I grew up in the north shore which you probably know is one of the most racist parts of Sydney, Australia in my opinion. I grew up thinking Muslims were bad and women beaters.  My ex who was a white Australian (like myself) HATED them, and ironically, he ended up being abusive to me. I have never been so hurt in my whole life.

After having to leave and move, I ended up seeing and meeting some Muslim women at my kids’ school and my hairdresser’s.  They were such beautiful nice people. The funny thing is, if I passed by a Muslim woman, I would never think of her as a drug addict or slept around.  All I could see is modesty and elegance.  I was so fascinated by their hijab and niqab. So, I started researching Islam and the Quran. I questioned my hairdresser for hours and absorbed everything she was saying like a sponge.

I remember going past a $2 shop and seeing a slip on hijab. It was on my mind for weeks. So the next time I was there, I spent my last $5 on it.  I remember I couldn’t wait ’till I got home and slip it on. Before I even got onto the main street, I felt  like a new person. I felt protected. Since then I have  been slowly on my path… I do not want to take the shahadah (testimony of Islamic faith) until I absorb everything.  So, I can proudly wear the Islamic name without bringing any shame to its name.  As a result, it can be beautiful to others.
I love Islam and it excites me so much.  

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Although at times it’s very difficult to cover in western culture but I am thankful each day to be a Muslim. I support my fellow sisters from all walks of life and I am grateful for the overwhelming support World Hijab Day has gotten. Alhamdulilah (Praise be to Allah)!!! My journey to becoming a Muslim started as one simple curiosity. I never had the intention to accept Islam. I simply wished to know more as I became curious both because of the Muslim friendships I had developed on social media and all the negative news about Islam.

I knew better than to judge anything without actually educating myself outside of the mainstream media. I casually inquired into authentic Islamic sources and spoke to and directed my questions to my Muslim friends. I was drawn to Islam because of the way my Muslim friends conducted themselves, their mannerisms, and how happy and peaceful they appeared to be. After a year, I took my Shahadah (testimony of Islamic faith) as I wanted to be sure if I could commit myself as I knew it would mean a lot of changes in pretty much all aspects of my life. Dressing as a Muslim in Canada has its challenges and I appreciate those who show respect and tolerance for the freedom to practice one’s faith and choice of dress and I show the same respect back.

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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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