I reverted to Islam on  April 24, 2015. And I started wearing the hijab two weeks after I took my Shahada (testimony of Islamic faith). It wasn’t easy for me because my family is against my decision to become a Muslim. One of my daughters even told me that she doesn’t want to have anything to do with me. My mom cried and begged me to leave Islam. But I know Islam is the true religion and I thank Allah that I have been chosen to be one of His servants.

I believe that one day my family will accept me and insha Allah they will be reverted too in Islam. I am proud to be a Muslim and I show it by covering myself and using my hijab.

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I don’t wear hijab. I practice hijab. My hijab reflects in my attire, behavior, and speech. It’s important to practice hijab, rather than make it a part of everyday apparel. It’s common to simply think of a headscarf when a woman states that she wears hijab. The reality is, men and women are under Islamic measure to practice hijab- which translates to “modesty.” It’s belittling to the beauty and grace of Islam to refer to hijab as only the head covering for women. Hijab, for men and women alike, is a blessing from our Creator. He has ordained the most effective way to protect ourselves from the haraam (forbidden things) that this dunya  (world) holds.

Appreciation of the context of hijab in its entirety will bring back the full beauty hijab gives to Muslim women and men. Alhamdulilah, I began to understand the concept of hijab about a year ago. InshaAllah, I hope to stay strong in my imaan (faith) and pray for nothing but sincere piety and faith for my brothers and sisters in deen (religion of Islam) around the globe.

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I started wearing hijab since I converted to Islam almost 3 months ago, Alhamdulillah (All Praise is due to Allah)! I am living in a non-Muslim country. My conversion to Islam came with a huge social challenge. Everybody looked awkwardly at me when I would go out wearing my hijab. They laughed but I kept going and tried to be stronger. I used to cry, asking Allah (swt) (All-Praised and The Exalted) to keep me on the right path and not even let me think about taking it off.  My hijab is my freedom to be who I want and who I really am. My hijab, even if it’s a piece of material, for me, is my personality, my beauty, and my shyness. My hijab is a part of me. I love my hijab!

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I was born in a Catholic family and had no idea about Muslim religion and beliefs. To be honest, I thought hijab was a way of repression against the women but this last year, I spent a lot of time with many Muslim people. Finally, I realized the true meaning of hijab. I love it and also wear it frequently. Be proud of who you are!!!

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It’s amazing, this piece of cloth on my head.

I put it on in the mornings, before I go out, and then take it off when I come home. I put it on, and I take it off. On and off. On and off.

This piece of cloth on my head, it’s amazing.

Some see it as intimidating. As an object which screams out that I belong to a certain religion; a religion that has a lot of negativity surrounding it. But not to forget, there is positivity too. It’s there.

This piece of cloth on my head, it’s amazing.

It has the power to influence some people’s thoughts of me. Some look at me and immediately form perceptions. She is holy. She is religious. She is strict. She is conservative. She is traditional.

Blah.
Blah.
Blah.

This piece of cloth on my head, it’s amazing.

Some see it and cannot believe my background. What? You studied in an international school? What? You went abroad for university? But then, you have an open mind. But, wait, why?

Why?

This piece of cloth on my head, it’s amazing.

I seem to close my open mind with this piece of cloth on my head. At least, that is what some think. Close-minded, open-minded. On, off.

And then there are those who see it merely as what it is. A piece of cloth of my head.

My friends, my family. Those who truly accept me and love me as I am. Same jokes, same laughter. Not a lot has changed. It is what it is. A cloth.

There are strangers too, outsiders. It’s a cloth. No one pays attention to it. Everyone is busy in their own lives. Wear it or not, it really doesn’t matter.

This piece of cloth on my head, it’s amazing.

One and the same, the person wearing this piece of cloth on their head. On or off. They are one and the same.
It’s just a piece of cloth. And yet, it influences so many things.

This piece of cloth on my head, it’s amazing.

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I am born to an Egyptian father and a Dutch mother. Ever since I was a little girl, I have looked up to women who wore the hijab, dreaming that one day I would wear it myself too. I still remember the day when I wore it for the very first time. I had just turned 12. I was really nervous to go to school and face all my friends, scared about what they would think and say and whether they wanted to be around me or not. It turned out to be great by Allah’s Mercy and I only got positive comments from them.

Over the years, I have experienced a lot of hate because of wearing the hijab. Mostly from people passing me by on the street or who did not know me. It seemed like the older I got, the more negative, hateful comments I received. There were many moments when I just wanted to take off the hijab and completely stop wearing it so that all the negativity would vanish. Alhamdulillah I am 18 now and I am so happy that I did not give in to such thoughts. Now that I am mature, I understand the true essence of wearing the hijab and I would never wish to take it off again. I feel secure and protected with it and I just don’t care what people think of me or my hijab anymore. I love to wear it and I will continue to do so as long as I live, In Sha Allah. I am truly proud of my decision.

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