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By Stephanie Elizabeth Kelly (Queensland, Australia)

I think the World Hijab Day page is amazing.  It is inspiring to see so many powerful women unashamed and unapologetic for their beliefs. I personally do not identify with any religion but I believe strongly that everyone should be able to express their beliefs without having to fear persecution. My best friend in the whole world is a Muslim and I have experienced the judgment and cruel words that she has received because of this. She has felt scared to express her religious beliefs with people due to this. So today I wore a hijab for her and for everyone else who faces persecution for their beliefs. Islam is a religion of peace, love, respect, and charity. If people see anything negative in it then that is an issue with them not Islam. Stay strong and stay true to who you are.

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I am a very recent convert to Islam (former Catholic, then former atheist). But I have always loved the hijab and admired hijabis. In my opinion, hijab is beautiful. Hijab is liberating because it allows women to choose who is permitted to see their beauty given by Allah (swt). This World Hijab Day (WHD), I wore my hijab outside for the first time. And I haven’t taken it off since!

In Moscow, there are millions of Muslims (perhaps the city with the most Muslims in Europe). There are many hijabis here. I get some ugly looks and people sometimes mock me, but alhamdulilah I feel safe. In fact, I feel safer as a Muslim in Moscow than I did in the US. When I must return to the US, I fear I may end up removing my hijab until I can feel safe enough to wear it proudly again. Inshallah, I will be strong and protected in the face of hatred.

Hijabis are visible ambassadors of Islam. Wearing hijab helps me to control my temper, quiet my tongue if I want to say something nasty, and remember to be kind and charitable. It is a constant reminder that Allah (swt) is with me always. We as Muslims have a responsibility to Allah, a responsibility to the Ummah, and a responsibility to the world. We must act in the way Allah has commanded. As hijabis, we are a reflection on Islam and on Allah. Be proud of who you are, and live life in peace and submission to the will of Allah (swt).

Always remember: Compelling a woman to wear hijab is against Islam, and forcing her to remove it is against her human rights! Hijab: My right, my choice, my life.

The post A former Atheist’s journey to Hijab appeared first on World Hijab Day.

Today,  I wore the Hijab. It was so easy to put on and I actually really enjoyed wearing it. I thought it would be a bit uncomfortable but it was nice and cosy. I really want to support all the girls who wear it and I don’t like the fact that a lot of people tease or bully them for wearing it. Everyone should be allowed to feel proud about what they wear. It’s such a nice thing to put so much dedication into being conservative and only revealing your outer beauty to those whom you choose to. It’s almost like its sacred. I hope for a future where everyone sees the real beauty of all the girls who wear the Hijab.

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