By Amirah (Netherlands)
I am born to an Egyptian father and a Dutch mother. Ever since I was a little girl, I have looked up to women who wore the hijab, dreaming that one day I would wear it myself too. I still remember the day when I wore it for the very first time. I had just turned 12. I was really nervous to go to school and face all my friends, scared about what they would think and say and whether they wanted to be around me or not. It turned out to be great by Allah’s Mercy and I only got positive comments from them.
Over the years, I have experienced a lot of hate because of wearing the hijab. Mostly from people passing me by on the street or who did not know me. It seemed like the older I got, the more negative, hateful comments I received. There were many moments when I just wanted to take off the hijab and completely stop wearing it so that all the negativity would vanish. Alhamdulillah I am 18 now and I am so happy that I did not give in to such thoughts. Now that I am mature, I understand the true essence of wearing the hijab and I would never wish to take it off again. I feel secure and protected with it and I just don’t care what people think of me or my hijab anymore. I love to wear it and I will continue to do so as long as I live, In Sha Allah. I am truly proud of my decision.
