Abaya – A Saudi women’s response
She’s smart, experienced, well educated and she’s around my age. She’s also born and raised in Saudi Arabia with experience abroad. She’s been invited to comment. What a response! Her comment is pasted below. Enjoy cultural insights from a woman I respect and admire on many levels. Please feel free to ask her questions by responding to this post.
Grace,
It’s interesting how we perceive things differently as we come from diffrent backgrounds. One of the key lines in this entry is “There are times when I don’t want to be identified from a distance, wear my pajamas and not want to do my hair”. Fair enough, now think of it oppositely, what if those rare moments where you want to be unidentified become your whole outdoor life, not even a choice you can make whenever you want. Think of you “feeling like doing your hair nice” and perhaps show it off a little but yet you can’t? Isn’t it a basic human right to wear what you feel like wearing as long as you don’t harm others?
I would think of me getting ready for a party, all dressed up feeling my beauty that God has given to me and then right before I take off I am forced by the “power of the law” to put a black dress and a scarf upon everything and in a minute transform to be someone else. Someone that does not reflect who I really am, how I think or even look. Besides, don’t men as well have those moments where they want to wonder around in pajamas and not to worry about being attractive? Yet the law gives them a full choice of what to put on!
Originally, Abaya as a notion was meant to make a woman unattractive individual. The mind that first came up with the Abaya or indeed any sort of veil was based on the idea of “if we could make one of the 2 genders looks unattractive then we can retain morality in society” but since it was basically a man’s mind then the Abaya had to go to the weaker and (at that time) non-educated dependent gender (women). Being an insider I would assure that in the origin of Islam, nothing of what we call nowadays “Saudi Abaya” was mentioned. The texts of Quran were clear in promoting clothing decency and modesty without restricting it to a certain type of clothes or indeed a color. It was one of those things which were left wide open to what fits the era one is living.. So it’s interesting that despite our religion’s flexibility we, Saudi women, still forced by power of low to dress like the desert woman who lived at the Arabian peninsula 1400 years ago. I guess it is man’s
interpretations of Islam which always been used to back up different agendas across the years.
Ironically, despite restrictions, the supposedly unattractive outfit was transformed by those young Muslim girls to a mysterious and somehow “hot” dress. Colors, patterns and expensive fabric (what I like to call a woman’s touch) were integrated to it. Isn’t it a nature of a woman to try to look beautiful? Should the Saudi Motawa consider other means for preserving morality? Perhaps Men’s Veil?
Jen B. said,
February 28, 2008 at 10:00 pm
What a wonderful perspective, thank you for sharing this! I recently did a short piece of work for my anthropology class on culture shock and learning how to avoid ethnocentrism and cultural relativism in our views towards other cultures. I choose Afghanistan and the subject of women required to cover up was talked about. Would it be ok to share this perspective of yours with my class? I think they would gain some good insight into matter.
Chris Armijo said,
February 29, 2008 at 6:06 am
I truly appreciate the views expressed by both Grace and Shima on the topic of an imposed dress code for women in Saudi Arabia and the intricacies that exist within such. I am shocked and saddened by the fact that these type of gender specific restrictions still exist. Humanity has proven itself to be notorious for institutionalizing and oppressing life forms deemed threatening to the status quo. This I know, but will never get used to it. The only power I have right now is to pose a couple of questions.
1. Shima, what is the consensus among Saudi women? Overall, would Saudi women prefer not to wear the Abaya?
2. Are there groups actively trying to overthrow these archaic mores?
One last thought:
Mark Twain said “Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.”
When humans are forced to wear uniforms they are ultimately being forced to strip to conformity, which, I think equates to being naked and without intellectual individuality or power.
graceabroad said,
February 29, 2008 at 11:07 am
Jen, I’m sure our Saudi lady would be happy for you to use her as a reference. I can connect you via email after I run it by her. I’m really looking forward to your insights as your paper develops so feel free to keep us posted on any more thoughts related to cultural relevance. A book I read most of in Grad school is “The Culture and Nature of Human Development” by Barbara Rogoff. She gives you a nice place to stand with regards to how one approaches cultural awareness without initial judgement but discovery of how we are similar as well. Thanks for writing and keep up the comments. Here’s a quote on page 31 – “Because observations can never be freed from the observers’ assumptions, interests, and perspective, some scholars conclude that there should be no attempt to understand cross-community regularities of phenomena. However, with sensitive observation and interpretation, we can come to a more satisfactory understanding of the phenomena that interest us, which can help guide our actions with each other. That this process of learning never ends is not a reason to avoid it.”
