Burka Studies

2007-02-03T11:57:00.000-05:00

finishing up. Bedouin unmarried girl.

The Inspiration--round one

2007-01-29T15:06:00.000-05:00

The inspiration for this body of work comes from wanting to understand why women wear hajib within the Islamic community. Originally, I lumped this concept of these covered women in with others who wear a garment to disguise their identitites such as Klan members. This is not the case. These conservative Islamic women dress according to sharia, or Muslim law, an aspect of the Islamic faith that feathers the sacred law as stated in the Koran with secular life. We do not understand this concept as a basic tenet of the American Constitution is the separation of church and state. Within the Islamic context, church and state are one.

These clothes are not meant to be mysterious or sexy. This is not an investigation of the allure of who these women are beneath their robes as this is not our place. The robes and head coverings that these conservative women wear is based on keeping those things private, private--and that a married women's place is one that is protected, private and discreet. She is to be protected and kept distanced from the world in these garments only within the privacy of her own home or within the community of other women. Hajib provides this distance.

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new black on black burqa lady in process. Her hair shows--so I am partying with the blue highlights in it. Here is one eye.

2007-01-05T18:43:00.000-05:00

Marriages of the Prophets

2007-01-05T09:57:00.000-05:00

Understanding Islam

He married 11 or 13 women depending upon the differing accounts of who were his wives (not all at one time). Two of his wives - Khadîjah and Zaynab bint Khuzayma - died during his lifetime. Only Khadijah and Maria al-Qibtiyya bore him many children.

There is some dispute between Shia scholars regarding the genealogy of the four daughters of Khadija on whether they were born to Khadijah from her marriage to Muhammad, an earlier marriage, or if they were in fact the daughters of a widowed and dead sister of Khadija. Sunnis believe he had four daughters with Khadîjah.

Shi'a accept Fatimah to be Muhammad's only surviving child [citation needed], while some Sunni question that [citation needed].

There is also a difference of opinion regarding whether he had two or four sons. The conflict arises from some reports on the sons of Khadijah mentioning two sons called Tahir and Tayyab [citation needed], and another mentioning one called Abdullah who was also called Tahir and possibly also called Tayyab [citation needed]. Ibrâhîm was the only child borne to him by Maria during his residence in Medina and the last to be born. Abdullâh was born after his prophethood but died during his residence in Mecca. All the other sons died before his prophethood.

The Wives of Muhammad

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid

Sawda bint Zama*

Aisha*

Hafsa bint Umar

Zaynab bint Khuzayma

Umm Salama Hind bint Abi Umayya

Zaynab bint Jahsh

Juwayriya bint al-Harith

Ramlah bint Abi-Sufyan

Safiyya bint Huyayy

Maymuna bint al-Harith

Maria al-Qibtiyya**

wiki on the wives of Muhammad (12?)

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Traditionally, Muslims have recognized many different forms of clothing as satisfying the demands of hijab. Debate focussed on how much of the male or female body should be covered. Different scholars adopted different interpretations of the original texts. The strand of thought in Sunni Islam known as Salafism recommends that women wear a jilbab, a high-necked loose robe that covers the arms and legs, and a khumūr, a scarf or cowl that covers all but the face. These garments are very different in cut than most of the traditional forms of hijab, and they are worn worldwide by Muslimas who have adopted Salafism. Salafis believe that the jilbab and the khimar are the very garments demanded by the Qur'an. Non-Salafis do not accept this; they believe that the words used in the Qur'an are best understood as words with a general meaning, such as veils, head-coverings, cloaks, or shawls, and that Muslims have some freedom in choosing which form of head-covering or cloak to wear.

Javed Ahmed Ghamidi, an Islamic scholar well-known for historical contextualization of Muhammad's revelation[1](p.93), argues that Qur'an mentions khumūr only as a 7th century Arabian dress, but there is no command to wear it in specific. In his interpretation of verse 33:59, he argues that "they may be known, and thus they will not be given trouble" and the context of the verse shows that the directive to wear jalābib was not of permanent nature. He also believes that the special restrictions for wives of Muhammad are not applicable to all women at all times. He considers "head-covering" for women a cherished part of Muslim social custom and tradition but not compulsory.[6][7]

Most scholars agree that the rules of ħijāb can be waived if following them would result in risk of death or extreme hardship.

Qur'an

2007-01-04T12:33:00.001-05:00

Qur'an, orders Muslims to dress in a "modest" fashion. Following verses are generally interpreted as applying to all Muslim men and women.
“ Believers! Enter not the houses other than your own until you have introduced yourselves and wished peace to those in them. That is best for you that you may be heedful. If you find no one in the house, enter not until permission is given to you. If you are asked to go back, go back, for it is purer for you. Allah has knowledge of all which you do. It is no sin for you to enter non-residential places in which there is benefit for you. And Allah has knowledge of what you reveal and what you conceal. [O Prophet!] tell believing men to restrain their eyes and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. And Allah is well aware of what you do. And tell the believing women to restrain their eyes and to guard their private parts and to display of their ornaments only those [which are worn on limbs] which are normally revealed and to draw their khumūr over their bosoms. They should not reveal their ornaments to anyone save their husbands or their fathers or their husbands’ fathers or their sons or their husbands’ sons or their brothers or their brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons or other women of acquaintance or their slaves or the subservient male servants who are not attracted to women or children who have no awareness of the hidden aspects of women. They should [also] not stamp their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. Believers turn to Allah in repentance that you may prosper. „

— Qur'an , 24:27-31

Following verses are taken to apply to the wives of Muhammad, though some commentators believe that all women should imitate their example.
“ Wives of the Prophet, you are not like other women. So, if you fear God, do not be too complaisant in your speech, lest the lecherous-hearted should lust after you. Talk with such people in plain and simple words. Abide still in your homes and do not display your finery as women used to do in the days of ignorance. Attend to your prayers, give alms and obey God and His Messenger. O woman of this house, the Almighty wants to cleanse you from the filth [these hypocrites want to besmear you with] and to fully purify you. Communicate what is taught to you of the verses of God and the wisdom revealed by Him [to your visitors]. The Almighty is very discerning and all-knowing. „

— Qur'an , 33:32-34

In following verses, Muslim women are asked to draw their jalābib (when they go out), as a measure to distinguish themselves from others, so that they are not harassed.
“ Those who harass believing men and believing women unjustifiably shall bear the guilt of slander and a grievous sin. O Prophet! Enjoin your wives, your daughters, and the wives of true believers to draw their cloaks over them [when they go out]. That is more proper, so that they may be distinguished [from slave women] and not be harassed. God is ever forgiving and merciful. If the hypocrites and those who have the ailment [of jealousy] in their hearts and the scandal mongers of Madinah do not desist, We will rouse you against them, and their days in that city will be numbered. Cursed be they; wherever found, they would be seized and put to death. „

— Qur'an , 33:58-61

[edit]

Hijab

2007-01-04T12:31:00.001-05:00

taking away and editing..closer

2006-12-20T09:20:00.000-05:00

more holhwein scrap as reference

2006-12-20T09:09:00.001-05:00

dont forget Ludwig Hohlwein!!

2006-12-20T09:08:00.001-05:00

12.19.06 new face

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12.18.06 new face in process

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web note taking

2006-12-06T13:20:00.000-05:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hijab
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burka
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_islam
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharia
http://www.muhajabah.com/hjbscared.htm
http://www.islam101.com/women/hijabfaq.html
http://www.english.emory.edu/Bahri/Veil.html
http://www.hijab.com/
http://www.jannah.org/sisters/hijab.html
http://www.prohijab.net/english/main.htm

retailers
http://www.alhannah.com/cgi-bin/avg?a;hijab
http://store.al-farah.com/women-s-collection-hijab.html
http://www.hijabsonline.com/
http://www.al-ikhlas.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=7
http://artizara.com/webcart11/page-SPECIAL$20OFF.htm?gclid=CKjJuY-7_ogCFTA8FQodZECHLA
http://www.myfavoritehijabstore.com/

Sartorial hijab

2006-12-06T13:16:00.000-05:00

Sartorial hijab
Muslim communities across the world and throughout history have interpreted hijab in many ways. Contemporary Muslims differ widely in their interpretation and practice of hijab.

Women's dressSau

Detailed scholarly attention has been focused on prescribing female dress. Most scholars agree that the basic requirements are that when in the presence of someone of the opposite sex (other than a close family member - mahram), a woman should cover her body, and walk and dress in a way which does not draw sexual attention to her. Some scholars go so far as to specify exactly which areas of the body must be covered. In many cases, this is everything save the face and hands but others require everything save the eyes to be covered.

The Saudi Arabian version of modest dress is composed of an abaya or loose robe, ħijāb or headcovering and niqāb or face veil. The Saudi niqāb usually leaves a long open slot for the eyes; the slot is held together by a string or narrow strip of cloth. Abaya and ħijāb are required; the niqāb is optional.

While Pakistan has no laws enforcing ħijāb, there are many parts of the country where there is strong social pressure for women to observe ħijāb, or purdah, as it is called in Persian. Many Pakistani women who observe purdah wear a garment called the pak-chadar, a headscarf with attached veil. However, there are also many Pakistani women who simply wear a dupatta or chunari to cover their heads. These are long scarves, often made of a light material, that match the woman's garments.

There are no laws enforcing ħijāb in India as it is a secular, Hindu-majority country, but in some conservative, Muslim-majority areas, there is social pressure to cover. Many Indian muslim women wear the burqa, although many content themselves with dupatta or chunari.

A relatively less strict (though still considerably restrictive) interpretation is that of the current Iranian government, which requires women to wear loose-fitting coats or cloaks in public, as well as a head scarf that covers the hair.

The burqa is the most extreme example of this belief: not even a woman's eyes are visible. Originating in Pakistan, it is more commonly associated with Afghanistan. Typically, a burqa is composed of many yards of light material pleated around a cap that fits over the top of the head. There is an embroidered openwork grille where the burqa passes over the eyes. Under the Taliban, the burqa was obligatory. Under the current government, it may or may not be worn.

In Malaysia the headscarf is known as a tudung. Tunisian authorities say they are encouraging women, instead, to "wear modest dress in line with Tunisian traditions i.e. no headscarf.[11]In private, and in the presence of mahrams, the rules on dress are relaxed. However scholars disagree as to what is appropriate conduct for women when alone with their husbands. Some teachers say that modest behavior is preferable even in private[12] but others stress the importance of mutual freedom and pleasure of the husband and wife[13].

hijab: from wikipedia--notes

2006-12-06T13:14:00.000-05:00

Hijab or ħijāb (حجاب) is the Arabic term for "cover" (noun), based on the root حجب meaning "to veil, to cover (verb), to screen, to shelter"
In some Arabic-speaking countries and Western countries, the word hijab primarily refers to women's head, face, or body covering. But in Islamic scholarship, hijab is given the wider meaning of modesty, privacy, and morality.[1] The word used in the Qur'an for a headscarf or veil is khimār (خمار).Texts generally accepted as commanding hijab

