Why I wear Hijab (Before I Convert)

 

As-Salam-u-Alaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh ("Peace be unto you and so may the mercy of Allah and his Blessings")!

The hijab is one of the most recognizable symbols in Islam. The hijab is a symbol of modesty and faith for millions of Muslim women around the world. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning and significance of the hijab while I tell you about my own personal relationship with the hijab.

What is a Hijab?

The hijab, in its most basic form, is a headscarf worn by Muslim women as a physical reminder of their faith and commitment to Islam. The primary purpose of the hijab is to maintain modesty and promote dignity for women. It serves as a visual indicator of a woman's devotion to her religion and her desire to be judged for her character and her ideas rather than her physical appearance.

What are the rules of Hijab?

It is important to note that “hijab” is just as much a verb as it is a noun. For men (yes, men have to hijab as well), that means to lower your gaze from women. Both men and women have clothing guidelines, specifically to wear loose-fitting clothing. The most known rule of the hijab, yet the most misunderstood, is that of the hijab, or headscarf.

The rules of hijab can vary among different interpretations of Islam and cultural practices. However, the general guidelines for hijab include covering the hair and neck. The purpose of these rules is to promote modesty, maintain privacy, and discourage objectification.

To Wear or Not to Wear

Contrary to popular belief, the hijab is not a symbol of oppression but rather a symbol of empowerment for many Muslim women. Islamically, no one is allowed to tell you to wear, or not wear, the hijab. By choosing to wear the hijab, women exercise their agency by deciding how they want to be seen and reclaim control over their bodies. It allows women to define their identity on their own terms, rather than conforming to societal pressures or objectification. The hijab becomes a means of self-expression, a way to showcase individuality, and a statement of faith and pride.

My First Hijab Story

I have yet to convert to Islam. That is not indicative of my relationship with Islam but of mine with my family. Despite that, I am a hijabi. I never thought I would be a hijabi. I was afraid the hijab would create a barrier between me and non-muslims. I was afraid wearing a hijab would be isolating. While some relationships have been negatively affected by my choice, the resounding effect has been the opposite.

It all started when I went to Veiled-Fest with my partner, James. I got a few hijabs for Salah, or prayer. When I walked out of the modest clothing sale, there was a beautiful courtyard with an area hidden awy by some trees. To be honest, I went to the covered area to hide while I tried on a new hijab. I was embarrassed that I didn’t know how to wear one “properly.”

After a couple of failed attempts, a group of girls who had been sitting at a table near by said I was doing great. I came clean and told them I had no clue what I was doing. “Do you want some help?” I hear a chorus reply. Please!

Before I knew it, one of the girls was showing me how to place the headscarf on my head, guiding my hands to place the magnet and fold the hijab, and how to tie it off. “Masha-Allah!” all the girls replied. Overwhelmed by the support and genuine kindness, I was fighting a lump in my throat. “Thanks! Bye!” I ran out of the courtyard so fast so I wouldn’t cry in front of them.

I wonder if they ever think about the girl they helped in the courtyard. I still think of them sometimes whenever I put on my hijab. For me, that’s what hijab symbolizes: womanhood. The way women go out of their way to support each other and have each other’s back. Women having the opportunity to protect themselves and control their own narrative. I choose how I want to be remembered: not for how I look but for what I say, how I act, and how I treat people.

Conclusion

In my personal journey, wearing the hijab has been a deeply meaningful decision. It is a reflection of my faith, my identity, and the support shared with other women. Wearing the hijab allows me to not only align my outer appearance with my inner beliefs but also serves as a reminder that I control how I want to be perceived. It has become a source of strength, empowerment, and a way to express my individuality within the framework of my faith.