By Sara Salmani
My own hijab story started at a very young age. I was 10 when I decided to wear it. My parents were reluctant at first, they thought that I should be older in order to be certain of my decision. But I was certain. And I have worn the hijab in its various styles for 22 years now. It hasn’t always been easy. To be the only one in the room. To stand out. To explain and defend. To make the right choices. There have been times when I’ve forgotten why I wore the hijab, but just wore it for the sake of it anyway. ⠀
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But there are times when I’ve understood exactly why I wear it. When I’ve realized my worth. When I’ve connected to something Higher. When I’m proud of my hijab.
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It takes a lot of courage to say that deen matters to you more than dunya. It takes a lot of soul searching to understand. It takes a lot of strength to say no. It takes a lot of confidence to be the only one in the room. Having to prove yourself to others at school or work; that you have a brain and can be funny. That you’re a person. It can be a tiring struggle.⠀
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I haven’t always succeeded. There are so many times that I’ve went for dunya over deen. And that’s why us sisters need each other to remind ourselves and support us on this journey. People who don’t wear it will never understand it. That it gives more than it takes. It’s an endless power source. ⠀
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I pray that I leave this world carrying my hijab-crown high. I may not always be able to live up to its worth, but I’m grateful for all that it has given me. Reminded me that there is more to this world than meets the eye. There is more to my worth than what I allow myself to realize. ⠀
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Inshallah to the next 22+ years of wearing the hijab. God only knows how this journey continues and where it will lead. But I want, I truly want, to choose deen over dunya. Give us strength and wisdom to succeed.