THE HIJAB (HIJAAB) SERIES

What is the Hijab? The word itself comes from the Arabic word "hijaba" meaning to conceal or hide from view. Hijab is the modest covering of the head and body of Muslim women. All Muslim adults are supposed to wear the appropriate hijab for their sex. It is reported that Asmaa bint Abu Bakr(r) came to the Messenger of Allah while wearing thin clothing. He approached her and said: 'O Asmara! When a girl reaches the menstrual age, it is not proper that anything should remain exposed except this and this.' He pointed to the face and hands."
Muslim women must wear the hijab because Allah ordered it. Muslims have two sources for guidance. The first and most important source is Qur'an, the revealed word of Allah. They may then use Hadith which is the sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) who was chosen by Allah to be a role model for mankind.
The Hijab (Hijaab) Series is a borrowed concept that I have chosen to use as a source used to emphasize the face of Non-Muslim women of various origins, politics, religions, and ages. When the whole body is included in a strict context, women must also wear Burka's that conceal the body. The fabric that I have chosen to use as a substitute for a real Hijab is more for convenience than accuracy.
All the subjects included in this series were asked to express a neutral gaze into the camera. The intention is to provide an identity that can only be perceived through their faces. There is some overlap of subjects that are also part of the "Private Eye Series".

"Rene in Burka" San Rafael, California October 2011	"Tina in Burka" San Rafael, California October 2011

"Anonymous" Berkeley, California October 2011	"Anonymous" Berkeley, California October 2011	"Anonymous" Berkeley, California October 2011

"Anonymous" Berkeley, California October 2011	"Anonymous" Berkeley, California October 2011

"Brittany" Berkeley, California November 2011

"Beverly" Berkeley, California April 2011

"Dora" Richmond, California August 2011

"Corinne" Berkeley, California 2011

"Darcel" Alameda, California 2011

"Loyce" Alameda, California 2011

"Rhea" Berkeley, California April 2011

"Brenda" Richmond, California 2011

"Quita" Berkeley, California 2011

"Sissell" Berkeley, California April 2011

"Arlette" Berkeley, California 2010

"Candice" Oakland, California 2010

"Quita" Berkeley, California 2011

"Gretchen" Oakland, California 2010

"Agnes" Oakland, California 2010

"Candi" Richmond, California 2011

"Lauren" Berkeley, California 2010

"Anica" Berkeley, California 2010

"MaryJo" Berkeley 2010

"ONika" Berkeley 2010

"Anne" Rapid City South Dakota 2010

"Laura" Rapid City South Dakota 2010

"Anon" Berkeley 2010

"Orlondre" Berkeley 2010

"Sandra" Oakland, California 2010

"Patti" Oakland, California 2010

"Alexis" Rapid City South Dakota 2010

"Paula" Rapid City South Dakota 2010

"Gloria" Antioch, California 2010

"Jocelyn" Berkeley, California 2010

Jettie, portfolio #1 2010

"Dakota" Rapid City South Dakota 2010

"Toni" Berkeley California August 2010

"Angela" Berkeley California August 2010

"Susan" Rapid City South Dakota 2010

"Kelley" Rapid City South Dakota 2010

Copyright Raymond Holbert 2010: Use of these images and or text is prohibited without permission from the author.

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