By Raidah Athirah
I’m an Indonesia Muslim woman, Polish by marriage and Norwegian by residence. For me, wearing Hijab is really a blessing especially after experiencing hard time as a refugee. I believe that everything Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ ala (The Most Praised and Exalted) commands us has wisdom and depth in it which we fail to understand sometimes. Alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah), for being a Muslimah and being able to carry Hijab as my identity that makes me an honorable ambassador of Islam.
Alhamdullilah, it’s been seventeen years since I started wearing hijab. Let me tell you my journey of struggles, becoming a more valuable person and how I was inspired by one of Indonesia’s most famous authors, Helvy Tiana Rosa.
I was 14 years old when I first thought of wearing hijab permanently after reading and being inspired by her book named Ketika Mas Gagah Pergi. I became a refugee girl after The Maluku Islands conflict arose along the religious lines. The conflict is dated back to early 1999 and in the same years, me and my family moved to Ternate, North Maluku Indonesia . Alhamdulillah, for this beautiful opportunity to understand the meaning of Hijab through her book after seeing so many tears and fighting for life as a refugee.
Her book also inspired me to learn more about Islam and strive to discover my identity as a Muslim girl. I understood that the Hijab is obligatory to protect our honor and dignity, but most important was the intention that it was purely for the sake of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala (All-Praised and Exalted) .
Hijab brought me honor, peace, and safety. I did not feel confident sometimes because of being a refugee, but every time people saw me, they greeted me with salam (Islamic Greetings/Regards) and said nice words. It was all because of Allah, the power of Hijab, and my identity as a muslimah.
The day I started wearing hijab, I felt most amazing. I had more confidence, patience, and avoided any [forbidden] relationships with boys. Hijab liberated me from the pressures of being a teenager especially when every youngster was tempted to fashion and young/poppy love. I used to make the following dua’a (supplication): “Ya-Allah, The One and Only, bring me good future husband with the same goal of building a healthy Islamic family.” Alhamdulillah, I am now a wife of a Polish Muslim, a mother, and an author .
Sisters, remember that everybody has their own experience and process of wearing Hijab. So we should appreciate, help, and give sincere advice to each other as a proof of being part of this grand sisterhood. Please don’t bring each other down. Keep praying and supporting each other.