Blue Abaya

Monday, June 17, 2013

Hijab And Youth: A Modern Look At Modest Dress In Saudi Arabia

I have the pleasure to share with Blue Abaya readers another article from "Anonymous Saudi Man". It's always interesting to read his view points as we hardly ever hear the Saudi men's side to common issues in the Kingdom. This time he is discussing the hijab and what he feels has been lost from its original meaning.
Read also these posts from him: Saudi Punks: http://www.blueabaya.com/2013/03/darbawiya-saudi-punks.html
Thoughts on Tribalism Love and Marriage: http://www.blueabaya.com/2013/01/a-male-perspective-on-marriage-tribes.html

HIJAB AND YOUTH: A MODERN LOOK AT MODEST DRESS IN SAUDI ARABIA

Islam requires its faithful to dress modestly and I know many Muslims who apply this tradition to their daily lives. I believe there are several important and positive reasons for modest dress. One reason is modesty stops the poor from feeling any shame for their lack of wealth, and it reminds the wealthy that their money is to be spent wisely and shared with those less fortunate. Another reason is modest dress helps build a friendly, comfortable society. Modest dress also invites creativity, and encourages people - both men and women - to express their individuality in artful and beautiful styles. Modest dress does not mean boring clothing!

For years Saudi women have been wearing the Hijab, Saudi men limit wearing gold and other forms of jewelry or adornment for religious reasons without really understanding the wisdom and implications of their actions.

I believe the spirit and interpretation of the Hijab is currently lost among modern Saudi youth. Perhaps they’ve been following religious leaders blindly without digging deeper into the legislations. Maybe they are simply confused, as I would assume everyone who studies religion in Saudi is. This might sound like a “Soufi” approach to the Hijab. However, I am not associated with any Soufi groups.

Modest Dress in Other World Cultures

Many world cultures have religions that strive to dress modestly. Some notable examples include the Amish Christian sect in the United States, other world-wide Christian sects (including the Roman Catholics), the Jewish settlers in Israel, secular and religious Shinto or Buddhists in Japan, and Muslims from both the Sunna and Shiaa sects in Saudi Arabia and Iran. I also see modest clothing popping up in non-religious societies like in China. I have also witnessed a revival of modesty among feminists in Western societies. It seems to me that the original meaning of modest dress in the Islamic religious tradition is much better understood in other parts of the world that by Muslims themselves.

Taking Back Modesty - Women

Many liberals, both Saudi and non-Saudi, describe the Hijab as old fashioned, citing the goal of the Hijab is to oppress or exert sexual control over women. Some might say the opposite; that Hijab empowers women, citing that the goal is to allow women to be seen for their true merits, including intelligence and skills rather than appearance. Some also claim that women shouldn’t be seen at all.

What is clearly seen though is a world-wide trend of feminists and liberals promoting modesty in clothing. They encourage other women to dress in a less revealing manner and leave their more sensual or casual clothing at home and out of the workplace. Women who dress with modesty and professionalism can be evaluated by their qualifications and not by their physical appearance or social status. Another justification of modest dress is it can lessen the objectification of women in media and lessens the effect of unattainable airbrushed beauty. I am not calling for individual women to be less feminine or beautiful, as they have every right to express themselves as individuals.

Taking Back Modesty - Men

Modesty is also important for men. I find that people are easily impressed of other men in the workplace by the cars they drive or by the suits or accessories they wear. That is why I personally wear modest plaid shirts and a pair of simple jeans and sneakers at meetings or other work-related events. When more formal attire is required, I select a simple thobe with simple plain colored pair of sneakers. This doesn’t mean I do not wear clothing that is more fashionable, personalized, or artsy; I do wear what pleases me, just as I prescribed for women. However, I stay away from any excessive display of wealth through clothing.

Plain, simple, and equal clothing allows people to receive credit and respect for something they worked for rather than something they are given at birth. I believe this is so much more satisfying and healthy for a person's ego and tends to help level the playing field among all people in this life.

Modesty in the Saudi Youth

As I stated earlier, it seems the original meaning of modest dress has turned into a modern phobic reaction against sex. I see the original reason for the Hijab has changed into clothing that people preach about, something that protects women from sexual threats. The Hijab is now designed to cover a young woman's “check lists” of body parts that could arouse men's sexuality. This makes the Hijab seem more like a punishment to young Saudi women and a reaction to men's inability to control their sexuality.

