Women embrace the hijab
By RACHEL MORRIS
February 16, 2004

http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story.jsp?sectionid=1260&storyid=903221

MORE young Sydney women are choosing to wear the
hijab, or head scarf, to show pride in their religion
and encourage others to understand Islam rather than
fear it.

At a time when the wearing of the veil has come under
intense attack in Europe, Muslim women in Sydney are
taking up the practice in unprecedented numbers.

Shops and internet sites selling the hijab have
reported a spike in sales in recent months.

The shift in visibility of Muslim women in post-"war
on terror" Australian society has also led to the
introduction of a magazine aimed at twenty-something
Muslim women, featuring fashion articles and cooking
tips.

Nineteen-year-old student Feda Abdo said more of her
friends were choosing to identify their religion.

"More Muslim women are taking a stand and asserting
their identity," Ms Abdo told The Daily Telegraph.

"The hijab is an expression of your identity."

Ms Abdo has worn the veil for seven years since her
parents allowed her to make a decision.

Her sister did not make the transition until she was
well into her teens.

"People think we have no choice -- that we are forced
to wear it," said Ms Abdo, who has two drawers full of
scarves.

"Most young Muslim women choose to wear it."

Ms Abdo said that by wearing the veil, she was
encouraging non-Muslims to ask questions about her
religion and help them "understand".

Abdul Shukr, who runs an internet store selling
"traditional" Muslim attire for men and women, said
there had been an increase in demand in recent months.

"I do believe there are more and more Muslim, and
non-Muslim, women donning the hijab," Mr Shukr said.

The Australian example goes against a global trend.

Last week, the French Government approved a law
barring children in public schools from wearing
conspicuous religious symbols.

It bans hijabs for Muslim girls, skull caps for Jews,
large crosses for Christians and perhaps turbans for
Sikhs.

Germany is also considering a ban on women in the
public service wearing the hijab.

The new magazine -- called Reflections, and on its
second issue -- is the product of what its editors say
is a desire to educate both Muslim and non-Muslim
members of the community about the religion's beliefs
and practices.

The latest issue, which is funded by advertising from
local businesses and a small State Government grant,
has a fashion feature showing the "Berkeley cardigan"
and the "Paris dress".






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