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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I started wearing the Hijab in Ramadan 2014. I remember writing a list of things that I wanted to pray about during the month of Ramadan. One of the things on the list was praying for the courage to start wearing the Hijab. I’ve always admired people that wore the Hijab. I reached a point in my life where I knew that I wanted to start wearing the Hijab but I didn’t know when. I was convinced that I would finally start wearing it many years later when I am a lot older. I wanted to start wearing it but I was not ready yet. Then one summer morning, I was lying down in my bed and something inside was telling me that it was finally time to start wearing it. I thought about it briefly for that moment and then brushed it off. I started to think about it a lot more and then finally decided that it was finally time to start wearing it.

It was as if Allah had spoken to me through my heart when I made this decision. It took some time getting used to it especially because I went my entire life without wearing it and no-one else in my family wears it. However, I believe that this was the best decision that I’ve made and I am not turning back. I cannot imagine myself without it. Sometimes, I am in disbelief as to how I have gone so long without it. Since I started wearing it, I feel secure, protected, and a lot more beautiful. I feel liberated in knowing that I am no longer hiding a main part of my identity in order to conform to society.

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