Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2014-07-08

Veiled women are often referred to as “Ninjas” or “Dustbin Bags” when out in public doing their shopping or attending to their daily errands. Not often though, as they seem to avoid busy crowds and usually walk in pairs or groups

The stigma and taunts linger with passersby gaping in horror.

Most veiled women are dressed in flowing, black clothing, covered from head to feet with only their eyes visible underneath their niqabs (veil).

In Islam, Muslim women are considered as very important figures. Yet, among the rest of our society these women are often mocked and laughed at, as if they were the objects of others’ amusement while they silently endure this constant humiliation.

Die Pos in Modimolle, Limpopo had the opportunity to speak to one Muslim woman from Modimolle who was willing to explain the reason behind their form of dressing.

Fazila Bhayat told Die Pos that she was at the shopping mall a few weeks ago, when a little boy walking past her turned around and called her a “thief”.

She said she realized then that the community needed to be educated properly, so they can have a better understanding of the Islamic way of dressing for women.

“It has to do with the depth of your faith. Some Christians, for example, attend church every Sunday, while others don’t. It is the same with Muslims. In our religion women are expected to cover their bodies and faces when they appear in public, but there are some who don’t consider it as important,” Bhayat said.

“We cover ourselves completely when we appear in public for many reasons; it’s not just about modesty. We wear the jilbãb (outer sheet which a woman wraps on top of her clothes) to protect ourselves from social dangers and violence, like sexual assault. We are therefore not allowed to reveal the shape of our bodies, or our faces, in public.”

“We can take our niqabs (veils) off in the presence of other women, our husbands, fathers, grandfathers, brothers and uncles,” Bhayat said.

“It is also about purity and virtue. An oyster is covered by its shell, and when people buy candy from a shop they usually take the wrapped ones because they are untouched and clean. Muslim women who cover their bodies in public are respected by the men and considered virtuous and “good”, added Bhayat

At home though Bhayat says, they wear “normal” clothes just like any other woman, like jeans and tights and pretty tops — as long as it’s decent and neat.

Bhayat told Die Pos that she goes for swimming sessions only in private.

They have specially made swimming costumes — long trousers and long sleeved tops to cover their bodies as well. “In Christianity, even today, the Catholic nuns are covered from head to feet by the habits they wear.

“Mary wore a headscarf. The Pope still wears a long, loose robe. In the olden times women and men alike wore clothing that hid the shape of their bodies, and covered their heads — even Jesus, and He too wore a beard,” she said.

“It seems sad and a little unfair that people should think our appearance as strange and funny to them,” Bhayat reasoned.

“Our Qur’an teaches us to respect others. We only ask that others respect us in return.”

– Die Pos (Denise van Bergen)

(Twitter: @Faizie143)