What’s interesting is how there’s no mention in the Saudi justification of wearing hijab on how it’s supposed to limit the vanity of a woman and help keep excessive display of wealth under control. I feel the current interpretation of the Hijab has left out limiting the exposure of brand-name handbags, expensive shoes, or expensive jewelry. Those items are flaunted everywhere. The spirit of the Hijab I believe is now ignored through these displays of excess wealth.

I also see this with young Saudi men. The Saudi men drive expensive German cars, wear expensive vanity accessories, brand-name watches, carry the latest cell phones, wear fashionable sunglasses, expensive jeans, designer thobes and gold threaded Bishts (Meshlah or Robes) although Muslim men are forbidden to wear gold. Sadly, I see many religious people tempted by this showing off, and some do indulge themselves in displays of wealth. They justify their actions through religious texts and opinions.

Art and Beauty Does Not Mean Expensive

Beauty does not need to be expensive. This is something that I try to live by. I don’t have to buy expensive accessories and brand names to look fashionable and artistic. In reality, most art and beautiful accessories are very personal and are not sold in stores, nor do they need to be made out of expensive materials. One might debate that expensive name brands and purchased “kitsch” actually diminishes the beauty and artistic value of an accessory or piece of clothing. Bring back modest dress in your life, and stop the excessive display of wealth. Men, you can still look elegant, smell nice, and look professional in inexpensive and modest clothing. Women, if you elect to wear the Hijab, do it for the right reasons. Spread the positive energy of modest dress through art and creativity.

-Anonymous Saudi Man

What do you think? Do you agree with his observations?

tags:culture,hijab,Islam,muslims,niqab,saudi men,Saudi women | 16 comments

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Ten Pools In Riyadh To Cool Off In This Summer!

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There's no doubt that summer is here to stay. It's getting hotter by the day with recorded temperatures reaching almost 50C! Lots of women are looking for swimming pools in Riyadh that could be used by females only. There aren't many olympic sized public swimming pools out there, but a few great options are available for those looking for a refreshing and cooling day out at the pool. Whether you're searching for an indoor or outdoor pool look no further!

This is my article from June's Women's Skills Bureau Newsletter "10 Ways To Cool Off In Riyadh"
The newsletter as a whole can be downloaded here.

Top Ten Swimming Pools In Riyadh

Summer is here and temperatures are expected to raise well above +40c daily for the next three months or so. What a better way to cool off than by spending a day at the pool! Here are ten swimming pools that women can use in Riyadh.

1. The outdoor wave pool at Diplomatic Quarters Sport Club. The DQ Sports club outdoor and indoor pools have alternating days for women and men. The outdoor wave pool area is set in a beautiful garden and has water slides, kids pools and a restaurant. Membership required.

2.   Yibreen Spa outdoor pool. Located inside this secluded luxury spa, the pool and sun tanning/lounging area is accessible for members free of charge and with a fee for non members. The café offers healthy snacks and fresh fruit juices.

3.       Riyadh Golf Club Sports Gardens pools. A green oasis in the middle of the desert, the Golf club has plenty of outdoor activities for families including the outdoor pool, children’s pool, mini-golf, basketball and others. Membership required.

4.       Al Manahil ladies spa in the Diplomatic Quarter has a large indoor pool accessible for non members and by single payment. Modest swimwear required. Swimming classes for children and adults.

5.       Al Luthan women’s only Hotel and Spa has a beautiful indoor pool and also offers aqua fitness classes.

6.       Al Aghar Equestrian Club inside the Diplomatic Quarters has a private pool area that can be rented by the hour. Separate ladies/men’s days, Fridays are family day.

7.       Dirab Golf & Country Club located 44km outside Riyadh is a wonderful haven outside the hustle and bustle of the city. Two outdoor pools and also horseback riding available for ladies, abaya free zone.

8.       Al Multaka Ladies Center. In addition to an indoor pool, AlMultaka offers a spa and beauty salon, library, shops and a restaurant.

9. Many of the private hospitals in Riyadh have women only pools and offer classes with female instructors. Check out Obaid, Hammadi and Specialized Medical Center pools.

10. For family pool time or pool parties, the area around exit 8 and 9 is lined with istiraha’s (small private resort) that can be rented per day for the whole family to enjoy or many families can rent one and share the costs. Fantasy Land, Yamama Resort and Splash Waterpark have aquaparks open to children only but they also offer private villas with small pools.

P.S For men I would recommend the Intercontinental hotel outdoor pools (men and children only) and Ritz Carlton indoor pool (men only)