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 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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