In 2017,  I became a Muslim. To be honest,  prior to coming to Islam, I pretty much tried every belief underneath the sun except for Islam.  I was missing something deep inside and none of the beliefs I had tried prior, could fill in the space. I was originally raised as a Christian Evangelical by my own father. My mom’s side of the family were Orthodox Jews and wanted me to believe in that as well.

So in a sense, while growing up, I felt this tug of war vibe between both sides of my family to get me to follow their beliefs.  Finally,  at the age of eighteen, I decided to become a Catholic.  I went with it for awhile, but it didn’t do much for the empty space;  moved on to atheism and then spirituality, which is where I settled for a while.  I wasn’t happy but it was better than me feeling miserable.  FINALLY! I came across Islam due to all of the coverage from the Muslim ban.  I am a  justice warrior for Equality and Equity for ALL.

Initially, I was hesitant because people kept telling me lies about Islam and Islamophobic propaganda, which intimidated me.  I didn’t feel I could be a Muslim and be safe from their hatred. However, when I met other Muslims and saw that they were just like me-loving, kind humans just living for and loving Allah- it made me feel more excited and brave enough to love and follow Allah as well.

So, in January 2017, I became Muslim and celebrated my 1st World Hijab Day.  Every since then, I’ve been trying my best to learn and grow as a Muslimah (Muslim woman). When I first fasted during Ramadan, it was LIFE to me.  I’ve never felt so cleansed and close to Allah.  Finally,  for the first time, my empty space was no longer hollow. Instead, I felt WHOLE with a purpose and love for Allah.

As for wearing my hijab goes: I absolutely love it!  It gives me strength and  makes me  feel FREE.  I feel like Allah is so proud of me for obeying His command and that makes me feel even more whole and complete.

Lastly,  THANK YOU for allowing us, Muslim women, to be heard and represented.  Hopefully,  Insha’Allah, this will help shed beautiful truth on Islam and Muslims everywhere.

The post Muslim ban led me to Islam appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I am a Muslim revert from the Philippines. I was almost 17 when I reverted to Islam last year during the last day of Ramadan, alhamdullilah. Before I became a Muslim, I had faith issues. I stopped believing in Christianity due to many questions that popped up in my head that nobody could answer. I eventually gave up the idea of religion. I was almost at the edge of being an atheist until I found Islam, Alhamdullilah.

My family is devout Christian. I can say that my father is really against Islam, so I really have to hide it from them or else something might happen. Eventually, my family (except for my father) confronted me if I became a Muslim because they caught me praying at some occasions while wearing the hijab. I told them that I became a Muslim. They were so upset and told me so many bad things. They threatened me that they will tell my father if I don’t leave Islam. I was very afraid of that time so I told them that I will stop practicing Islam, but it is only to avoid any danger inshaAllah. Alhamdullilah, after what had happened, Allah has helped me to get through it. I only pray secretly as much as I can so they wouldn’t find out that I’m still a Muslim.

I’ve never been this happy and complete during my jahaliyyah (days of ignorance). Alhamdullilah Islam answered all of my questions. Knowing Allah is such a great honor to me and I couldn’t be more grateful to be one of His servants.

I am planning to wear the hijab in my university, insha’Allah. I know that this won’t be easy for me as it is my first time to wear it in front of everyone. I will be removing it when I go home, so my family won’t know it. Please keep me in your dua’a (prayer) that I can do it for Allah’s sake.

May Allah guide my family and the other non-Muslims as well to Islam, Ameen.

The post I pray secretly in fear of my family appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I grew up in a Catholic family in a non-Islamic Country. I had everything and yet I felt my life was empty and meaningless. It’s been 2 years now since I accepted Islam and words can’t explain the feeling of happiness in my heart. It was a challenge to wear hijab but because I believe in Allah (swt) and the Prophet Muhammad (saw) nothing stood my way. I always thought it’s great blessing, as if Allah is telling us that amongst many people who doesn’t believe in Him, He chose us and lead us to the right path.

I am a proud Muslimah!

The post I had everything yet life felt empty appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I am 24 and recently reverted to Islam. I have been wearing hijab for just over three months now.

I don’t just like my hijab, I love it. It has become such a part of me and I would feel very off without it. The first day that I started wearing it, it just felt so right.

My hijab is not a burden or a pain or a nuisance. It is not hot or itchy. It is not in the way, annoying, or cumbersome. It is not time consuming or ugly. It is not oppressive or restrictive; it does not prevent me from doing anything. My hijab is nothing bad, nothing negative, and nothing harmful.

