As-salamu alaykum - For married Muslim women who don't see themselves as conventionally attractive, how do you navigate it?
As-salamu alaykum - I'm not Muslim and I don't mean to offend, but I've been curious about something in Islam that I find hard to wrap my head around. It seems there's a lot of attention on women's physical beauty, the idea that a husband should feel protective jealousy and not want other men looking at his wife, and encouragement for women to adorn themselves (to beautify). From my experience with some Muslim women I know (mainly Lebanese), many do seem focused on beauty and grooming. So I'm wondering: what about a married Muslim woman who doesn't fit the conventional standards of attractiveness? If there are literally no men sending her messages or checking her out, does the husband's protective jealousy still play a role? Does he view her as less valuable or desirable if she isn't conventionally pretty? I struggle with this personally - I don't think I could become Muslim because I don't feel pretty, and I understand the hijab is meant to guard a woman's beauty from unrelated men. But I worry I have nothing to hide. I'm curious if there are Muslim women who consider themselves unattractive and how they cope in a culture or faith that seems to put so much emphasis on outward beauty as something that needs covering or protecting. In other words, what place does Islam give to a woman who isn't conventionally attractive? How do husbands and communities treat and support such women? I'm a Christian and I believe everyone has inner beauty, but I also know society has appearance standards, and men often have preferences. Would appreciate honest, respectful perspectives from married Muslim women or husbands about experience, feelings, and practical advice. JazakAllahu khair.