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My Hijab.

My Hijab is my crown.

I am a queen, and like a queen I don’t shake hands with strange men.

My Hijab.

My Hijab is peace.

This piece of cloth that covers my body.

Is serenity.

A sign of submission.

They say it’s a sign of submission to my husband.

I say:        No.

Submission to Someone much more important.

Omnipotent.

Allah.

Lord of the Worlds.

My Hijab.

My Hijab is a reminder.

A reminder to myself to behave in the manner I am supposed to:

With integrity.

Peacefully.

Respectfully.

Honestly.

Auspiciously.

Humbly.

Modestly.

My Hijab.

My Hijab may serve as a reminder to other people of how to treat me:

I am not an ornament for your eyes.

My beauty will not be cheapened by using pieces of my body to sell your:

Body wash

Cars or

Power tools.

I will not be used in some misogynists’ music video.

No.    You may not have my number.

All that man covets is hard to reach;

Gold and Jewels must be mined.

Oil must be drilled.

Pearls lie

Sealed

In shells

At the bottom of the sea.

Why is my body any different?

My Hijab, believe it or not, has nothing to do with you:

Your laws to ban it.

Your opinion that I’m oppressed.

Your view on my style of expression or belief system.

Your hateful heart and your hands that rip it from my head.

Your not in charge of my fate

My destiny.

My.          Maker.          Is.

My Hijab is my Piety.

My non con formation to mainstream.

I will NOT let YOU make me AFRAID.

This is who

I AM.

Before you made it something for people to fear.

And attached words like “Terrorist” to it.

Before you attempt to

Try to make me

Take it off,

or Assimilate.

My Hijab:

Get used to it. It’s not going away.

My Hijab is happiness:

Tranquility.

Serenity.

I am here.

I am empowered.

My Hijab is a liberation.

The Flag in the Muslimah Liberation.

The first movement of ‘feminism’;  started by the Prophet Muhammad.

May Peace and Blessings be Upon Him.

I declare these streets

Any streets

My Hijab’s country.

My Hijab’s Universe.

We are free and answer to God Alone.

But mainly

My Hijab and everything under it Is mine.

Mine

Mine

Mine.

My God Given Right.

My Freedom.

My Protection.

My Liberation.

My Dedication to My Maker and

No One Else.

The post My Hijab: A response to Eve Ensler’s “My Short Skirt” appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I am me
This hijab shall always be a part of my identity
whether you like it or would rather rip it off my head
I’ll wear it anyway whenever I want even at night in bed

I have difficulties in life
just as any other person man, daughter, son or wife
My hijab isn’t a problem hon
I got 99 names to call Him upon
It is an opportunity to come closer to Him, my God
It is a way of expressing my love I don’t find that odd
if you been send out on a quest be patient and do your very best
and put your trust in Him whenever you get a test
This is the way I hope to free my soul of ego
I cover up to let the vanity of ‘me’ go

I wear them in all patterns, colors, and fabrics
I wear them in all styles
Whether going out for dinner or sporting at aerobics

If you think I’m being dumb, oppressed and thinking l don’t have confidence
It tells more about your insecurity and your intelligence
I know I’m being smart
I know what to do because I’m following my heart

Happy world hijab day to all you ladies whether you wear it or not
I’m not discriminating because you first should wear it in your heart
Don’t forget it is a lifestyle and attitude
live your own life just as you would
like in times of low and altitude
Wear it classy and chique
Your covering so don’t reveal too much and stay mystique
but don’t forget you are always unique.

Lots of love,

Faylasoufia S.
Sanae Ben Abdelouahab
[Actress in the Theaterplay ‘The Hijabi monologues’ in the Netherlands, it is a play which blows away all the stereotypes aspects of being an Europian born Hijabi (which is very rare for a hijabi to be an actress)]

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I’ve been wearing hijab for almost 8 years. My Hijab is beautiful part of me. Material covering my hair should not make me seem withdrawn or creepy. If you ask me, I think it makes me more open to answering questions and hearing comments. I think it makes me different. I think it makes me strong. Being covered doesn’t limit us.You see we are not controlled by fashion. Only thing that we want is God’s pleasure. We are given only respect, and never treated bad.  Greetings from Bosnia and Herzegovina for all covered and non-covered sisters, and all of you who are being part of this event.

