Despite the contrasting ideas found in the Qur'an, I find that the stereotype of Islam woman strongly overwhelms the actual facts. When we first had the discussion of the hijab with Ms. Malik earlier in the year, I raised the notion that many women probably wear the veil out of choice, not obligation (despite the strong cultural influence to do so!). Some of the Islam "fashions" that we looked at were pretty startling, the burka in particular. So maybe we're justified for feeling "offended" that these women are wearing something we view as suppressive.

And yet, Islam women like Khadija and Tamanna brought to light my question--what about women who choose to wear traditional Islam garb, not as a symbol of suppression, but of reform?

Walking through these halls, I admit, I shake my head a little to myself when I see what some of the girls my age are wearing (or aren't wearing, for that matter!). So maybe it would make sense if we took a tip or two from Islam women and cared more about comfort over style, more about expression than conformity.