By Fatima Irfan

I am a Ju-Jitsu player. I have recently begun wearing proper hijab even during my training and in competitions as well and it’s been an amazing experience. I have discovered that Hijab is more than a scarf.  I often thought that it was just a Muslim woman’s obligation to Allah (SWT), not realizing the true thought behind it. I soon came to understand that hijab is the perfect outlet for women to seek liberation, respect, and ultimate freedom.

I discovered who I wanted to be and how I wanted people to see me. The hijab itself doesn’t make me religious or make me do specific things while limiting me from others. To me, it’s a reminder to be a good person and it gives me self-confidence as a young Muslim woman. I realized that hijab made me focus on my inner self more.

I can relate with the following description of hijab:

“Hijab to me is more than the cloth on my head; it’s making sure my speech, my movements, my thoughts and most importantly what’s in my heart is as pure as possible. It reminds me to maintain my faith and modesty in both appearance and behaviour. My Hijab is my right, my choice, my identity, my pride and my dignity.”

Now, I can honestly tell you that I have never felt freer or more at peace with myself and the world around me. I feel proud of myself being a real version of myself as Fatima Irfan.

About author

Fatima Irfan is a National Ju-Jitsu athlete from Pakistan. She is a  Gold and Silver medalist, Ju-Jitsu, World Cup 19. Also a Bronze Medalist, Open World Ranking 18.

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