Qur'an
Islam's holy book, the Qur'an, orders Muslims to dress in a "modest" fashion. Following verses are generally interpreted as applying to all Muslim men and women.
“ Believers! Enter not the houses other than your own until you have introduced yourselves and wished peace to those in them. That is best for you that you may be heedful. If you find no one in the house, enter not until permission is given to you. If you are asked to go back, go back, for it is purer for you. Allah has knowledge of all which you do. It is no sin for you to enter non-residential places in which there is benefit for you. And Allah has knowledge of what you reveal and what you conceal. [O Prophet!] tell believing men to restrain their eyes and guard their private parts [if there are women present in these houses]. That is purer for them. And Allah is well aware of what you do. And tell the believing women to restrain their eyes and to guard their private parts and to display of their ornaments only those [which are worn on limbs] which are normally revealed and to draw their khumūr over their bosoms. They should not reveal their ornaments to anyone save their husbands or their fathers or their husbands’ fathers or their sons or their husbands’ sons or their brothers or their brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons or other women of acquaintance or their slaves or the subservient male servants who are not attracted to women or children who have no awareness of the hidden aspects of women. They should [also] not stamp their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. Believers turn to Allah in repentance that you may prosper. „
— Qur'an , 24:27-31
Following verses are taken to apply to the wives of Muhammad, though some commentators believe that all women should imitate their example.
“ Wives of the Prophet, you are not like other women. So, if you fear God, do not be too complaisant in your speech, lest the lecherous-hearted should lust after you. Talk with such people in plain and simple words. Abide still in your homes and do not display your finery as women used to do in the days of ignorance. Attend to your prayers, give alms and obey God and His Messenger. O woman of this house, the Almighty wants to cleanse you from the filth [these hypocrites want to besmear you with] and to fully purify you. Communicate what is taught to you of the verses of God and the wisdom revealed by Him [to your visitors]. The Almighty is very discerning and all-knowing. „
— Qur'an , 33:32-34
In following verses, Muslim women are asked to draw their jalābib (when they go out), as a measure to distinguish themselves from others, so that they are not harassed.
“ Those who harass believing men and believing women unjustifiably shall bear the guilt of slander and a grievous sin. O Prophet! Enjoin your wives, your daughters, and the wives of true believers to draw their cloaks over them [when they go out]. That is more proper, so that they may be distinguished [from slave women] and not be harassed. God is ever forgiving and merciful. If the hypocrites and those who have the ailment [of jealousy] in their hearts and the scandal mongers of Madinah do not desist, We will rouse you against them, and their days in that city will be numbered. Cursed be they; wherever found, they would be seized and put to death. „
— Qur'an , 33:58-61

burka illustration one in progress

2006-12-06T12:44:00.000-05:00

big and little, Mother and daughter. Bizarre in profile

2006-12-05T21:36:00.000-05:00

This is a fantasy. I havent been able to find reference...reversing the covering to the eyes...leaving the mouth exposed.

2006-12-05T21:35:00.000-05:00

bold brush body...really focused on eyes..

2006-12-05T21:34:00.000-05:00

more woodcutty...feels like persopolis...albeit this is a layout...far from final

2006-12-05T21:32:00.000-05:00

You can abstract this to bits...so the burkas almost just become vehicles for the eyes...this is a sketch

2006-12-05T21:31:00.000-05:00

bold and woodcutty

2006-12-05T21:28:00.000-05:00

find good bedouin reference

2006-12-05T21:19:00.000-05:00

Like the idea...essentially, the Bedouin also have women wearing hajib/burkas. But instead of these dour, monolithic garments--theirs is filled with patterns, charms, color etc. with tattooed hands etc. Could be a nice point/counterpoint. Thoughts?

USA disguising itself behind the veil of what is "private"--Behind the Burka

2006-12-05T21:17:00.000-05:00

A bit of a push....but an idea.

good better best

2006-12-05T21:13:00.000-05:00

Relative to the law, having your hair covered, your face and head covered and then the full coverage except your eyes (except in the case of the Afghanis) is good, better and best with respect to the Koran and the law. These layouts are bold...and may be handled not so tightly as the others as part of the group. I prefer the 2 black and white and 2nd color approach is it feels very monumental and sober. Your thoughts?

pair

2006-12-05T21:11:00.000-05:00

like this layout. would like to develop

sketch

2006-12-05T19:12:00.000-05:00

afghan burka

2006-12-05T19:11:00.000-05:00

like this...its so stark...maybe a shadow in the background. Will take this further

two tight afghan burkas

2006-12-05T19:10:00.000-05:00

in shadow

2006-12-05T19:06:00.000-05:00

This is to be developed out...the women who is in seclusion is behind another barrier.
The burka is a holy, "fard" state that protects what is private from that that is public...The burka acts as a barrier, a shield--a holy protection to keep those worlds separate. I can respect this practice--as the Orthodox Jews also dress to set themselves apart as do the Mennonites and Amish...and the Koran is very specific as is the Sharia (sp)--or the law that is derived from the Koran--

purple grey

2006-12-05T19:05:00.001-05:00

will develop this out in a tight/birds manner

two

2006-12-05T19:03:00.000-05:00

Not taking this further...albeit reversing flowers out of a dark field could be interesting

one--blue

2006-12-05T19:02:00.000-05:00

Am working this up...tight...a la birds.