Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

One of the funnier things I've heard lately is "Why should a woman who covers herself from head to toe care about what she looks like?"

Okay. It's not that funny. It's actually a little insulting and dehumanizing.

We are hijabis. But are we not human beings as well? Are we not women?

We want to look good, if not for the sake of Allah or our own sakes, then also for the sakes of our loved ones.

No woman wants to be found unattractive by her husband. No woman wants to look in the mirror and reflect on how she has let herself go.

As Muslimahs and hijabis, there are reasons all over the web in favor of covering ourselves...and a lot of helpful tips on how to discuss hijab with non-muslims. One of the most popular explanations goes thus:

So many women (non-muslims and muslims alike) get themselves dressed and made-up to go out to work/the store/anywhere but home...and when they come home, they put on their pj's and wipe their faces clean and put their hair into a ponytail or bun all in the name of comfort. And they do this in front of their husband's and children. But logically, since these same women would place their families much higher on the list of priorities than some stranger that might see them at the 7-11, shouldn't they put a little more effort into how they appear before their dear ones than how they might appear elsewhere?

It might seem quaint to try and be your best at home and for your family. It might seem unreasonable to expect a woman to give up her comfy pj's for something more attractive. It might seem as though family and spouse should accept you just as you are...

But who said that attractive clothes can't be comfortable? And your spouse may accept you for who you are, frump and all, but shouldn't you at least TRY to please him? You could always replace those frumpy sweats with a pretty jersey nightgown you know....

So..........................................................

Yes, although I cover myself from head to toe, I still worry and care about the way I look. If for no other reason than that I want my family to know that I respect them enough to look good for them and to teach my daughters that it's important to take care of yourself as well as others.