By Musart Ellaahi
What is hijab for me now, after delving into self-knowledge of Islam as well as studying self-development?
Growing up in a very strict Muslim family had taught me many things. The fear of Allah was put within us growing up. However, being the youngest taught me a lot more about life than anything ever did. What it also taught me was some negative habits as well as some positive ones. The environment we grow up in always moulds us into who we become. But that doesn’t mean we carry that with us always, especially without properly enquiring first.
For instance, we can be quick to judge what others are wearing or doing. In other words, some can be “haram police:” the things we see or judge in others which we believe isn’t in accordance with Islam. When the topic of the hijab is raised, I believe this concept of being a “haram police” is constantly swarming around us.
However, it would be a lie for me to say that I didn’t judge others for not wearing the hijab because I grew up with that mentality, the one where non-hijabi women are in the wrong. It became a bad habit from overhearing those around me.
One cannot deny the rules and regulations of the hijab in accordance with the etiquettes Islamic teachings. I have learned to believe that our faith and our practice of Islam is more than what’s on the surface. Our hijab is not what we wear, but who we are inside. The way we speak, treat and carry ourselves is our hijab. Allah will judge us on our actions and especially how we speak of others. After having learned the severity of the sins of back-biting or gossiping, I try my best to avoid it.
In fact, whenever women such as social media influencers announce that they have taken off their hijab, what upsets me most are the comments from people rushing to decide their fate, when it is Allah Who is the Judge. There is something that I internally practice and tell others whenever the topic arises. What another is doing first of all is none of your business, that is between them and their lord.
We need the constant reminder that there is an angel on the left of us and an angel on the right of us; they are writing down how we behave and react when such a visual test is put in front of us. Perhaps Allah has put that certain post, person or experience in front of us so that we can learn from it and become better people. It challenges us to avoid judgmental remarks. So let’s worry about our personal connection to Allah, our own hijab, whether external or internal.
About author
Musart Ellaahi was born in Pakistan and raised in the UK. She is a mindset coach, an award-winning motivational speaker and TV host, and a published author. She most recently collected stories of inspirational Muslims worldwide and compiled them into a book titled, “Your Story with Musart.” Her debut novel is “Elaynna.”
Instagram @Musart_Ellaahi
Website: www.musartellaahi.com