I am a Muslim woman
Feel free to ask me why
When I walk,
I walk with dignity
When I speak
I do not lie

I am a Muslim woman
Not all of me you’ll see
But what you should appreciate
Is that the choice I make is free

I’m not plagued with depression
I’m neither cheated nor abused
I don’t envy other women
And I’m certainly not confused

Note, I speak perfect English
Et un petit peu de Francais aussi
I’m majoring in Linguistics
So you need not speak slowly

I run my own small business
Every cent I earn is mine
I drive my Chevy to school & work
And no, that’s not a crime!

You often stare as I walk by
You don’t understand my veil
But peace and power I have found
As I am equal to any male!

I am a Muslim woman
So please don’t pity me
For God has guided me to truth
And now I’m finally free!

by Jenn Zaghloul

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My mother, the woman who made it her goal to raise a child with open eyes, open ears, an open mind and an open heart.

My mother, the woman who made it her life to make sure she raised a daughter who loved life and loved everyone.

I heard you were not happy today, when you saw me with that infamous cloth on my head.

I heard you cried for me today, cried for my freedom, because you too see me as oppressed. You’ve seen the Blue Burqas of Afghanistan, so case dismissed.

Mother, have you heard that it was I who made the choice?

It was I who made up my mind, to live by the values I find dear
So please do not fear.

Those who claim I am oppressed suggest I should be undressed. But isn’t forced conformity oppression?
That’s just my observation.

“Take off your Hijab!” they yelled, as they ripped it off and ran out of that subway car.

Do you know what I did mother? I ran after them, I asked them to explain their hatred. I fought hatred with hatred, didn’t see I was wrong- all I did was blame them.

Enlightenment occurred, and I felt cured when I reflected.
Realized those souls were just misdirected.
See, they are oppressed as they undress.

Objectification of the female gender, value placed only on outer good looks.
No time to be aware, stay informed and read those good books.

Mother, must I be nude to be considered art? To be considered a free thinker?
My beautiful veil is my artistic expression of a Believer.

The Veil is my outward representation to my devotion to the One and Only God.
Why is that sad? Why is that bad?

Mother, have I harmed anyone in any way with the veil I chose today?

Mother, I heard your heart hurt with the news. My heart hurt too.

For I am not abused.

So hear me now and hear me loud!

Because I am proud to say I live oppression free, to live a life I chose for me, to not succumb to the puppetry of how society expects me to be.

I am free.
Mother, I am free.

__________________

Note from the Author: I wrote a spoken word piece regarding my experience with the reception of my mother when I told her I started wearing the hijab. I am an attorney, I have been practicing for about 2 years now and I have only started wearing hijab since October 2013. I used to wear hijab in High School but after having my hijab pulled off of me and beaten up in a busy NYC subway, I am sad to say I stopped wearing it. Alhumdulilah, I have started after coming back to Islam in 2011. It has been a challenge being a professional and a real minority-being a Muslim woman who also wears a hijab but I really don’t think I can ever go back.

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In a world that defines less as more,

Where worth is judged in how many looks you score,

The Jewel was crying out for shade,

Covered from the world’s gaze.

And wouldn’t society be amazed?!

The Jewel never knew her true worth,

Assuming that from her birth,

That time would go on and she’d have her layers uncovered,

For others to gape at her in awe and wonder.

She never wanted perfection, only protection,

The protection of her Lord was what she slowly began to crave for,

She was given guidance by the Qur’an with its blessed spiritual sustenance,

And they say her fate was sealed when she read the verse that revealed,

“On no soul do we place a burden more than it can bear.”

Tears poured from her eyes and even more from her heart,

Because right then she knew that with a fresh start.

Her title Muslimah would not be in vain,

And the deeds of her life which slowly became,

To hold more significance than just day to day,

Her Lord she began to call on to ease her way.

Into this beautiful way of life with unmatched wisdom,

Of which there were obstacles to overcome,

Many out to snatch the Jewel’s shine,

But she fought back with all her might every single time.

A comment, a stare, an unkind laugh,

Made for a challenged heart,

But she remained firm and steadfast,

Against all cruelty, so she’d stand last.

The Jewel had Sister gems who she also wanted to protect,

From the snare of shaitan so they wouldn’t be next.

So she taught them what she knew and prayed for their safety,

Monthly, weekly, especially daily.

She knew a day would come when they would question life,

And when that time came, she wanted for them less strife,

She wanted their hearts resistant to temptation,

For She Knew Fitna was ready to corrupt their destination.

