By Aminah Jahan (Malaysia)
Every time I took a selfie without hijab, I would have a strong desire to upload it on social media so that I could get as many likes and compliments as my non-hijabi friends. However, at the same time, it reminded me of the significance of hijab. The word hijab, for me, has many powerful meanings. Hijab is the protector of our dignity. It is our strongest element of identity. It shields our honor. It shows the extent and depth of our emaan (faith). We’re different from others because of this piece of cloth on our heads and sometimes, forced to face daily challenges that threaten our lives too. There’s nothing to be ashamed of because we are implementing this obligation upon ourselves for the sake of Allah S.W.T (All-Praised and Exalted) and Prophet Muhammad S.A.W ( Peace be upon him) as we believe that we will be judiciously paid back for our good deeds on the Day of Judgement.
The ladies in my family are mostly not strict in practicing hijab in their daily lives but Alhamdulillah (God-Graciously), I’m a firm wearer of hijab since I was young. I’m currently studying law at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) where I got various chances to enhance my knowledge about Islam realizing how faulted my perceptions were before!
Malaysia is a country of multiple races where you can feel being a part of various cultures and religious doctrines. I was born and raised in a society with people of different identities around me. While I was growing up, at times, I felt burdened by the teachings of Islam. I also felt abandoned among my friends because of such religious differences.
However, I always believed that we could receive the light of faith and knowledge if we continuously followed the path of Allah. The teachings that I assumed were a burden for me, actually became the source of tranquility for my soul as I started understanding them. I was immensely happy and gratified to be a part of the World Hijab Day movement for promoting the real understanding of the concept of hijab. Alhamdulillah, I succeeded in my attempt to clear the misconceptions of my non-Muslim friends regarding hijab by elaborating the actual concept to them.
I would like to express sincere appreciation to my friends and community for keeping me motivated and encouraged in my struggles for being the real muslimah although they’re from different religions and understandings. Lastly, I would like to thank my family for giving me the courage and being the pillar of strength and support for me to write my story as they all believe that Da’wah ( Preaching for understanding of religion) can be done at any platform.