By Rochelle (Philippines)
When I first wore my hijab, I did it for fashion. I thought women in hijab look better than those who didn’t wear hijab. I admit I didn’t have much knowledge about Islam, then. I became a muslim through marriage. I was born Catholic. My parents were active members of the church. My conversion was a big blow to them.
Being a hijabi in my country is quite difficult. It made me feel safe but at the same time very much vulnerable. A lot of questions and eyebrows were raised. I experienced the discrimination that my fellow Muslim sisters felt. That is why many Muslim women in my country do not wear their hijab.
Alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah), my husband has been very supportive. He taught me what I need to know and brought me to seminars of Muslim sisters. Not only was I able to answer questions around me (I am a teacher in a public school of mostly Catholics) but most of all, I was able to satisfy my hunger for knowledge about Islam. That was the time I realized how important my hijab is. It became my strength, my identity, my constant reminder that I am a Muslimah (Muslim woman). I should act and live like one. Most importantly, I am a mere slave of Allah (SWT).
This will be the 5th year of me wearing the Niqab (face veil). I know that my struggle will never stop but as long as I am doing the right thing, with the RIGHT intention, I know Allah (SWT) will always guide me.
Now I can say that the Niqab that I wear is not for fashion but a passion for life, in’shaa’Allah (God willing).
MashaAllah sister in Islam May Allah the Almighty grant you and your Muslim loved ones more wisdom. Ameen.