May Allah make it easy on all beautiful girls,

The Muslimahs striving for Allah, the well guarded Pearls,

Because we are Jewels with beauty undiscovered,

Our Lord, Most wise, gave us this cover.

The post “In a world that defines less as more” appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I grew up with a mother
who wore a piece of cloth
over her hair.
It was just another part of her,
like her gentle blue eyes
and morning prayers.

But as I became older
The childhood filter faded away
and I heard what people would say,
and wouldn’t say.

5-letter insults were not as bad as the sharp stares
that shredded the pride I had for my mother.
But the questions aimed at her
-rarely inquisitive
and mostly insensitive-
haunted me everywhere.

‘Do you ever wash your hair?’
‘Are you bald?’
“Do you have a bomb under there?
‘Do you sleep with that on?”
“CAN YOU HEAR OKAY UNDER THERE?”

I began to detest
that piece of cloth
that labeled us as ‘oppressed’
and screamed- never whispered-
that we were different, odd,
Wrong.

Now, I am proud
of this piece of cloth
that has enough heart and bravery
to defy society’s conception of beauty
to declare the existence of modesty
and to scream- not whisper-
I am Muslim,
different, beautiful,
Strong.

_________________________________

More on author: www.facebook.com/linaabojaradehart

The post “I am Muslim, different, beautiful, Strong” appeared first on World Hijab Day.

“Take off your headscarf – lets see the length of your hair…
Go on just this once – it’s only a dare!”
The girl with the Hijab looked back and proudly replied…
“There is no chance that I’ll let 14 devils float by my side”

The other girl scoffed still wanting to have fun…
“So you’re prepared to roast under the burning sun??”
“Yes – because the heat right now means nothing to me;
It is the hell fire which is extremely scary”

Girl with no scarf – still wanting to say more…
“Why are you wearing it? What is the purpose for?”
“Allah will keep evil and punishment away from me….
This Hijab is there in my life for security…
I love and value my faith – which is why I cover my head”
Smiling the girl in the Hijab had said.

The other girl tensed – but not showing she’s feeling bad….
“Why not show everyone your beauty – once you have, you’ll feel ever so glad!”
“The beauty is inside me – where Islam is growing in my heart…
…appreciating Allah is the way for a happy start!”

At this point, the girl with no Hijab had nothing else left to say…
She knew that the other girl was always joyful and confident each and every day.
She realized that this Sister in Hijab will always remain pure and never will walk in shame….
The girl with no scarf knew she wanted to be exactly the same.

This is why, when she went home – she made a very big decision.
She realized that loving Allah can put you in such a wonderful position.
In the classroom, the next day – this girl was wearing her Hijab for the first ever time – feeling so proud…
Looked at the other girl whom she had made fun of before had said out loud…

“Oh sister of Islam – forgive me for the things I have said….
Seeing the love you hold for our religion has today made me cover my head…
Your sweet and caring words that you so dearly expressed…
Made me see how Islam has given you so much respect
I know that Allah will gift those who follow Islam….
Wearing my Hijab – I know that I will be safe from any harm.

Thank you My Sister – for you who I now admire and congratulate
Together as Muslims, we should aim to reach Jannat’s Gates.”

The first girl – amazed, had happiness all over her face
Smiled with love and gave the Sister a lot of praise.
“Mashallah Sister – Indeed Allah will purify your heart and your deen…
Continue love for our faith and in Heaven we will be seen…
Wearing the Hijab – we will always stay as the ‘Respected Girl’….
And to Allah we will be known as the ‘Concealed Pearl!’

Author: Unknown

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It’s funny how you thought my veil was a trend
How, by summer time, my veil obsession will end
You don’t understand my veil or its reasons
You think it was made to be worn on certain seasons
Try to understand it’s a command from my Lord
Not something pushed on me by a gun or a sword
It’s a choice I’ve made to follow these commands
To rid myself of a man’s lustful demands
My beauty I will preserve and protect from every male
For my soul mate’s eyes only I will unveil
You say I need to embrace my youthful femininity
That covering up so is only for an old lady
Telling me to add some eyeliner, mascara and lip gloss
And to the side, my headscarf I should toss
This mentality of yours leads to corruption
In every society you destroy the root of their protection
The laws of our Lord should always precede
All the laws of the land in order that we may succeed

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