Just want to share how the hijab taught me the true commitment for Islam. Back then, I took an entrance exam for a college I was really interested in. Alhamdulillah, I passed the exam. It is a well known school for nursing which I decided to get as my course. So the next step is the interview. During those times, wearing hijab was a taboo for them since it is a catholic school, not to mention its name. Again, Alhamdulillah, I passed the interview. They said they will admit me but with one condition, I am not allowed to wear hijab. I immediately asked them why, and they gave me lots of reason- this and that. And it’s just out of the blue. Being raised by an Islamic family, even if it’s my dream to study in this well known institution, I let it go. I’ve decided to go back to my hometown, enrolled in the only one university we have. It may be small and not that famous compared to my dream school, but then we have the freedom to practice our own religion. No ifs and buts, no worries, merely freedom and respect toward each other. Alhamdulillah, I’ve finished my bachelor of science in nursing here, and now I’m a registered nurse working here in Saudi Arabia. Hijab became a tool for me to stand firm for my religion, even if it means giving up some of my dreams. You must stand for what you believe is right, and that is to follow the teachings of Islam, my beloved Muslimahs (Muslim women).

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“It all started during a family holiday to Italy. After stepping out of St Peters’ Basicila, I somewhat heard a whisper “how lucky I am to be a Muslim.” I thought it was weird. A few days later, I was walking alone at Lake Lugano around Maghrib(sunset  prayer  time) and suddenly I had the thought how beautiful Allah’s creations are. And then, I realized how blessed I am to be able to experience the beauty of His creations and how ungrateful I have been. A day after I returned home in Singapore, I pulled a scarf and wrapped it around my head and went to my mother’s house. My parents were pleasantly surprised.

However, my husband was not. He is a convert and his knowledge is limited. He associated the hijab with an Arabic tradition of oppressing women. It was not an easy beginning, and my resolute was tested. I prayed to Allah that my hijab is for my creator, whom I have neglected for so long. If I have to choose between my marriage and my faith, I choose my faith.

Allah is the greatest, most forgiving, most loving. My initial struggles were met with a much stronger marriage today. My husband respected my hijab and so are his non-Muslim family and friends. Alhamdullilah.”

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About a year and a half ago, after extensive research into Islam as a Christian evangelist, I reverted to Islam. Islam is a perfect religion with a Perfect God. In the beginning I did not wear hijab, because being from southern California I saw (and knew) no one that wore one. As Allah began to convict me for being disobedient, I got up the courage to wear one and was quickly ridiculed by strangers for my appearance. However, I drew strength from Allah and have been wearing hijab consistently since Ramadan of 2013. Alhamdulillah I will never go back, I am empowered and free. May Allah bless all my American sisters for their courage and perseverance.

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