People Changing

Everyone changes. Some people gradually and some suddenly and drastically.

Yesterday I came across an acquaintance who has suddenly taken on the hijab. When I say I came across, I mean I saw their picture in facebook and the comments they wrote under their picture. Someone had asked her why she wasn't wearing a sari to the wedding she was pictured in (it is common for married women to wear the sari at weddings in our country). This person was dressed with head covering and a loose fitting long sleeved salwar kameez. She replied, I want to be a better human being. That really got me. What does that mean? Being a better human being is as simple as putting a piece of cloth on your hair? Why is being good looked at in such a physical manner? Is it not more important to be good within, in your actions? Why don't we try to be austere in how we live too? This person works in several educational institutions (breaking the rules of the one where she is a full time faculty) because as she had once explained to me "money is always good to have".

And secondly if one does not want to attract attention to oneself and be a less vain person, why wear heels, make up and contact lenses as this person did? Why is it just down to covering one's hair?

Can someone kindly explain how by simply covering one's hair and choosing not to wear a sari (which can also be worn in a conservative manner) one can claim to be a better human being?

That being said, I need to clarify that if someone wants to do something for the sake of following some doctrine, that is their prerogative. I only question their judgement when they think something superficial helps make them a better human being! If this person had said that I am covering my hair because my religion demands that I do it, I would not have made any bones about it.