I love this passage because this is what it’s about for me, the more we understand the actions and more importantly the reasons behind such actions with regard to other cultures, the more we have half a chance to alter our judgements and actions and just allow certain things to happen. For example, if a Saudi male became closed off and frustrated with your questions about his family (if you’re a male) you might think he’s pretty rude. But he’s been taught from a young age not to inquire too much about another man’s female relatives, this is very impolite. The fact that you understand just that one aspect will allow you to adjust your actions and reactions to such reactions to actions. We can’t avoid learning. But her take on looking at regularities is really what it’s about. Although I can’t help focus on the differences myself.
graceabroad said,
February 29, 2008 at 11:31 am
Chris,
Thanks for your questions and comment. I think you touch on some really interesting points. Yes, uniforms are an attempt at sanctioning conformity but aren’t we all wearing uniforms? I suppose I could wrap myself in aluminum foil if I chose too in the states. But even with the abaya there is so much differentiation. The Saudi Women may be wearing something similar called the abaya. But what they’ve done is take it to a whole new level of differentiation. Sequins on sleeves, diamond studded messages ont he backs, fine fabrics, tapered seams, and even some color mixed up in there. In other words, humanity always finds a way to distinguish themselves. Also in Riyadh the abaya is pretty common, but other areas in the Middle East as well as in other cities in Saudi Arabia, the Abaya is not the main uniform. The Koran says a woman should only show her hands and feet. It doesn’t say, she must wear black, or specificy which dress to wear. But this is what’s happening. I’ll ask my friend to answer your questions. A few women I’ve spoken to from Egypt and Jordan really hate the abaya. The feel that they are muslim and modest so why should they have to be forced to wear this particular article of clothing. I will say this, some women really wear it well. They have taken all the above differintiation to the extreme and manage a unique style despite it all. If we all had to sit around naked, we’d start working out a lot more and doing all kinds of new things to show off the parts of our bodies that aren’t normally seen. I think we’ll always use something to stand out if we’re so inclined.
Jen B. said,
February 29, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Grace, thank you so much for the book suggestion. This is exactly the type of reading I am looking for. And yes I will keep you posted. You are doing such great work Grace, I am so proud and in awe of you! Keep it up!
Jason said,
March 1, 2008 at 10:27 am
It is nice to read an inside perspective on this topic. I suppose a similar comparison in other parts of the world might be the make-up and/or jewelry that women are expected (though probably not required) to wear. Even if it isn’t punishable by law, I certainly have seen it “punishable” by the more superficial constituents of specific local communities.
Perhaps a more direct analog is, as Grace mentioned, everyday clothing. In a way, being required to cover up _at all_ could be considered a method of maintaining a level of conformity among a populace. I am not a nudist or anything, but I see no reason why clothing should be anything but optional. Other animals walk around naked all of the time…
Going deeper into that, there is even inequality with regards to “minimum allowed clothing” laws among the sexes. For example, I would be allowed to walk around outdoors without a shirt on (for all to behold my intensely pale skin), yet a woman would be chastised or even arrested for doing the same. Is it because the sight of men’s breasts are somehow more acceptable than those of women? No matter the side that anyone takes on the issue, the act of seeing another person’s naked body is unlikely cause any real harm. For societies that claim to be rooted in liberty and equality while having free enterprise that uses allusions to sexuality to peddle their wares at every opportunity, such laws seem anachronistic and petty. This could be applied to many other silly governmental restrictions as well, but I won’t go off of topic.
All of that aside, I have a question. What are the specific penalties for non-compliance of this “Abaya wearing” law? Are we talking a fine, or something more harsh?
It is encouraging to hear that Muslim girls are “making lemonaid” so to speak. It sounds like the first step in the right direction to eventually offering a wider and more fair choice to all of the women who are affected.
Shima said,
March 2, 2008 at 6:39 am
Dear all,
Cheers for the responses. Yes we should bridge those cultural gaps which are keeping us apart and the best way to do it is to stop hearing from the media and start hearing from the individuals. That’s what I decided to do long before and when I did I developed a better understanding of the western culture, thanks to many great friends I had in the UK. Grace you are doing an awesome job in bringing us together.
Jen B.
Thanks for the remark. Please feel free to use the post in your class. Bear in mind however that Saudi is a different context than Afghanistan, completely different cultures, economic and political systems. To me it might sound like putting together china and Greece in one context. In all cases I would truly love to contribute in whatever research your doing- Good luck.
Chris,
When you ask “would Saudi women prefer not to wear the Abaya?” you are not talking (just like the case with the US media) about the women of the capital city Riyadh are you? The ladies consistently showing on CNN and FOX news covered from head to toes and walking behind their men in a mall do barely represent one culture among many in saudi (Riyadh is the most conservative spot in Saudi, one of the most conservative internationally). Thus, when we say “Saudi women” we should take into consideration other parts of Saudi Arabia Jeddah and the eastern province as well as the southern regions of the country; those regions have multicultural population and more liberal views toward life and religion.
To answer your question objectively I would say that generally women here feel that they are being treated unfairly by both the society and the international media as well. Being an activist in this field I would say that Saudi women are unhappy with the fact that Abaya is being forced as law that one could be criminalized and punished if violating. However what frustrates women more is to be labeled by the international media basing on one region which Riyadh. Similar model would be referring to the people of Arizona as the “US population” when Arizona is just representing one culturally conservative state among many others.
But yea Saudi women would like if the Abaya was a choice a woman could make according to her own belief and not someone else’s.
