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Introduction
The literal meaning of “hijab” is to veil, to cover or to screen. The English word “scarf” and the Arabic term “hijab” have been used interchangeably, but the hijab has cultural connotations in many Muslim countries. In this study, the hijab simply refers to the veil or headscarf covering Muslim women’s hair with proper, modest apparels. Wearing a hijab is both a religious and cultural practice for Muslim women performed to express their identity and spiritual faith (Galadari, 2012). In recent years, the hijab has emerged as a sign of Islamic consciousness, as more women are considering wearing the hijab as indicative of their desire to be part of an Islamic revival especially in countries where wearing it is not compulsory or in non-Muslim countries (Stacey, 2009).
Muslim women who wear the hijab actively participate in the public sphere around the world. They are professionals such as doctors, lawyers and government officials, among others. The majority of Muslim countries now embrace “Islamic cosmopolitanism”, which allows Muslim women to express their individuality through the latest fashion trend with a variety of styles, accessories and bold colors, despite having to conform to covered dressing (Potts, 2009). In Malaysia, although Islam is the official religion of the county and Shariah laws are enforced, wearing the hijab is not mandatory for Muslim women. Muslim women are given the freedom to choose whether they wish to wear the hijab or not (Othman et al., 2008). Nevertheless, most Muslim women don the hijab regardless of their profession as they become more knowledgeable about Shariah-compliant outfits. Malaysian Muslim women who choose to cover up with the hijab use a variety of styles, patterns and bold colors with modern and traditional outfits, depending on the situation. In Malaysia, expressing faith and identity by wearing the hijab does not deny women their right to gain the highest education and to choose their desired profession in the workforce (Hassan, 2015).
The rise of the hijab fashion has given the opportunity to redefine the Muslim symbol. The hijab fashion is in accordance with the rise of the hijabistas, who are “Muslim women who dress fashionable and/or design fashionable clothes, while orienting towards what is being prescribed by their religion in terms of dress” (Blommaert...