I was born into a relatively conservative Christian home and consider that as my Faith of choice. However, when I came upon an advertisement on Facebook for World Hijab Day, seemingly by chance, I decided to participate. I think Islam is a beautiful religion with beautiful people when practiced as it is meant to be (with love rather than hate), which can be said for nearly all religions, truth be told. In any case it was a very humbling, freeing, and eye-opening experience.

I worked hard today and was told I could not wear a scarf unless it was for religious reasons. I assured them it was. It certainly was not for fun or a bad hair day! As a Christian, I support all my sisters, especially those in my fellow Abrahamic Faiths. Only a little less than a century or so ago, we were held to the same standards, after all! In any case, this spoke to me deep within, a need or something. I took it very seriously and found myself more conscientious about what I said and how I carried myself. Given this, I have decided to wear it not just today (Feb. 1st), but all this week and perhaps beyond. I am sort of in a middling place right now and this feels right.

I hope my words have not caused offense, or that it seems as if I am simply “experimenting” lightly and not taking this to heart. I assure you I am. I am well aware there are many Muslims, Jews and Conservative Christians/Catholics who make a choice not to wear a traditional scarf as their laws encourage. My admiration and love for them is no greater or less. I believe we all have our own paths to travel and there is only One who can know our hearts and judge if we are wrong. Peace to all of you. Thank you for the opportunity.

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Coming from the country side in Australia, I was never exposed to Islam. I knew nothing about it. I thought of it as an oppressive religion, whenever I heard about it. It wasn’t until I went to Malaysia, that God guided me in ways I never expected, Subhan’Allah.

I learned that Muslim women also have rights, which were legally given even before the West did. Meeting impressive women like Sisters in Islam and Marina Mahathir, also inspired me to divulge into Islam more. I found that I could have a career and be a Muslim. However, it wasn’t until a year later, I reverted, Alhamdulillah.

Islam is a beautiful way of life to praise and worship Allah as One God every single day. While it is not easy to explain to friends and family, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I did a lot of research and interviewed many Muslim and even non-Muslim women on why women choose to cover up. I also learned a lot from my Imam and his wife, who taught me it is for women to be recognized more for their intelligence, not be as exposed, to this sometimes, overly sexual world and to keep your beauty for your husband.

I’ve met many wonderful, intelligent women who chose to wear Hijab, which is her right. Dressing more modestly came naturally after reverting. I hope to one day wear Hijab every single day, In’sha’Allah. God truly is the Turner of Hearts – I never in my wildest dreams thought I would become a Muslim, yet, He opened my heart and has blessed me in more ways than I could ever imagine or repay Him for.

That’s why I know Allah is Love and Mercy, and I want to worship Him better every day for as long as He gives me life. My favorite quote is ‘فَاصْبِرْ صَبْرًا جَمِيلًا’ – ‘So endure patiently, with a beautiful patience.’

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For World Hijab Day I put on the hijab…and I haven’t taken it off!

Although I’ve been raised in a christian family I have been strongly considering reverting to Islam. One of the big parts of the change that made me stutter was wearing the hijab. It is very different for someone raised in the American culture, and different can be scary. However, when I wore the hijab I felt safe. Comfortable. Elegant. Modest. Me.

For the most part no one really acted differently towards me when I dressed up for World Hijab Day. I went shopping at one of my favorite stores that was having a big sale. I laughed and joked with the girls in the lines, the associates helped me and asked me if I was finding everything ok. The men parted when I perused the men’s section for something I could bring to my husband. Everyone was smiling, just like always. I was the only hijabi in the building, but I didn’t feel isolated. Later, an elderly man asked what I was wearing on my head. I told him it was a scarf, since that was what it was (I didn’t feel comfortable discussing the hijab with someone on a public bus, since it’s not a place you can walk away from someone being hurtful or mean). He said “ok!” and left it at that.

I’ve also received comments from individuals about how they never see people wearing head scarves for reasons other than religion. I guess because I’m white I must not be muslim? Or that I must not practice Christianity with fervor? Hum, ok…but then the comments are followed up with how nice it looks on me. I guess I’ll take a compliment when its offered.

Of course, I have the benefit of living in a college town that is full of internationals, including hijabis. I wonder if hijab would yield different results in my hometown in South Carolina? I guess we will have to see, because I don’t see myself taking it off any time soon.

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So I decided to put it on a special date because deep down inside I felt it was something big, a life changer you could say. Yes I admit I didn’t really know its true purpose. I knew it was a something Allah told us to do, but why? I knew deep in my heart that Allah (swt) tells us to do things for our own good and it always has a reason behind it. Then what was the good in this? I bet you’re wondering what I am talking about by now. It’s my precious hijab (veil Muslim women wear).

Of course, it is mentioned in the Holy Quran and in the Sunnah (prophetic teachings) that Muslim girls should be decently covered up. However, adding to that I have always felt hijab made complete logical sense to me.

I mean think about it, when you go on a job interview or speak to any guy and you are wearing the hijab the way it should be worn (meaning your outfit should be covering up your body properly including the head scarf) wouldn’t he evaluate you on your personality? On your brains? On your way of thinking? Even when it comes to marriage, the guy will want to look at your deen (religion) and at your personality mostly. He wouldn’t be distracted by your figure. In other words, some people say the hijab oppresses the women. Well, tell me this, how is it oppressing me when all it’s doing is protecting me from having guys objectifying me and looking at me sexually instead of treating me like a respectful human being?

I am not saying being a hijabi is an easy thing. On the contrary, it is a huge commitment and you should try to be as responsible as you can before God’s eyes. Hijab is not a cloth you put and move on. It’s a whole lifestyle; it’s your own personal shield. So please embrace it, love it and treat it like it should be treated, because in the end you will feel like a celebrity with her personal body guard! Who said Angelina Jolie is any better!

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