By Hasanah Sohdi (Singapore)
I consider myself a born again Muslim. I have been very fortunate all my life. I’m born into a family of practicing Muslims and since young been given both religious and secular education. I excelled in my studies and graduated from a prestigious university. I am successful in my career and lead a good life…so good that I forget where it all came from. I take many things for granted and gradually lose my way. Lulled by the material world I hardly give my Creator a thought unless I am in trouble.
To cut my story short, in October, 2012, I underwent a major operation that changed my life. Lying on my hospital bed, I started thinking about my life. I felt that I’ve been given a second chance to repent. I remember reciting the Al-Fatehah (1st chapter of the Quran) and overwhelmed by a sense of peace and love for Allah (swt). I cried tears of joy that night.
During my recuperation, I did a lot of soul searching. I started to learn how to pray again. Fast forward to August, 2013, something terrible happened in my life. My world turned upside down. I was shattered. It was the darkest time of my life. I felt so lost and was in a state of total despair. On hindsight, I’m glad it happened because my bad experience brought me back to Allah (swt). I started praying and thought of Allah (swt) all the time. It was at this time that I thought of putting on the hijab but I lacked the courage and the confidence to do so.
It was on September 9th, 2014 that I finally did it. My spiritual transformation turned me into a full pledged practicing Muslim in every way. My hijab completes me as a Muslim. My hijab defines who I am. It is my way of telling the world that I am a Muslim and I am proud of it. Since the day I put my hijab on, I have been criticized, discriminated at times, bombarded by endless questions of why I did it. I hope my friends now have a better understanding of what my hijab means to me.
I have encountered some rather embarrassing situations as well. I’ve been asked to take off my hijab twice by people who do not understand. However, all the negative criticisms have made me stronger. I remain steadfast in my belief to please my Creator. I wear my hijab for Allah (swt) and now dedicate my life to my Creator. Thank you to the organizers of WHD for giving me the platform to share my story.