By Mari (USA)
I was born and raised as Catholic. I am now a revert to Islam, Alhamdulillah. I started wearing my hijab in October of last year and I never removed it since then. At first it was tough, my family and friends were not very accepting of it, but sooner they respected my decision and accepted it.
Our purpose can be reflected even in the clothes we choose to wear. If our intention is to please Allah when we choose our dress, that action in itself becomes an act of worship. Hence, the very choice of one piece of clothing over another is an act of worship in Islam. Many people refer to hijab as a “personal choice”. Yes. It is a personal choice. It is a personal choice to submit to God rather than the fashion of the society. It is a choice to be beautiful to God rather than to people. And it is a choice to cover and dignify the body Allah gave you rather than give in to a culture that encourages women to be sex objects who sell their bodies like market beer.
However, hijab should not just be seen as a cloth one puts on the head. Rather hijab is a symbol of our worship and servitude to God. It is a symbol of modesty, that is not just about our attire or physical appearance. It extends to our whole demeanor, actions, ideas and character.