Now as for “Are there groups actively trying to overthrow these archaic mores?”. Well yes, there are many unofficial groups of Saudi female academics, businesswomen and journalists who are trying to reach the saudi official to bring some change. Now more than ever I can feel some changing in the air coming.
As for Grace, thanks for the remarks, just a little clarification; the Quran never specified a certain area of the body to be covered. It was referred to as “cover some of their bodies” without defining how much that “some” is. It’s totally subjective. It’s the prophet Mohammed who said once “woman, as they get adult, should not show much of her body except for this and this” he pointed to his face and hands.. He never criminalized it; it was more of an opinion or a suggestion. It is well explained in another interesting story which I would like to share here. It is when the Prophet Mohammed was once walking with one of his fellow mates in a market (markets were mixed places unlike in “modern” Saudi where they are mostly gender sections- another contradiction between the real Islam and human interpretation of it). So while they were walking, a beautiful woman walked by, the prophet’s mate looked at her she was not covering and she was beautiful.. So as the guy was looking at her the Prophet turned his mate’s face to the other side indicating “do not stare!”.. he never arrested the woman never comment on her not even a single word although he would definitely have loved if she was wearing some decent clothes; at the end of the day it was a choice she had to make and that is the moral of the story.
In modern Saudi the lady would be arrested and sentenced to 1 year jail and 200 lashes for such a thing!
It is interesting how far we have gone against the “real” teachings of Islam!
Carlos said,
March 9, 2008 at 12:55 pm
The best part for me is the though of men wearing veils. Actually you might wanna visit my blog to check what that would like on myself.
I would add: imagine wives having four husbands and deciding if their boys are to study or go abroad, etc.
I often share this imaginary situations with some saudis and they just smile and say “well, but women and men are different”.
Human culture can be tremendously different and still make people who life with one particar culture feel is the only way possible or that other ways are all wrong.
It is nice to hear some local voices too. I can ask an online friend of mine, who has interested views on all these topics.
HUmera KAleem said,
January 10, 2009 at 4:01 pm
hey Carlos what you siad about imagining women having forur husbands is just dumb. A woman can’t divide her heart into 4 (If you noticed men usually cheat on their partners) and who will be the father of her children? And by the way if any of u guys read the Quran spelled with a Q you’d find that polygamy can only be done when the man treats all his wives equally. Not many men can do that and so they are not allowed. Did u know pople had as many as 20 wives before this relevation came down limiting it to four? Also, it’s especillay necessary when there’s war and the number of men are low.
Also Shima (assalamalikum). You can look beaytiful whenever you want to infornt of your girlfrineds and family. What you are actually saying is tat when you feel flirtatious y feel obstructed by the abaya. And yes, you have the ‘freedom’ to do whatever you want behind closed doors but it’s good that women wear modest clothes in public so there is less chances of teengae pregnancies,higher divorce rates etc. Healthier for society stuff like fewer rapes( proven by the figures). And dera MUslimah there are so many things that are more important then being beautifil, I think ISlam has proved that in the Quran . Women have so many responisbilities. Oh and your Hadith implies that men also do have restrictions, they also have to loweer their gaze and if you noticed no man wears anything above his knees. In Saudi Arabia men wear as much as women!! Even though they are not required to as men are required to work for theur families usually outside in the heat.
I respect all your opinions but I think they are because of short sighted ness and in case you’re wondering whether my husband is standing behind me ready to beat me to pulp if I don’t post this you’re wrong. I’m not getting Opressed by Islam. Saudi Arabia maybe sometimes but not by Islam. PLEASE, please,please all of you take the time and read the Quran. The reason why Islam is the fasting growing religion( many reverts) is because of the Quran.
God Guide you all. God Bless you
Dorota said,
February 13, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Dear ladies,
I’m currently writing my master thesis on the dress of the khaleej region, as well as the stereotypical view the western societies have towards covered women.
I have read the post and have a few questions.
1. Could I quote you in my thesis?
2. After living in UAE for over 18 years, I can’t help to wonder.
The desert dress, which later on became known as the Islamic dress (Yes I am also refering to biblical characters wearing similar clothes- but in the Palestinian edition).
Critically approaching the matter- the desert dress was a necessity in the harsh sunny regions. Covering the whole body and the head is a must in the heat. Covering one’s whole face during a sandstorm is also the best survival method.
I couldn’t help but come to a conclusion- that in the Quran it was described that “Yes, people of the 600’s AD- what you are wearing is fine, and it is the right way”
Perhaps later, somehow the whole thing was misinterpreted? And in the XXI century women are left to what once was a necessity….and no longer is.
Please let me know what do you think.
Thanks
HUmera KAleem said,
March 20, 2009 at 3:23 pm
I can’t say i agree with you,Dorota. Islamically and in most of the other religions women are required to cover up in Arab countries it happens to be the abaya beacuse it was what was worn by the women of the desert and yes it was multipurpose but the fact that women wear abayas is more to do with religion then unbased tradition. The Quran wasn’t sent to one trube it was sent to the world so no God didn’t order women ‘to draw their cloaks around them’ because of the environment this is proved by the verse ’so they can be recognised but not annoyed.’