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!

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It has taken me a while to decide how to begin writing this story, but I will start by introducing myself. My name is Diana; I am an ordinary person of flesh and blood. I grew up Catholic, in fact my whole family is. I currently attend to a university and work in a police department. I could tell you detail by detail about my life and my experience, but I would take many pages for that.

Several years ago I felt lost; I felt blind not knowing where I was going in life. During all those years I have devoted my time to find myself. It was as if asleep. Over two years ago I was introduced to Islam, a religion that seemed so peaceful for me and I began to feel very interested about Islam. I am a highly conservative person; therefore I decided to do more research on Islam on my own. I read and learned a lot about Islam. I attended a few times at the mosque near me and observed the women wearing their hijabs and the beauty and meaning that comes from it. I realized I had found what I wanted, what I needed, but I was terrified about my family’s reaction. I had many dreams in relation to Islam and my family too. They were peaceful dreams where I wore a hijab and my family understood and supported me over the decision I made.

Finally, after all this time I decided to take the next step. I went to the same mosque with a friend who talked to the sheikh about my decision.

I feel blessed that Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) has allowed my lips to say “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

After three months and nine days from when I converted into Islam (12/15/13), I can still feel so much emotion in my heart and tears rolling down my face every time I remember that moment. I started wearing the hijab the same day I converted into Islam because I embrace the beauty and the true meaning of wearing a hijab. I have also noticed that people treat me different, but in a better way. I feel blessed wearing my hijab and for the first time since that day, I feel so calm, in peace, and awake. Alhamdulillah for all the blessings I’ve received and Inshallah my family will understand and support me in the kind of life I’ve made peace with. Beauty is modesty and I feel happy to say that I feel secure, respected and proud to wear my hijab. Hijab is my Beauty, I am hijabbed and I am proud of it.

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