By L Sofia (Hamburg, Germany)
Recently, my husband and I along with our two children traveled from Hamburg to Spain for the two-weeks school break. It was our first travel out of Germany since we migrated here from Singapore. For first time, I was scrutinized ever so thoroughly and felt many pairs of eyes observing my every movement. I can totally understand how my hijab may have struck fear and worry in some given the recent influx of negative news involving Islam. I even wondered if I had not worn my hijab would it make them ‘less worried’. However, I also felt that while many were judging me, it took a lot of courage on my part to want to wear my hijab regardless of how uncomfortable I was when people stared and avoided my smile, and when airport security screened every single gadget and my body just to be safe….. that one piece of cloth on my head had set off so much concern.
A woman who choose to wear hijab, takes upon herself the knowledge that she will be misjudged, discriminated and misunderstood. But, still, that is just a minor setback. Hijab brings along peace in my heart, love for the One who creates me and strength and resolute in practicing my faith.
If motherhood completes my journey to being a woman, my hijab is the beginning of my journey to becoming a good Muslimah. Amin.