Sept 26 2002 – A Sydney accountant recently made a personal commitment to Islam with very public implications. Confronted by the barrage of media images and stories linking Islam to terrorism, “illegal immigrants” and pack rape, she informed her boss she would come to work wearing the hijab, the head scarf worn to protect modesty.
For 25-year old Samar Elahmad, the decision was about identity and personal values. It was part of a significant shift in Australia’s Muslim community which has so far received little attention: a community besieged and stereotyped frequently becomes more devoted to its faith and its symbols.
In Australia, many young second-generation Australians – of both sexes – are identifying more with their migrant parents’ religious beliefs than the parents. As a result, more young women are donning the hijab and both sexes are praying to demonstrate their growing devotion.
With the anti-Muslim sentiment unleashed after September 11, Australian Muslims might be expected to think twice about adopting a mode of dress which draws attention to them on the streets. The opposite is true.
Among my friends and family friends at least eight females have decided to wear the hijab in the past year or so – part of a desire to live more strongly by the values of Islam. Not all their families are happy, fearing it may make them targets. Elahmad’s family warned her it might not be “the right time” to make such a public commitment. They worried she would be the victim of harassment and other unpleasantness.
Their concern is not unfounded. Local Muslim organisations have reported a rise in abuse against Muslims. Some have been spat on and in one case a girl was pelted with a stone. The NSW Anti-Discrimination Board says that in the past year it has received “a lot of reports” about racial vilification and harassment towards Muslims, particularly in public places.
At the same time, anecdotal evidence suggests there has been a rise in the number of women wearing the hijab, and converts to Islam.
Maha Abdo, from the Muslim Women’s Association, estimates that in the past year she has come into contact with more than 50 women who were new to wearing the hijab, some of whom have Muslim mothers who do not wear it. These are not people blindly following the faith; many are educated women, or girls who are studying at the tertiary level.
If there’s one positive thing the association says has come of the media attention, it’s that it has forced more Muslims to study their religion more closely so that they are in a better position to defend it against criticism.
In some quarters, this is being described as a “reawakening” among young Australian Muslims, who have been prompted to search for a deeper understanding of their religion. In a lot of cases, this is a journey that has not been taken by their parents.
The decision to wear the hijab does not require consultation or approval, and some Muslim activists argue that it is not just a religious obligation but a political and cultural statement. But let’s get one thing straight: the hijab is not a new concept when it comes to piety and modesty. Other religions, including Christianity, have also traditionally encouraged women to dress conservatively.
Of course it is possible to be a modest woman without wearing the hijab, just as it is possible for those who choose not to wear it to be uncompromising on moral and ethical issues. Elahmad says the hijab has been an empowering personal development that has made her a “stronger person”.
For young Australian Muslims like her, religion is strongly linked to identity and community. When that community – and, therefore, the very faith of the people of that community – is the focus of debate in a highly politicised environment, all of that must impact on the way people see themselves and how they live their lives.
So for those people who spit and throw stones, if you think that you’re scaring people off, think again. Your actions are actually having the opposite effect. Adversity is breeding a more profound commitment to their faith.
Nadia Jamal is a Herald journalist.
