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Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board
| Explaining Hijab to Non-Muslim Children |
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| merimda |
| 04/05/03 at 01:18:25 |
| Salam, I am currently volunteering at a public elementary school and although the school is pretty diverse there are no hijabi girls or teachers in the school. So for many of the kids this might be their first time interacting with a hijabi. One my first day, after the kids asked me my age, they immediately asked me why I wear the scarf on my head. My response was: because I am Muslim and Muslim women are required to cover their hair. This satisfied them ( well kinda, because the very next week they asked me again) but this answer did not satisfy me. I couldn't think of anything else to say that they would comprehend. The children are 9 and 10 years old. So I'm wondering how you sisters would explain the hijab to them? JAK salam, merimda |
| 04/05/03 at 01:21:36 |
| merimda |
| Re: Explaining Hijab to Non-Muslim Children |
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| Ameeraana |
| 04/05/03 at 09:34:36 |
| [slm] My Christian nieces used to ask me all the time so here is what worked for me and might work for you: "Well, do you know who Jesus is?" hopefully they would answer "yes" "Well, his mother is the Virgin Mary. Look at any statues or paintings of her and try to remember, or next time, take a look at what is on her head. She is wearing hijab (or scarf so they understand it more) too. We are doing the same because Allah (God) tells us to." If they don't know who Jesus is... hmmmm, thats a tuffy Ameera |
| 04/05/03 at 09:44:42 |
| Ameeraana |
| Re: Explaining Hijab to Non-Muslim Children |
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| NinthMuharram |
| 04/17/03 at 21:36:32 |
| I was gonna reply this long time ago.... sorry to dig up old topic. I was in similar situation as you are but I was a bit fortunate that it happened within the family. [u]Situation 1[/u] I was introduced to my husband's sister's family for the first time (they are non Muslim). Alhamdulillah, the kids love me (12 y/old girl, 9 y/old girl and 7 y/old boy). I happened to have a Malay traditional girl dress with hijab for my 9 y/old niece to try (which is on the way to kathy!) . She loved it and wanted to keep it. I also let my 12 y/old niece tried my wedding jilbaab on. I knew they were going to ask me why I covered my hair. I told them I am a Muslim and it is a different Faith than theirs. Explained to them that only my husband and my women relative can see and that they might meet Muslim women who wear it different style or who don't wear at all.Took them to another room and I took of my hijab and we compare our notes on hair :) . I showed them my hijab collections and brooches. It's all abt making them feel excited and curious just as if they have a new doll or dress. Eventually, the tough question will come as they grow up and I'll deal with it phase by phase. [u]Situation 2[/u] My mom-in-law (she hates it when I refer to her as this, always telling me "I'm your mom. None of those 'in-law'") . She asked me what kind of material am I comfortable with, sizes, colours etc. So, I explained to her modesty for women in Islam. [u]Situation 3[/u] Which has nothing to do with hijab. But, if I talked to my husband's younger brother.. he'd always ended up saying "InshaAllah" or "Alhamdulillah" :D There are a lot more experiences/encounters I have with my husband's family and friends in U.S that I wish to share but I have trouble writing them down!Brain cramp... p.s : Maliha/Mystic ..thanks for the notes on Purification of The Heart. My husband read them to mom-in-law, she wanted to purchase that for us but I beat her to that and ordered them first! :-* |
| 04/17/03 at 21:40:29 |
| NinthMuharram |
| Re: Explaining Hijab to Non-Muslim Children |
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| Barr |
| 04/17/03 at 21:45:45 |
| [slm] :o Sis NinthMuharram!! Subhanalalh!! Are U married??? And the US ???? *mind's racing* ;D |
| 04/17/03 at 21:55:21 |
| Barr |
| Re: Explaining Hijab to Non-Muslim Children |
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| NinthMuharram |
| 04/17/03 at 21:48:10 |
| Ya Allah! I forgot abt you Barr!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Umm umm yup ;) p.s: should i send the bunga telur (without the telur) to you thru Umm Wafi? ;) |
| 04/17/03 at 21:57:19 |
| NinthMuharram |
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