By Sittie Rayhanna Tabara (Philippines)
Just want to share how the hijab taught me the true commitment for Islam. Back then, I took an entrance exam for a college I was really interested in. Alhamdulillah, I passed the exam. It is a well known school for nursing which I decided to get as my course. So the next step is the interview. During those times, wearing hijab was a taboo for them since it is a catholic school, not to mention its name. Again, Alhamdulillah, I passed the interview. They said they will admit me but with one condition, I am not allowed to wear hijab. I immediately asked them why, and they gave me lots of reason- this and that. And it’s just out of the blue. Being raised by an Islamic family, even if it’s my dream to study in this well known institution, I let it go. I’ve decided to go back to my hometown, enrolled in the only one university we have. It may be small and not that famous compared to my dream school, but then we have the freedom to practice our own religion. No ifs and buts, no worries, merely freedom and respect toward each other. Alhamdulillah, I’ve finished my bachelor of science in nursing here, and now I’m a registered nurse working here in Saudi Arabia. Hijab became a tool for me to stand firm for my religion, even if it means giving up some of my dreams. You must stand for what you believe is right, and that is to follow the teachings of Islam, my beloved Muslimahs (Muslim women).