Muslim Women In Singapore Did Not Wear The Hijab Before Early 1970s

As proof that the cultural trend of wearing the hijab is a fairly recent phenomenon in Singapore’s history, here are some photos of Muslim women in Singapore/Malaya before early 1970.

In everyday life:

4ef53e31-f3d7-4348-a420-92f2e86bbfa5

54eaba5f-7ff8-4c06-9aa2-e01a310be376

7836ccdb-8fef-4036-a7d8-0340a2a2c1ec

Malay ladies

old-tekka-market-1971

 

In special occasions:

malay wedding

malay wedding 2

malay wedding 4

 

In film and pop culture:

tunang pak dukun

rachun dunia

Cinta

beer ad

 

From the above photographs, it is evident that before the early 1970’s, the hijab was not part of the Islamic dress code. Then, most Muslim women went about bareheaded or even sporting perms that were popular during that era. Even the more conservative did not wear the hijab, but rather draped a loose shawl or scarf over their head.

The increasing religiousity of Muslims around the region has obviously impacted Muslims in Singapore, as evident from the changes in our daily habits and dress code. While this in itself is not necessarily a bad thing, but we should not be so quick to also import the customs and culture of other Muslim nations, and in doing so, erode away our own beautiful Malayan heritage.

 

Source: www.aiseyman.com

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *