Unveiled Faces

The Muslim Veil in North America discusses the meaning, impact, and interpretation of Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab (veil) in Canada. According to the authors, most women choose to wear the veil because they feel it is part of being a good Muslim woman. There is a great deal of fluidity of interpretation for these women, some of whom reject the veil as old-fashioned and culturally inappropriate to those who see the veil as vital to Muslim faith.

My only real experience with veiling stems from my visit to Israel and Jordan, where I saw varying degrees of hijab on most Muslim women, and an American friend of mine who lived in Pakistan and wore the veil as a cultural precedent, who felt very lonely behind it. This book helped me to learn more about the meaning of hijab and what it means to different women. Unfortunately, women who wear the veil often come under scrutiny and persecution. I have a great deal of respect for women who wear the hijab because it is brave, particularly in a society where such attire sticks out. Further, the devotion veiling requires is very commendable.

The subject of veiling made me think of the verse in 2 Corinthians 3:18--"And we who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the spirit." Am I, either by physical statement or faithful devotion, reflecting the Lord's glory? If I am being transformed into His likeness, I don't want to hide behind myself, but to reflect that glory.