The Modification of Muslim Women's Hijab to Meet Modern Life Styles in a Western Society

Abstract

<p>This research aims to investigate why and how a group of Muslim women developed and adopted a variation hijab, the Multipurpose Modern Hijab (MMH), to wear while living in the U.S. The MMH's construction includes cuts, folds, and snaps that are not found on the traditional, unmodified hijab. Using a qualitative approach, four of the five women who developed the MMH were interviewed using semi-structured interview guide. The results indicated that the reasons behind developing the MMH is feeling uncomfortable using the traditional hijab since it is hard to use, as it required frequent adjustment or use safety pins to stabilize it. The MMH reinforces their commitment to Allah and communicates their religious beliefs to others. The fabric preferences for MMH are softness, drapability, lightweight, and breathability. There is need for additional research that focus on modifications made by other individuals, as well as consider generational, geographic, and occupational differences.</p>