After a decade of planning to take this step, three months ago, I very spontaneously took the leap! It seemed like I was always waiting for a milestone to occur and used it as an excuse to delay taking this step. It started with “let me finish high school and do it when I have a fresh start,” and said the same thing again in university, and then I had to have my hair out for my wedding, and then I said I will wait until I am a mother.

At the end of 2019, I said I can’t wait anymore! I wrote down three target “first day” dates to make myself feel more accountable and said New Years will be the latest I can push this. And with a bit of fear and nervousness (which was so short lived) – I did it! I am blessed to have a husband and family who support my decision. I acknowledge that many people don’t have this freedom of choice. My husband treated me to a little hijab shopping spree, and  is constantly taking my photos and filling me with compliments.

When choosing to marry Ahmad, I had to make sure this was something he’d support eventually. It was definitely something we were on the same page about. And the most exciting news – my best friend and mother began her hijab journey to support me during this transition – which I am so beyond proud of!

My biggest hesitation throughout my life was sadly, that it would impact my ability to build a career. But I am grateful to be working apart of an organization who actually stand by their values of diversity and inclusion, making me feel so comfortable walking in with an entirely different and unapologetic identity. KPMG has a culture that I can’t say my previous employers had, where they encourage you to bring your whole self to work and nothing but; truly championing an inclusive workforce.

After such a short period of time, hijab has become a part of me. Truthfully, I was mentally prepared for much more struggles and triumphs, but I was wrong. The only difficult part about it was starting. I feel the most comfortable and confident than I’ve ever felt.

Before putting on the hijab, people wondered why my Muslim last name didn’t match my appearance. Now, I can proudly be a flag bearer of my faith, causing no confusion that I AM MUSLIM.

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I did a poll a few days back trying to understand why my hijab could make someone uncomfortable. I was triggered by the recurring news of the hijab bans, the latest one being the EU’s top court allowing employers to ban it in the workplace, especially where there is face to face interactions with clients.

Through my poll, I understood that even though hijab could overwhelm, annoy or even confuse people, rarely anyone I know is threatened by it.

Hijab is a very basic piece of clothing for a Muslim. We shouldn’t be questioned, let alone be banned from wearing it. Imagine if one day a culture bans people from wearing footwear, sun hat or clothes altogether because it makes someone uncomfortable. We would be outraged because we cannot be denied the right to choose how much to cover ourselves in public. Understand the same outrage from hijabis all over the world every few months with such bans.

This is just a little reminder to everyone.

Hijab isn’t a threat to you. It is however a threat to those patriarchal institutions that cannot have a woman decide anything for herself. Such institutions are powerful enough to control your ideologies too, unfortunately. So think hard about the reason you don’t like a hijab.

And if you just dislike a hijabi for being a Muslim, that’s a discussion for another day.

Even so you shouldn’t stand for denying us our basic rights just because you can’t stand me. Don’t you agree?

In any case, try to approach a hijabi kindly about your apprehensions. Most would love to clarify your doubts. However, some might feel they don’t owe it to explain to anyone and that should be okay,  too.

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On February 12th, 2021, I completed five years of wearing the hijab. It feels good. I remember the time when I would yearn to wear a head scarf, but didn’t have the courage to start it in the middle of my ongoing lifestyle.

It was in 2016 and I was moving to another city when my friend suggested that would be the best time for me to transition. It would be a new place with new people and fewer questions. I decided on following this plan. The day when I had to wear it, I was so worried. If I would be able to do it, continue wearing it or if I should even start now or wait until I get married (LOL common reason), if I would be able to wear it in my office, will I be able to carry on working in a corporate environment- if I, would I, will I be – I had so many questions in my mind.

One day, I prayed to Allah (swt) before wrapping my dupatta (Indian scarf) and told Him that I was doing it for Him because He had commanded it and asked for the courage to be able to face my fears. And here I am five years later, still struggling, but alhumdulilah happy and content that I took the decision, and I am still able to stick to it.

Hijab has brought so much patience and calm to my life. It is not limited to putting on a head scarf, but it encourages me to ponder over modesty and decency in not just my clothes, but character and actions, too.

I always knew that it was never a limitation, but the fact that now I have experienced it myself, I am vocal about it even more. I want to raise as much awareness as I can. Education, job, sports, travel, learning new skills- hijab doesn’t stop one from doing anything. Hijab does not restrict anyone.

I want to raise awareness on the fact that hijab wearers are not meek and shy girls. We are fierce, goofy, lovable, nerdy and all that one can be!

I believe it has matured me in its own way. And I pray for sisters who struggle every day to practice hijab, be it the cloth, the environment, or the niyat (intention)- we all have our weak points.

I pray that you get supportive friends and family and Allah (swt) makes it easy for everyone to practice!! Ameen!

The post The calm to my storm appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I have been wearing Hijab for approximately four years and I am proud to say “I am a hijabi!” At times, wearing the hijab was challenging and felt degrading to my confidence, but the few challenges that I faced made me bond stronger to my head scarf. Some may say “the head scarf is oppressing women!” But, let me tell you, as someone who is currently wearing the hijab, my head scarf makes me feel stronger and empowering; and I guarantee that other ladies who wear the hijab can say the exact same. Wearing the hijab, however, is not just covering our hair, it can be thought of as a verb. We act upon it everyday when we put a piece of fabric on our head and head out the door. We look up to our role model Marriam (Jesus’ beloved mother), and follow her footsteps by acting with kindness, acting with modesty, and acting with humility – just like the famous saying “kill them with kindness.

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By Samela (Bosnia Herzegovina)

Hijab, one more part of wardrobe we wear more than other women.

I started with this modest way of dressing during my teenage years (the period of our life when we recognize our ideals).  Back then I felt brave because of hijab. It kind of made me be more aware of the world and the people around me.

It really gave me some power and confidence because the idea of hijab is like some self-help book, which provides you with lot of ‘must do’ in order to become better!

Now, the people who do not like the idea of wearing a head-scarf cannot imagine me without it.  They like me more this way. I wanted to tell my story about how my hijab affects me and the people in my life. They love it.  So I am sure I am doing the right thing.

The point is, if something encourages us to be the very best we can possibly be, then people shouldn’t be prejudice against it because what matters most are our intentions and the results of it.

I believe the beauty is in diversity, just like in nature. My hijab never discouraged me to succeed, to connect, and approach people. It’s rather on the contrary.  It gives me confidence.

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I am 20 years old. I am the only Muslim in my whole family. I wear my hijab proudly. It’s a way I can show what I believe in. Hijab made me confident. Islam made me absolutely happy, and gave meaning to my life. It showed me a lot of things: how to be confident, patient, compassionate, and unobtrusive. I notice the beauty of nature; every single little things, how to help others in a good way, how to be thankful, and accept bad and good things. I know that He would never place me a situation that I can’t handle. I am unutterably happy because Allah showed me this Religion. I wear hijab with pleasure, and I don’t fear because I rely on Allah in every single thing, and I know He’ll is protect me, insha’Allah!

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