I am a revert in Islam since the 1990’s. I was very proud to wear my hijab. As I began to practice, Oh boy! I was shocked. I was ridiculed and systematically discriminated. I was called names and treated differently than other women. I was called sand bag, and to go back to my country. Ha! Ha! Ha! I am a native American Indian (Cherokee). This is my country and they are foreigner to me. It was so hurtful to be treated like I did not belong here.

If I were in a line in the bank, the post office, or a place where I had to wait in line, you can almost notice that the teller or attendee that when I was at the front of the line, they would stall in calling me. I would stand there and can watch the body language of the person who had to wait on me. They would sometimes stall until the next person attending would take me. I would just maintain my patience and calm until I was done. When I got to my car I would just sit and think. Wow! I can’t even complain. That was so sleek. This type of secret behavior Allah knows and will defend me.

I can’t imagine the disrespect other women who are Muslim and covered could be going through; if they could be strong and patient like me. My daughter, Madinah, was bullied in high school. Instead of her retaliating with words of disrespect, she went to her teachers who took her to the Principal and requested permission from the parents if she could educate these children on Islam and her hijab. She said, ‘I want to educate, not retaliate.’

Madina’s father is an Imam and I am a Community Crisis Chaplain. Madinah was an honor roll student. So, we put together a program which made every gym class attend the event instead of having fun time. Those students listened and participated. We were so happy that Madinah was not bullied anymore. Alhumdulillah.

However, today I still get treated differently. I am not considered for any position unless I fight for it. I chose to be a voice for my sisters and join the fight with my other sisters who are suffering this terrible treatment. I get asked all the time where am I from? I get asked what is that rag I’m wearing? I get eye stares that if looks could kill I’d be dead. Ya Allah!

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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.

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If you think hijab holds you from exploring the world, think again. My hijab is the most empowering garment I ever had. The hijab speaks for me, it tells the world that I’m a Muslim woman, that I believe in Allah (SWT) and I try to follow the prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) teachings. It’s also a reminder of the sunnah (my ethics code) and acts sometimes quicker than my own conscience. It makes me feel connected with this world because as a Muslim woman, I have a moral duty in society.  At the same time, it tells me to keep working my way to Jannah (Paradise).

It’s sometimes an icebreaker and makes me closer to some curious minds and sometimes protects me from the noise in the crowd. It’s my crown, my helmet, my most valuable jewel and at the same time, reminds me to be most  humble. Hijab is not what I wear, it is WHAT I AM.

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I get asked quite often why I reverted and what lead me to Islam? So I thought I’d tell you all.
I didn’t have a good start in life. I was abandoned in a crack house at  the age of 14 months. I was there for 2 days before I was found. I was passed around the care system for a while before I was placed with a loving foster Mom. I always yearned for my real mother; she was allowed to see me the 1st Saturday of every month, but she would never come. I’d be sad, waiting for her looking out the window. I would be heartbroken but my foster mom would always be there to hug me when I felt rejected.

At 14, I turned into a “wild child.” I started smoking, drinking, and hanging around with the wrong people. I started running away from home to my birth mother but she would reject me and shut the door in my face, but as always, my foster mom held me close and loved me.

At 17, I started going to the local pub. I was naive. I got pregnant with my son Dylan at the age of 17. I raised him alone. He is now 18 and has never met his dad. When I was 19, I met a Muslim man and got pregnant with Omar. His dad has always been in and out of his life. Omar is now 15. I spent most my 20’s feeling lost and unwanted, so I drank more, smoked more weed to forget about life.

Last year in September, I went to a 24 hr rave (party). I think I lasted about 18 hrs. I just sat in my room and cried and cried and asked God for help for strength, for guidance. I must have passed out from drinking. When I was awake a few hours later, I was overwhelmed with a feeling. I knew what I wanted. I knew what I had to do and for the first time ever, I felt strong enough. I detoxed my body. It took about 3 days. I was shaking and as I was detoxing myself and trying to better myself, I found out I had been betrayed in the worst way possible; stabbed in the back by people who I thought cared about me. I was devastated. All I wanted was a drink but I didn’t. I was so proud of myself.

Once I knew my body was clean from drink and drugs, I took my Shahadah (testimony of Islamic faith). Wow! Amazing! I was free. I felt new. I felt relieved that I would never pick up another drink. Islam to me is more than a religion. I believe it really saved my life.

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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.

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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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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!

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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.

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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.

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