here is an interesting take on things from Iran. It is not what people think and actually its a very interesting read indeed the article is not too long but written very well.
The History & Evolution of the Hijab in Iran (Jolaina M Nasseri) - Academia.edu
Any one who wants to know how you can still be a great “Modern” person and still retain your cultural and spiritual identity should look into the great Tawakul Karman. Who was the first Arab Woman nobel Prize luareate and an inspiration to Women all over the world. Many of her quotes are online too.
Re: Why is the hijab so rare among Pakistanis?
Guess religion doesn't appeal to everyone in Pakistan. Some people just don't subscribe to the same religious beliefs as you. Living in Pakistan doesn't mean I have to wear a hijab or offer prayers. No where in constitution does it that I'm supposed to do all that. Why can't people mind their own business and not care about other people's religious beliefs or lack thereof.** Then there's the weather. Here in Karachi, the majority can't afford air conditioning at home, during travel or at work. Do you expect women to cover up in black and soak up all the heat. They feel hot too.** Why can't you let people be. Those who want to wear Hijab should wear it, but forcing it on someone is plain wrong.
Hehe the weather excuse isnt going to save us..atleast its better than Saudia..
Arab women don't cover up anywhere near as much as desi women do at home.. They might wear hijab outdoors but when at home it's perfectly normal for them to show more skin. It's almost unheard of for them to live in a joint family setup so I guess it's easier in that respect to not have to worry about covering up cos bils etc are wandering around.. I don't know a single arab girl that would keep her arms and legs covered up in this heat at home (I'm talking about the UK lol, so it's not even as hot at 30C) whilst wearing shorts even at home would be a massive NO for most desi girls..
Re: Why is the hijab so rare among Pakistanis?
^ Shorts are a no no, even when one's living with parents and siblings. I can't imagine the weirdness it would cause. Or maybe I've been raised this way and it might be different for other desis.