Some Scientific Reasons for Wearing Hijab

Some Scientific Reasons for Wearing Hijab (The Health and Safety Benefits of Wearing a Hijab) gawah express 5th november Hijab is not a piece of cloth or a particular way of wearing dress ,actually is more of divine ordainment than just a religious or cultural symbol. It serves as a versatile garment that provides numerous health and safety benefits for those who choose to wear it. Beyond its spiritual significance, the hijab offers protection against various environmental and health-related factors, making it a valuable accessory for women around the world. Hijab or ḥijāb is the Arabic word for "curtain / cover" (noun), based on the root “Hajab “meaning "to cover, to veil, to shelter". In popular use, hijab means "head cover and modest dress for women" among Muslims, which most Islamic legal systems debate whether it is covering everything except the face and hands in public or more. The main ordainment in Quran revolves around, O Prophet, enjoin your wives and your daughters and the believing women, to draw a part of their outer coverings around them. It is likelier that they will be recognised and not molested. Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Quran 33:59) Protection and regulation of Temperature . The hijab provides a shield against harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of skin damage, sunburn, and skin cancer. Prolonged sun exposure can have detrimental effects on the skin, but the hijab offers a simple yet effective solution to this issue, particularly in regions with intense sunlight. Protecting the head is very important from a health perspective. Results Of medical tests show that 40-60% of body heat is lost through the head, so persons wearing head coverings during cold months are protected about fifty percent more than those who do not. Protecting the head is even more important in warm weather when heat stroke can be a potential threat from frequent exposure to and overheating of the head. Protective clothing, such as Hijab, long sleeves, and covering clothes can block out the sun's harmful rays. Sun damage produces most of the skin changes that people commonly associate with aging. Long-term exposure to the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight is responsible for fine and coarse wrinkles, irregular pigmentation, brown and red spots, and the rough texture of sun-exposed skin. It was published in the British Medical Magazine that “the melanoma malignant cancer" which was one of the rare cancers is now spreading among women. It affects their legs. The medical publication went on saying that the main cause behind the spread of short dresses & fashions which expose the body of women to the rays & light of the sun. Moreover, the transparent dress and leg gloves do not help in avoiding this type of cancer. Good quality sun protection clothing covers a maximum amount of skin yet is designed to be cool and comfortable to wear. Not only hot temperatures but people living in freezing temperatures often cover their body parts. Hijabs made from breathable materials such as cotton can help regulate body temperature in hot and cold climates. They absorb sweat, keeping the body cool in warm weather, while in colder temperatures, they provide an additional layer of insulation, ensuring warmth and comfort. Proper temperature regulation is essential for overall health and well-being.With so many dress outlets around city days you can easily choose the best hijab for you to wear in the summeror winter season. You can choose the type of fabric that best suits you and your personality. The hijab also safeguards the hair and scalp from the sun's rays, helping to prevent hair damage, dryness, and split ends. Furthermore, it can protect against pollutants, reducing the chances of hair and scalp-related health issues. This additional layer of protection maintains the health and lustre of the hair, contributing to overall well-being. Protection From Allergy. Wearing a hijab can reduce exposure to environmental allergens like pollen and dust, which is especially beneficial for individuals with allergies. It serves as a physical barrier against airborne and contact infection , preventing these allergens from coming into direct contact with the skin and respiratory system. This reduction in allergen exposure can alleviate symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Protection from Air Pollution. In urban areas, exposure to air pollution is a common concern, and it can have serious health implications. The hijab acts as a filter, capturing some of the airborne particles and pollutants that would otherwise be inhaled. This helps reduce the risk of respiratory issues and other health problems associated with poor air quality. Reducing Physical Contact In a world filled with germs and pathogens, the hijab offers an additional layer of protection against physical contact, the common scenario we saw during Covid times. It can reduce the risk of transmission of diseases through touch, providing a sense of safety during crowded or high-risk situations. Improved Mental Health For some individuals, wearing a hijab can be empowering and improve their mental health. It fosters a sense of identity and self-confidence, which can have a positive impact on overall well-being. Feeling comfortable in one's appearance can lead to better mental health outcomes. Hygienic Purposes: Hijab or head-covering ensures cleanliness and purity. Workers in a number of professions wear "veils" - nurses, fast food workers, health care providers and many more. In fact, when we compare the number of workers who cover their heads to the number who do not, we find that more people probably cover their heads than do not. Why only women? Science has confirmed that visual stimulation plays a predominant role in the physiology of men compared to women. An estimated 91% of victims of rape are female, 9% are male and 99% of offenders are male. (Bureau of Justice Statistics 1999). According to USA TODAY reporter Kevin Johnson "no other major category of crime - not murder, assault or robbery - has generated a more serious challenge of the credibility of national crime statistics" than has rape. The question of whether wearing a hijab or any form of religious or cultural attire can offer safety against harassment, including eve-teasing and crime against women , is a complex and debated issue. It's important to understand that the effectiveness of the hijab or any form of clothing in preventing harassment varies from one context to another and depends on a multitude of factors, including cultural, social, and individual considerations. Some argue that wearing a hijab can provide a sense of modesty and privacy, which may reduce the likelihood of unwanted attention or harassment in certain cultural or religious contexts. In some societies, people may respect or fear the consequences of disrespecting a person's religious or cultural choices, including their attire. In a multicultural community and beliefs everyone has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their attire. Addressing harassment should be a multifaceted approach that involves the whole of society rather than placing the burden on the victims' choice of clothing. It's also important to recognize that the experiences and perspectives of individuals who wear hijabs or similar attire experiences may vary widely, and some individuals feel it is the modesty behind the attire, not mere wearing clothes in a particular way may report feeling safer while others may not. While the hijab is often viewed through the lens of religion and culture, it's important to recognize the additional health and safety benefits it offers. From sun protection to reducing allergen exposure and safeguarding against environmental hazards, the hijab serves as a versatile garment that enhances the well-being of those who choose to wear it. Furthermore, it can contribute to mental health and self-confidence, making it a valuable accessory for many women across the world. Indeed, the teachings of Islam cater to humanity-at-large, there is Hijab for males also .How can we prove to others that we can solve their problems when we ourselves have more problems to solve? Let us resolve to help one another in righteousness and piety but help not one another in sin and rancour. May Allah make it easy for us all!! Ameen (-Author besides being a medical doctor is very active in positive perception management of various moral and social issues. He can be reached at drfiazfazili@gmail.com & twitter @drfiazfazil --