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007 · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 11:46 am Post subject:

Baby, it's all good! - A modern hijab poem

What do you see when you look at me
Do you see someone limited, or someone free
All some people can do is just look and stare
Simply because they can't see my hair
Others think I am controlled and uneducated
They think that I am limited and un-liberated
They are so thankful that they are not me
Because they would like to remain 'free'

Well free isn't exactly the word I would've used
Describing women who are cheated on and abused
They think that I do not have opinions or voice
They think that being hooded isn't my choice
They think that the hood makes me look caged
That my husband or dad are totally outraged
All they can do is look at me in fear
And in my eye there is a tear

Not because I have been stared at or made fun of
But because people are ignoring the One up above
On the day of judgment they will be the fools
Because they were too ashamed to play by their own rules
Maybe the guys won't think I am a cutie
But at least I am filled with more inner beauty
See I have declined from being a guy's toy
Because I won't let myself be controlled by a boy

Real men are able to appreciate my mind
And aren't busy looking at my behind
Hooded girls are the ones really helping the Muslim cause
The role that we play definitely deserves applause
I will be recognized because I am smart and bright
And because some people are inspired by my sight
The smart ones are attracted by my tranquility
In the back of their mind they wish they were me

We have the strength to do what we think is right
Even if it means putting up a life long fight
You see we are not controlled by a mini skirt and tight shirt
We are given only respect, and never treated like dirt
So you see, we are the ones that are free and liberated
We are not the ones that are sexually terrorized and violated
We are the ones that are free and pure
We're free of STD's that have no cure

So when people ask you how you feel about the hood
Just sum it up by saying, 'Baby its all good'

Source: The Veil (From the Sound Vision documentary Hijab: An Act of Faith)

Van Norden · Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 409

Reminds me of the song sung by the revolutionaries in Woody Allen's classic movie Bananas:
Rebels are we
Born to be free
Just like the fish in the sea!

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

t_murakami · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 26

I am not sure about women's shopping, but I found looking for sports togs NOT rewarding here. A male friend wanted some running shoes to run a 10 Km at a compound in Riyadh. Both clerks (shop assistants) we came upon could give us no advice...but we did get shoes anyway. still, less choice than in the West. Stores are "boutiquey" there with less selection than , say, the US : more fashion than function.
As far as swimming or jogging (even triathlons and hashing in shorts exist ! Don't tell the mutawah's Shocked

) you can do these in/near Riyadh and other big cities.

Like most ex-pat's, had few social functions with Saudi's but I agree with the others here, that casual can work at WE's, but you get paid too much to go about with holes in your odd socks Very Happy

. Why look like a cheap skate, when you are making good coin?

cheers, T

amity · Joined: 08 Mar 2007 Posts: 72 Location: central Texas

goingbald · Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 15 Location: Earth

Tips:

1. Don't wear clicky, heeled shoes. You will draw unwanted and unnecessary attention to yourself.

2. Whether you're a Muslim or not, you must cover your hair in public at all times. Many women, and men, display simple ignorance of this obligation, or deliberate arrogance. One related benefit is that you are less likely to draw attention from the youth in the malls.

3. Something that would apply equally to men as well as women: when in public, don't be flashy.

gb

laila · Joined: 09 May 2006 Posts: 7

Amity,

To answer your question about shoes and hose..... I don't think I have ever seen a Saudi woman wear hose. Sometimes I wear them in the winter because it is cold. Also you'll have no problem wearing open toed shoes. Most women wear open toed shoes, but the more conservative women don't.

007

amity · Joined: 08 Mar 2007 Posts: 72 Location: central Texas

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Keep looking Amity. your strategy might work

I lived in sandals in the Gulf... not tacky birkenstocks which are not appropriate for work in any educational or professional position IMHO. I certainly never wore socks with sandals. I didn't even own a pair of pantyhose (and still don't actually), but had some knee highs that I could wear with my long skirts if needed for those rare occasions when I wore shoes.

BTW... you might want to look around for what they used to call 'broomstick' skirts. They are getting hard to find, but if you google, they can be found from various online sources.

If you do get a position in KSA, you will need to pick up an abaya before you go.

VS

amity · Joined: 08 Mar 2007 Posts: 72 Location: central Texas

I "assumed" my employer would have one over their arm when they met me at the airport. All I have is a big black scarf.

Edit: I did a search on "abaya" and found all sorts of things being identified as "abaya" but none of them were what I expected. I suppose I can get what I need mail order, but what do I need? What I had in mind was a sort of black semi-circular overgarment with just a little shaping around the shoulders provided by seaming, extends to the ankles, held closed in front with the hand or a pin, slits for hands. Not much different from a chador. What I find listed as "abaya" online is a dress. Can someone point me in the right direction? Is what I need a niquab or hijab?

goingbald · Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 15 Location: Earth

Dear amity,

As a foreigner in the gulf, you'd probably not be expected to cover your face. You should buy a hijab, or several, really. It is just a scarf that should cover ALL of your hair and neck, not just part of it.

My mother (who is not a Muslim) came here and wore the hijab for the entire time she visited. She said she loved Saudi Arabia, and loved the visit.

Depending on the country where you love, you should be easily able to pick up a hijab. They're often on sale in shops which are also Islamic bookshops (but don't just pick up any old book on Islam if you're there).

Hope that helps

gb

goingbald · Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 15 Location: Earth

Yes, yes yes, I saw my typo. Humble apologies.

Amity, here are several places in texas which may help you:

At-Tawheed Da'wah center
500 Pampa dr #207
Tel 512 371 9907

Ibnul Qayyim Publications
Po box 50762
Fort Worth, TX 76105
214 329 1238

Also, www.tarbiyyahbookstore.com

They should be able to help you out with "attire".

Enjoy.

gb