I met a  Muslim gentleman who introduced me to Islam.  I wanted to learn more about Islam in order to better understand his lifestyle and his choices.  I immediately fell in love with Islam and within a few short months, decided it was what I’d been searching for all along!

On May 26th, I began wearing the hijab.  I noticed instantly that wearing hijab gained me respect which I’d never  known before.  People apologized for using foul language within earshot of me.  People offered assistance when not necessarily requested.  At a restaurant, a man stopped me from ordering food that had been cooked with pork, because he knew, since I was wearing hijab, I could not consume pork.  It blew my mind!

On June 6th, I took my shahada (testimony of Islamic faith).  It was a bittersweet day.  I was overjoyed to revert to the religion I had fallen in love with.  My (Catholic) family, however, was not thrilled.  My mother even disowned me for  some time. This quickly changed my mood.  Though, in the end, I didn’t allow it to ruin my day.  A week later we had a family meeting  and worked things out.  My family may not understand, but they now support my decision.

I have been told by a few different people that hijab suits me.  I love wearing hijab.  My dà’ì says it makes me even more beautiful than he already thought I was.

It bothers my daughter that people sometimes stare, but it doesn’t bother me.  It hasn’t bothered me from day one.  I knew what I would face them and I know those who stare are just ignorant.  I pray that Allah, one day, opens their eyes.  I know I made the right decision.  I am happy with my choice and my knew life!  Alhamdulillah!  Allahu-akbar!

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By Tia

I am an Australian convert to Islam. Growing up, I never followed any religion but was always taught to believe in God and to respect different religions. I did attend christian churches occasionally but I never felt contentment when I was there. I was eight years old when I first heard about Islam and for some reason my interest was peaked.

I am totally blind so I had to rely on my father to read books to me and eventually when I was 11, I was able to get a screen reader on my computer so I could research Islam as much as I wanted. I went to high school and didn’t think about islam for many years but in 2010 I had to have both eyes removed. I was so scared.  I started praying and when I pulled through, I knew 100% Allah was with me.

It took me another 3 years before I would take my shahadah (testimony of Islamic faith) but when the day came, I felt like I was complete and the unexplained emptiness I felt suddenly disappeared. My parents didn’t have a problem with me becoming Muslim but they were worried about me wearing the hijab because I already stand out because I use a white cane. I really wanted to wear the hijab but I didn’t want to worry my parents.  So for the first 6 months I wore it only sometimes. I went back to stay with my parents in that time and really missed my hijab. I came back to Brisbane and I knew I was ready to wear it full time. 18 months has passed and my hijab is my life! I feel naked without it.  I feel people are more admirable of me instead of scornful and I feel like I earn the respect of men because of the way I conduct myself and guard my modesty. Insha’Allah we are all guided to the straight path.

Jazak’Allah for reading.

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I was born to a Muslim family in Bangladesh. My family was not that religious. My mother did not wear hijab. She was a beautiful, stylish woman. I say ‘she was’ because sadly she passed away from breast cancer in 2007. We moved to London, England in 2004 and that time I was this rebellious teenager who would wear jeans, bunk school and shout at her mum. My mother changed after her diagnosis. She became serious in her prayers, Quran recitation and she began wearing the hijab. At late nights, I would find her crying and supplicating to Allah for forgiveness. You see her illness was terminal. She did not have much time. I was too self-centered to realize that. Gradually my mother lost her hair, beauty and health. She was admitted to a hospice where she gave out her last breath.

For the first time I witnessed death. With my very own eyes. I washed her dead body and attended the funeral prayer. Deep inside, I was empty. Few days later, I touched the Quran for the first time and read it. Islamic shows on TV interested me more than worldly channels. I read this book about death where it says – ‘ Every soul shall taste death’. The punishment in the grave and in Hell for disobeying Allah scared me. I was changing then bit by bit… Finally I began wearing the hijab.

Covering my hair and body completely! It was a new me… I was reborn. I have reverted from the darkness to this Light. It has been 8 years and I am a happy Hijabi along with being happily married and also a very happy mother! My mother is not here today to see all these but I believe it was her tears and prayers to Allah that helped me receive His guidance. Allah guides whom he wills and He guided a sinner like me.

Please mother, forgive me for shouting at you, for hurting you. You never stopped loving me. Ya Allah! Bless my mother with Jannah (Paradise) and bless me as well, ameen.

Dear sisters, life is short. Wear hijab to please Allah. Don’t care what society will say. Live to please Allah, not society.

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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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