As Muslim women began to appear more frequently in Western society, consternation over their wearing of the burka, hijab, and niqab grew. Initially, many of us were confused, believing these garments reflected unjust and repressive treatment of females by their culture and within their families. We wanted to see them emancipated. Over time, however, the voices of these women gradually emerged. They are Muslims who are following the traditions of their religion. Their presence is powerful, even as their beauty is hidden, and their strength and intelligence is secret. Today, Muslim women work in all professions and are seen in everyday office environments everywhere. Our stand against oppression has not weakened, but our Muslim women friends have made us recognize that they have successfully emerged from under the control of a patriarchal system, a system symbolized by mosques and men.