hijab
literally means 'barrier' or 'curtain' in Arabic. It is usually used to refer to an article of clothing called a khimar in Arabic ( and the Quran).
Muslim women wear it because in Quran 24:31 it tells them to drape their khimars over their chests (thus creating a "hijab"). Some
people who wear hijab only show their
feet, face and hands, others show their forearms and
feet as well while some others cover from their neck to the middle of their calf. It has been interpreted as a visual representation of modesty (
like Muslim men wearing loose clothes and not being allowed to wear gold, silk, transparent or extremely form fitting clothes is), as a representation of Islamic identity, by some a
feminist or anti-consumerist statement but most commonly an act of piety. It has also been interpreted as oppressive by neocolonialist bigots who want to 'liberate'
It is an article of clothing that doesn't need to vibe politicized by governements (cough...and so called laïcité...cough) , neocolonialist "feminists" (FEMEN..COUGH), hategroups using articles of clothing to justify unexceptable xenophobic behaviour or
crazy extremist loonies. It should not be forced on someone because in Islam nothing counts (even fasting) without niya (intention). It is not be confused with a 'niqab' (face veil) or jilbab (loose garment)
And no men are not allowed to harm women for not wearing it or harm them at all (religiously speaking)
