Some do - they've often been raised to believe it's Allah's will since childhood. In reference to your article, those who wear it of their own free will probably don't realise that other women are being forced to do it or beaten for not doing it.

To A Non-Muslim Woman .. From a Muslim Woman When you look at me All that you can see is the scarf that covers my hair My words you can't hear because you're too full of fear, mouth gaping, all you do is stare You think it's not my choice in your own "liberation" rejoice. You think I'm uneducated, trapped, oppressed and subjugated, You're so thankful that you're free. But non-Muslim woman you've got it wrong You're the weak and I'm the strong. For I've rejected the trap of man. Fancy clothes - low neck, short skirt those are devices for pain and hurt. I'm not falling for that little plan. I'm a person with ideas and thought. I'm not for sale, I can't be bought. I'm me - not a fancy toy, I won't decorate anyone's arm, nor be promoted for my charm. There is more to be than playing coy. Living life as a balancing game - mother, daughter, wife, nurse, cleaner, cook, lover and still bring home a wage. Who thought up this modern "freedom"? Where man can love'em and man can leave'em. This is not free, but life in a cage. Always jumping to a male agenda competing on his terms. No job share, no creche facilities, no feeding and nappy changing amenities No time off for menstrual pain, "hormones" they laugh "what a shame" No equal pay equal skill your job they can always fill. No promotion unless you're sterilised. No promotion unless you're sexually terrorised. And this is liberation? Non-Muslim woman you can have your life. Mine - it has less strife. I cover and I get respected, surely that's to be expected, for I won't demean the feminine, I won't live to male criterion, I dance to my own tune and I hope you see this very soon. For your own sake - wake up and use your sight. Are you so sure that you are right? From a Muslim Woman

To A Non-Muslim Woman .. From a Muslim Woman 'MY SHADE' by Khadija Javed You wonder what my shade is, What it represents. Call me anything; An extremist, a fundamentalist, Anything you desire. I don't care. My shade is My protection from this evil world, from roaming eyes, from diseased hearts. Call me anything; Vain or Submissive. I don't care. My shade is My Protection of my beauty, reserved for one special gift that God has given me; My Life Partner. This world is but a fleeting moment about to end at Any Time. The Signs are here. The Day of Judgement is coming. No one will enter my grave with me except My body, my heart, my soul. Call me a pessimist, Distressed, Repressed, Oppressed, I don't care. My shade Covers me Like a tree from the sun; Like a coat of wax on your shiny new sportscar. My shade My protection, is my Khimaar, I am a woman of Islaam

To A Non-Muslim Woman .. From a Muslim Woman 'WOMEN OF THE VEIL' by Hena Farooq Her long, thick, shiny black hair Fell against her back. Her rich, copper skin Gleamed in the sunlight. Her slender figure outlined, With her soft voluptuous curves. But when she stepped outside, She became a ghostly figure of the night. Nothing more to the people Than a dark, shadowy figure of oppression. But she showed them. As she walked down the street, People made way, Men lowered their gazes in utmost respect. And others whispered, As she held her head up high, With pride in her belief And showed them how oppressed she really was! While they whistled at their women, Looking them up and down as they were pieces of meat to be inspected? She pitied their savage ways. As she walked into the arms of her partner, Her only love, Her husband. Where she was transformed, Into her beautiful self, For only his eyes to see. From a Muslim Woman.

To A Non-Muslim Woman .. From a Muslim Woman 'I am a Muslim Woman' I am a Muslim Woman Feel free to ask me why When I walk, I walk with dignity When I speak, I do not lie I am a Muslim Woman, Not all of me you'll see But what you should appreciate Is that the choice I make is free I'm not plagued with depression I'm neither cheated nor abused I don't envy other women And I'm certainly not confused Note, I speak perfect English Et un petit peu de francais aussie I'm majoring in Linguistics So you need not speak slowly I own my own small business Every cent I earn is mine I drive my Chevy to school and work And no, that's not a crime You often stare as I walk by You don't understand my veil But peace and power I have found For I am equal to any male I am a Muslim Woman So please don't pity me For God has guided me to truth And now I'm finally free! From a Muslim Woman.

Many do, for the same reason that many Christian women wear a cross around their neck. It proclaims their deep seated respect for the God they worship, and the dogma they believe, either through instilled teaching from childhood, or as chosen as an adult. Wearing specific clothes to show you are part of an accepted group is a time honored tradition, as with the Catholic priests/nuns, the robes of the Druid/Wicca, the Purple Hat Society, Square Dancers and such. Even football fans recognize the value of dressing like your 'team'.

American woman converted to Islam and is speaking about the muslim women and the Veil (Hijab). Watch her speaking here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L85Mcq3EDX8&feature=related

TV Report: French Lady Found Respect and Freedom in ISLAM Watch the TV report here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s11oSl_HAWM&feature=related 'Salima Feddaq' from France converted to Islam after searching the true Sources of Islam. She has got a negative pressure from the french Society to uncover herself!

TV Report: Spanish Muslim Woman Talks about Women's Rights in ISLAM Watch the interview here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LG1VLtkkeg&feature=related This is a Spanish Muslim sister, she talks about Women's rights in Islam. This sister's name is Fatimah Milla - Rumayor. She is educated and bought up in Spain, she works as a linguist and is from Spain. She points out some useful information about Islam and she addresses the misconceptions that many people have about Islam and the role of women in it.

I know 3 muslim women living here in America, that wear it by choice for modesty. They also have Islamic bumper stickers on their car, haha ^_^