I left my home country, Pakistan, to build a new life in Europe in 2008. Like anyone starting fresh in a new place, I wanted to fit in and be accepted by society where I would be part of. Dressing like those around me felt like the first natural step. I thought wearing my traditional clothes would make me look uneducated, outdated and most of all – an outsider – when all I wanted was to belong.

I could never imagine being offered a job or making new friends while dressed in my traditional attire. Somehow, I doubted my intelligence and abilities, and most of all, I doubted my faith, thinking that following my religious beliefs would be a hurdle on the path to worldly success.

The whole time, I was consumed by feelings of being an imposter, forced into a role that misrepresented my true self, hiding this from the world, while simultaneously living with the fear of eventually being found out. I had a strong urge to be myself, but at the same time, I was anxious about how people would react once I changed my appearance. Because in today’s world, openly declaring yourself as a Muslim is not an easy task and takes courage.

– How will people perceive me?
– Will they treat me differently?
– What will they ask, and how will I answer those questions?
– Will I be strong enough, brave enough?
– Will I feel confident enough in my own skin?

Then, in 2021, I finally gathered the courage to put my fears aside and take the step to start covering my head. That’s when I told myself: Whatever may be, whatever may come, I will face it.

Putting on the hijab is a part of my faith, but for me, this act meant openly accepting and announcing my true identity to the world. And I was lucky I received an overwhelmingly positive response to this change.

My Muslim friends congratulated me for taking this step, telling me how proud they were of me. And how they hoped they could do the same one day.

As for my non-Muslims friends and co-workers, some remained completely silent about the change, as if nothing had happened. Their behaviour toward me didn’t change, which was comforting, of course, because I was still the same person.

Others were curious and asked questions. And I felt proud of myself for being able to answer them confidently without feeling shame or guilt.

In the end, it’s not about expecting others to agree with you. It’s about standing your truth and hoping they will accept and respect you for who you are.

I am my true self now since I started covering my head. I feel complete, happy and more confident. And for me, this is just the first step in claiming my place in this world. There are still many challenges that I and other Muslim women face in Western society. Many of us are often hesitant to talk about it openly, however, we can tackle these problems one at a time and make things better for Muslim women.

Now being a part of a society that embraces open-mindedness, which allows me to express my true self within a community that values and celebrates diversity and inclusivity, and where, despite our differences, we can still live and work together harmoniously – I am truly grateful!

On #WorldHijabDay, I’ve decided to share my story publicly, not just for myself, but for every woman who has ever questioned whether she could truly be herself.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Amal Shakeb is a Strategic Marketing Communication specialist of Pakistani origin, based in the Netherlands. She is passionate about creating awareness around mental health & well-being and is a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

IG: Amalshakeb
LinkedIn: Amal-shakeb

The post Daring to Be Myself appeared first on World Hijab Day.

For so many Muslim women, the hijab is more than just a piece of cloth—it’s a deeply personal, multifaceted decision tied to identity, faith, and empowerment. My hijab story is marked by discovery, struggle, and conviction. Today, I want to share my journey with you in hopes that it inspires reflection, resilience, and perhaps even connection.

How It All Began
I first put on the hijab at 13 years old. Nobody in my family wore it at the time, making me the first to take the leap. My best friend had just returned from Umrah, deeply moved by the experience, and had started wearing the hijab herself. Watching her make this commitment sparked something within me.

For me, the hijab made sense. I didn’t like drawing the attention of men and felt that wearing it would make my life easier. It gave me a sense of comfort and control over how I presented myself to the world. Still, being the first in my family to wear it wasn’t always easy. Questions and awkward stares acted like small roadblocks, but they didn’t shake the deeper meaning the hijab gave me.

The Crisis
Like many journeys, though, mine wasn’t without challenges.

Growing up Muslim while facing Islamophobia exposed me to subtle and overt forms of exclusion, judgment, and fear. Over time, the weight of these encounters began to build, eventually leading me to question how I wanted to be seen in the world—how I could be seen and understood. At one point, I felt compelled to take off my hijab.

For four long months, I walked away from something that had been such a vital part of my identity. I longed for relief, for a sense of anonymity, but instead, I felt like I had lost myself. When I looked in the mirror, I didn’t recognize the person staring back. Something fundamental was missing. I didn’t realize until then just how much the hijab was intertwined with my self-perception and gratitude toward my faith.

How It Ended
Healing my discomfort with my identity wasn’t an overnight process—it required patience, reflection, and a lot of faith. But as I started addressing my anxieties and reconciling my relationship with the world around me, the hijab became a natural next step. This time, it felt entirely mine.

When I donned it again, I did so with stronger conviction. It was no longer about what anyone else thought—it was my choice, reinforced by a love and gratitude for my Creator. Now, the hijab feels empowering. It’s not just something I wear; it’s an extension of my faith and an expression of my love for Allah.

My Advice
To anyone considering wearing the hijab, whether you’re young or older, here’s what I’d like to share:

• • Wear it for the right reason. The hijab isn’t just about covering your head; it’s an act of devotion. Wear it to please Allah, not for societal expectations.
  • Focus on the spiritual beauty. Rather than thinking of the hijab as a restriction, see it as an opportunity to strengthen your bond with your Creator.
  • Make it your decision. The hijab is a personal choice—one that should feel empowering, not forced. Take your time to introspect and decide what feels right for you.

For me, the hijab is a reflection of my deep gratitude and love toward Allah. It helps me walk through the world in alignment with my values of modesty, faith, and authenticity.
Final Thoughts

The hijab symbolizes so much more than an outward expression of modesty. It’s a profound reminder of who I am, where I’ve been, and the principles guiding my life. Every person’s hijab story is unique, and our collective experience strengthens the beautiful tapestry of our Muslim community.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Asma is a leadership expert and renowned professional coach, who integrates Islamic spirituality and strategic coaching to empower leaders in personal and professional growth.

The post Embracing Identity: The Story of My Hijab appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I have not stopped covering my hair since I started wearing the hijab and that has taught me a lot about myself. The hijab has been an important part of me for a long time now and it has made me be closer to my faith. The fact that I have continued to wear the hijab symbolizes my commitment, which is an important trait to have.

Although people still stare at me when I go to new places, I have learned to embrace the hijab. I love the fact that it sets me apart from most of my peers because it gives me a chance to stand out. My school is already full of diversity, so I am glad to add my own piece to the diverse circle. Additionally, I love answering the different questions people ask me because it is an opportunity for me to correct the misconceptions they are accustomed to . The hijab is a powerful piece of clothing because it highlights my modesty and demonstrates my strength. It is a part of my identity that completes who I am and I would be uncomfortable without it.

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