I begin in the name of Allah (s.w.t.) Most Gracious, Most Merciful. I seek refuge from Shaytaan the accursed.

"Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu" 

The following article is an experience by a Muslim sister with hijab. The hijab is the complete covering of the body, except the hands/face/feet, along with the conduct, speech, etiquette etc expected of a Muslim. It is not to be confused with the khimar, the actual head covering, which many people confuse with the hijab

As my friend and I sat eating lunch, I tried not to get too nervous. This was it, I told myself. Today I would tell her that a few weeks ago, I began to wear the khimar (head covering), and that I would be wearing it out of school, everywhere I go. Our Christian school did not permit any extra attire apart from the school uniform, such as a head covering. I was already flashed many looks with regards to my long skirt and called names. What about hijab? How would my non-Muslim friends react when they see me in hijab? Would our daily interactions be the same? Would I be shunned? Will they feel ashamed of me when we go out together?

These thoughts swam around vigorously in my head, as we finished our sandwiches. “Hey, I have something to tell you,” she gave me her full attention. “Promise not to look at me differently when I tell you this”, I pleaded. “I’m going to start wearing hijab.” The reaction was not as I expected. She was completely calm and supportive. “That’s a good thing right?” she smiled. My other non-muslim friend scolded me at the thought of feeling ashamed. However, this encouragement did little to relieve my nervous insecurities. Maybe some of my other non-muslim friends would scorn the idea. So, I decided to wear it sometimes, that is, when my non-Muslim friends/acquaintances were not present.

I did not know why I was doing it. A huge part of me embraced Islam; but I realized that pleasing Allah (swt) and pleasing my non-muslim friends simultaneously was impossible. Hypocrisy is hated in the sight of Allah (swt.). I had to choose…and so I did.

"After a few weeks, I stopped wearing the khimar completely"

It soon dawned upon me that my faith was weak. Was I being mislead by my friends who were unbelievers? They were good friends, I told myself. They had not expressed any problem with my religion, or the idea of me being covered from head to ankle. The problem was me. I wanted to please everyone. I wanted my friends to think I was cool, and not a fanatic. I wanted Allah (swt) to accept me. I wanted the kufr to accept me as well. I was fighting an internal battle that Islam rejects – compromise. I told myself that I was not ready for the hijab.

There was also another reason; I was rebelling. My parents would allow my brothers to do as they pleased; but my sisters and I would be given the full rules and regulations that came with Islam. We had to compel with much, while they lived a life of hypocrisy. I observed that this was a trend with many Muslim parents. My Muslim friends and I would complain about it. Why is there such blatant injustice? The Holy Qur’an clearly states that we should lower our gazes, regardless of gender. Just because they were required to cover less, didn’t mean they could engage in haraam activities. This made me feel very angry. I felt subjugated, violated, and treated with partiality. If they wouldn’t follow all the rules, then neither would I.

 A few months later, I decided to strengthen my Imaan. I began an Islamic course that covered all aspects of the religion. I began to learn more, and to understand a great deal that I did not know before. As the topic of the hijab surfaced, my stomach began to feel queasy. We talked about Muslim women covering themselves. We quoted Qur’anic verses. We read ahadith. However, it was also explained to us why we should cover.

I began to feel overwhelmed and ashamed. The hijab was made to protect Muslim women. It guards our chastity and beauty, which Allah (swt) clearly commands. It emphasizes our femininity while protecting us against lustful gazes and heckling, which uncovered women receive. When a Muslim woman is covered by hijab, she is treated with dignity and respect. She is admired for her strength, willpower, and most importantly, her deep Imaan and piety. She chooses to do something that so many Muslim women deny themselves, because they feel ashamed, afraid, angry or resentful. They do not realize how liberating it really is., because they do not understand why it is obligatory. Most Muslim girls are just told “You have to wear hijab” without any explanations. This is where Muslim parents and others fall short.

When I started to wear the hijab shortly afterwards, I felt liberated. I felt protected, chaste, and proud to be a Muslim woman with such a unique opportunity. I was now greeted by other Muslim sisters, because this was my stamp of identity as a Muslim. I felt peace, love, and security. I did not care about what others had to say. Some of my non-Muslim friends remain in awe and surprise, but InshaAllah my reward for this obligation will come in the Akhirah (Hereafter).

So why didn’t I feel this liberation while I was wearing the hijab a few months ago? Simply put, I was doing it without faith or understanding as to why it was compulsory. I wanted to please so many different groups, while I ignored the commands of Allah (swt). Now I know better, Alhamdulillah. Allah (swt) comes before anyone or anything. When we fear Him, and we do what is right, everything else falls into place. When Allah (swt.) commands something, He knows what is best. He knows why he chose it to be that way. Every obligation has a reason; some we may not understand. But the reasons for wearing hijab are clear.

So if you are a Muslim sister reading this article, please read well. If you wear the hijab daily, then Masha Allah; encourage your Muslim sisters to do the same. If you do not, then please, consider the benefits. Remember that we live in this Dunya (World) only for a short while. We all have to return to Allah (swt) one day. We must not allow ourselves to fall victims to the temptations of Shaytaan and the kufr. We must always seek guidance, knowledge and understanding. We have to live our lives so that Allah (swt) alone will be pleased with us, InshaAllah.

If you are a Muslim brother reading this article, please educate your Muslim sisters in Islam. Please remember that Muslim men are also required to remain chaste until marriage. If you are a father, please treat your children with impartiality. Muslims require fixed rules of behaviour and conduct, whether male or female. With respect to the topic of hijab, please approach your daughters with understanding and knowledge. Explain the benefits of this obligation to Allah (s.w.t.).

When approaching someone with the intention of convincing them to wear hijab, please be very careful. This is a very sensitive issue with women; we cannot be criticizing and harsh with our Da’awa. We need to do so with understanding and caution. If we scold and criticize, we will only chase away our Muslim sisters. We can only guide and educate, and pray to Allah (s.w.t.) that they will accept it InshaAllah. 

InshaAllah, I hope that my experience has inspired, influenced, or helped in some small way. May Allah (swt) bless us, guide and protect us, and give us the Imaan to understand, accept and practice His Deen with sincerity and pride. Ya Allah, keep us on the straight path, and protect us from the temptations of the unbelievers, for ‘you’ alone can do so. Grant us good in this World, and in the Hereafter, Insha Allah.

Ameen...