My hijab is pretty and nice and awesome. It is comfortable, warm, and protective. My hijab is empowering and powerful.

My hijab reminds me that I am always in the presence of Allah swt. It reminds me of my faith and to stay strong in it.

My hijab says please don’t be negative around me; I don’t have room for your darkness. It says make small talk with me. It says I am strong. It says look at me with respect; look at me not my body; have interest in me not my body. It says please refrain from hitting on me because I do not need your remarks.

I would take what I have now over what I used to have any day. People do not hit on me; I do not get cat-calls. I can just go out and not be bothered, or if people talk to me there is no underlying intention.

My hijab lets me know that I am too beautiful, too precious, and too important to be put on display. It tells me that I am something more than I ever realized.

That is why I choose to not only wear, but love my hijab.

The post My hijab is empowering and powerful appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I started wearing the hijab in 1999 but there were times when I would take it off and flaunt my trendy hair. I was not born a Muslim but  converted out of love and marriage which now I believe is the turning point of my life. Allah wanted me to find peace through faith and it has guided me on my every day life.

Allah paved the way for me and since coming home from the Hajj (pilgrimage) last October, I do not leave the house without my hijab on. It made me understand that I am a woman in this dunya (world) and I serve only Allah and I have to heed Prophet Muhammad’s teachings – A woman needs to cover up and be modest for her own good.

Yes, people stare at someone with revealing clothing and styled hair. But when you die, woman, will that bring you closer to God? That was in my head ever since my stay in Madinah and Makkah for the Hajj. Will Allah be pleased with me? Will my husband love me more? Will my Christian family like the new me?

In my heart, there is only one thing that I value. What will become of me on the day of judgment? I fear therefore I obey, I submit, and I surrender myself.

My hijab and my abaya (long over garment) is keeping me on the right track. My prayers, so far, has been answered. My stresses has been relieved. I feel beautiful in my own special way.

Discrimination? Oh yes plenty! I was belittled for wearing the hijab but it did not stop me. Taxi drivers refuse to take me to where I want to go. Security guards at malls stop me and take a long time searching my things. Some people even raise their eyebrows and talk to me as if I am uneducated! I fought, sab’r (stay patient), I struggled. As long as it is not Allah who will discriminate but only people in this dunya for my choices, then, I am ready…

My simple explanation to those who ask me why I cover up?: I WANT TO BE LIKE MARY (Mother of Jesus (PBUH)) WHO WEARS THE ABAYA AND HIJAB AS WELL. You can see her in the Christian pictures wearing such, right? And then, I stop and smile.

The post Discrimination? Oh yes plenty! appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I started wearing hijab since I converted to Islam almost 3 months ago, Alhamdulillah (All Praise is due to Allah)! I am living in a non-Muslim country. My conversion to Islam came with a huge social challenge. Everybody looked awkwardly at me when I would go out wearing my hijab. They laughed but I kept going and tried to be stronger. I used to cry, asking Allah (swt) (All-Praised and The Exalted) to keep me on the right path and not even let me think about taking it off.  My hijab is my freedom to be who I want and who I really am. My hijab, even if it’s a piece of material, for me, is my personality, my beauty, and my shyness. My hijab is a part of me. I love my hijab!

The post Hijab is part of me appeared first on World Hijab Day.

For almost five decades, I was a devout Christian. Once I reverted to Islam I was hesitant to wear hijab. My inner fear would say “what will your family, friends, colleagues, etc. think?” In southern California you can go an entire day without seeing anyone in hijab. During Ramadan 2013, I made the decision to wear hijab, and I do not regret it ever. Although I was mocked and hated by some, I learned that you will never please everyone. My duty is to please Allah–not man. I am freer now than I have ever been. I am proud to be a hijab-clothed Muslima. Alhamdulillah!

The post I was mocked and hated appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I converted to Islam in 2011 after two years of studying it. I simply fell in love with Allah and with the message of the Qur’an. I was deployed in Afghanistan when I took shahada over Facebook chat with a friend, and hijab wasn’t an authorized part of the Army uniform. After I returned home that summer, it took me the better part of a year before I started wearing it all the time.

I’ve now been a Muslim for almost 3 years, alhamdilullah. I wear hijab because I want people to recognize me on sight as a Muslim woman. I recently got hired, after six months of job searching and rejection, by a company who thought my hijab was indicative of conviction and inner strength. They saw it as an asset, not a liability! So, to all my sisters who think nobody will hire them if they wear hijab: if it’s that important to you, remain firm and trust Allah. He will provide!

The post They saw it as an asset, not a liability! appeared first on World Hijab Day.