Every religion has an outward visual that makes it different from other religions. For instance, if you see a woman praying the rosary, you might assume she is Catholic. If you see a man wearing a cross around his neck, you might assume he is a Christian, though you might not know exactly which branch of Christianity he follows.
The same is true of the Hijab, a traditional clothing worn by Muslim women. The Hijab often covers everything about the body except for the eyes and the hands. Depending upon the culture, the hijab might allow for the face to be seen as well. Some cultures might require the clothing to be of a darker color, but in other areas, vivid colors of the hijab are accepted and encouraged as a mark of individuality.
All Muslim adults must wear the hijab as is appropriate for their sex. It was ordered by Allah and the instruction can be found in the Quran, or the holy book of the Islamic religion. Though many in the Western world see this covering of the body as oppressive, Muslim women tend to see it as a dignified way of living. By being covered, they cannot be treated as sex objects, and thus hold their rightful place as equals to men, or as the cherished head of their families. The covering demands respect.
Though the hijab is often considered one of the most beautiful garments and is treated as such, this is not an absolute requirement. The body must be covered; however, the instructions in the Quran are not specific as to how. Therefore, there are a few rules. The clothing must be loose enough to hide the shape of the body, and the fabric must be thick enough to do the same. The color of the skin should not be clear through the fabric. The clothing should be dignified and clean, not ragged or torn.
The hijab is not simply about clothing and covering up the body. The hijab is also a reflection of actions, words, and deeds. The women who wear the hijab are expected to speak softly and kindly, to behave in a way that is kind toward others, and to have a manner of grace about them. Their actions should embrace their womanhood and femininity, and should be clear to everyone they come into contact with. Women who wear the hijab are following the requirements of Allah, and thus, they immediately earn the respect of men and other women in the Muslim world.