I don’t wear hijab. I practice hijab. My hijab reflects in my attire, behavior, and speech. It’s important to practice hijab, rather than make it a part of everyday apparel. It’s common to simply think of a headscarf when a woman states that she wears hijab. The reality is, men and women are under Islamic measure to practice hijab- which translates to “modesty.” It’s belittling to the beauty and grace of Islam to refer to hijab as only the head covering for women. Hijab, for men and women alike, is a blessing from our Creator. He has ordained the most effective way to protect ourselves from the haraam (forbidden things) that this dunya  (world) holds.

Appreciation of the context of hijab in its entirety will bring back the full beauty hijab gives to Muslim women and men. Alhamdulilah, I began to understand the concept of hijab about a year ago. InshaAllah, I hope to stay strong in my imaan (faith) and pray for nothing but sincere piety and faith for my brothers and sisters in deen (religion of Islam) around the globe.

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It’s been 14 years since I decided to make the biggest decision that would change my appearance quite profoundly. It was like a “new and crazy thing” but I was convinced that it would be the best possible way to find myself and to nourish my soul. Rumi says: “What you seek is seeking you.”  That’s it. I think I was seeking the light of God, that’s why I ended up accepting this way of life. Whenever others ask me about the difficulties I face with my hijab on, I say to them that everything starts from within. The source of joy and sadness is inside of us, in our heart. If we are strong enough inside, if we have a strong belief, if we are convinced that Hijab is indeed an order from God, then there is nothing that can take away the peace from us. With my hijab on, I feel a sense of calm and serenity.

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I was born and raised as Catholic. I am now a revert to Islam, Alhamdulillah. I started wearing my hijab in October of last year and I never removed it since then. At first it was tough, my family and friends were not very accepting of it, but sooner they respected my decision and accepted it.

Our purpose can be reflected even in the clothes we choose to wear. If our intention is to please Allah when we choose our dress, that action in itself becomes an act of worship. Hence, the very choice of one piece of clothing over another is an act of worship in Islam. Many people refer to hijab as a “personal choice”. Yes. It is a personal choice. It is a personal choice to submit to God rather than the fashion of the society. It is a choice to be beautiful to God rather than to people. And it is a choice to cover and dignify the body Allah gave you rather than give in to a culture that encourages women to be sex objects who sell their bodies like market beer.

However, hijab should not just be seen as a cloth one puts on the head. Rather hijab is a symbol of our worship and servitude to God. It is a symbol of modesty, that is not just about our attire or physical appearance. It extends to our whole demeanor, actions, ideas and character.

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This message goes out to Sadia, Rahila and other fantastic Muslim women who encouraged me today:

Thank you for supporting me today, and for telling me I was beautiful as I practiced a level of modesty that is not commonly seen in Christian circles. Thank you for laughing with me as I struggled to wrap my hijab and keep it in place, and grinning at my rogue bangs as they struggled for attention. Thank you for the many words of blessing and thoughtfulness and the likes on my photographs as I attempted to document today’s activities wearing a hijab.

Thank you for being you: your modesty, your passion, your humor, and your bravery. Thank you for being vocal that the hijab is not a symbol of oppression but a symbol of your choice to protect modesty in a culture that devalues it. Thank you for accepting me enough to include me today. It was a privilege to stand with you as a sister. I hope to continue doing so.

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