07c Purdah - The Sacred Cloth Quotes

Shah invited some of the women she met and collaborated with during her residency on Albert Drive to share some words about their sacred cloths.

“I cover my head during worship, because it helps me distance myself from daily distractions and allows me to connect, spiritually, to the divine”

"I struggled initially with wearing the hijab, but after a pilgrimage to Makkah several years ago, Allah (swt) gave me the strength I prayed for and since then, I've been wearing the hijab and have never taken it off"

"I wear my head scarf to please my creator, not my family or friends"

"For Sikhs, ‘Purdah’ represented the seclusion of women, however our Guru formalised the ‘Dastar’. The Dastar is a distinct part of a Sikh person's identity, and is a sacred cloth worn by Sikh women ‘and’ men. My ‘Dastar’ is the crown on my head that empowers me to be a strong and confident woman"

"My niqab allows people to really listen to what I have to say and for them to not judge me, and my words, by the way I look"

"I wish I could wear my sari every day, but unfortunately due to the climate in Scotland - this is not possible. The sari is a sacred tradition in my culture, when I wear it, I feel like it’s this beautiful bejewelled Purdah that wraps me up and transports me back to India"

"My chunni is a way of protecting my grace, integrity and being more respectful to my faith and God"

“Wearing the Hijab is my choice. I’m proud to wear it as it identifies me as a Muslim woman’’

"I cover my head with my dupatta when I pray and when I’m around my elders, as a sign of respect"

"I only started wearing the hijab a year ago, and no one believed that I would go through with it because my mum and sisters don’t wear one. My friends also said they couldn't picture me in it. I did it though! And now everyone says that they can’t ever imagine me without one"

"The tradition of covering your head, has various meanings depending on what culture and context they are in. For me I wear my scarf as cultural signifier for who I am and what I believe"

"The hijab is an outward manifestation of my faith, it goes beyond a piece of cloth; it’s also a means for how you behave and treat others"

"I have been wearing the tudung since the age of twelve because it’s an important tradition for women in my religion. Wearing it makes me feel comfortable and confident"

"My hijab allows me to express my identity as a Muslim women, and in this current political climate, it often acts as a catalyst for dialogue"

"I started wearing the niqab two years ago to strengthen my connection with my Creator. My niqab means confidence, strength and support. It’s a reminder for me to keep trying my best and in return for that effort, there will always be support from the One that I do it for"

"I made the intention, it was my choice"

Purdah - The Sacred Cloth: Quotes

Shah invited some of the women she met and collaborated with during her residency on Albert Drive to share some words about their sacred cloths: