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I am not a woman, so obviously I do not wear a hijab, or observe purdah. But I feel so strongly about this subject that I really feel strongly led to speak up about it.

A woman who chooses to wear the hijab is not less beautiful because of her choice. Let me explain. A woman who wears the hijab knows her value and reserves it only for those few people to whom she grants that special privilege. A beautiful person does not need to cry out that she is beautiful. She doesn't have to show it off. In fact, the only ones who really want to show off their physical beauty to any unwholesome and noisome boor that comes along are those poor individuals who are so insecure and lacking in self-esteem that they need the immediate approval of strangers.

Think of it this way. If you have a really nice car, one that is truly superb, no one gets to drive it but you. If you have a wife whose beauty is exceptional, as every husband who loves his wife believes, you will not share that beauty with those who will tarnish it and make it dirty or shameful.

Now, there are some who say that the hijab, and the sharp flash of eyes that one might catch above the veil, is in itself beautiful. Well, I can understand the sentiment, but I most heartily disagree. If a man is looking so closely at a woman in hijab that he can see her eyes and gain some momentary hint of her physical beauty from that, he is inherently disrespecting her. By wearing the hijab, the woman is saying that she is "off limits," to prurient desires and observation. To willfully disregard that and try to wink or otherwise "undress her," is willful disobedience and shameful.

You see, the hijab is strictly for the purpose of hiding. The Qur'an plainly speaks of taling to the wives of the prophet only through a grand veil that separates them from all view. This injunction was applied to all women by the use of the veil, the purpose of which is to separate and to hide. And, in society and public discourse, this garment is paramount in preventing a woman from becoming an object of desire, an inanimate fantasy for men to abuse.

Now, that being said, the hijab has an important place in society, but it must be adapted to environment and culture, as Islam is always adaptable to every culture and situation. In situations where the hijab is impractical or obviously misunderstood, then it should be moderated. A head scarf is preferable in situations requiring identification, for instance in regard to dealing with the police, or in schools

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