Beautiful reflection! It's hard to be Muslim in the west especially through wearing hijab. Modesty is definitely a struggle for me, but the more I learn about Islam and strengthen my relationship with Allah, the more inclined I am to do the things that please Him. May Allah make it easy for us to continue to choose Him over the worldly glitters.
I had to be ready to wear the hijab headscarf, and the decision wasn't taken lightly. The second I did, my neighbors, the people I interacted with regularly, would have reactions. I also knew that I could not fix their reactions. I also knew there was no backpedaling.
When I started doing it, the first few times were the worst (mostly for me and my nerves). But then I learned that most people didn't care. Others needed a week or two to process, and some asked me questions. The rest needed to see that I was the same person as I was before the headscarf.
There are still reactions periodically from others, but I don't regret my choice to wear hijab. It's part of my identity, just like you describe.
I have run through the emotions of "what if I can't get clients, a job, etc..." but I have to have better faith than that. Allah is in charge of access and permissions, not the recruiter who reaches out to me or the company that offers me work.
I read both your article and Amal’s yesterday. In fact it was through your articles that I learned it was World Hijab Day, otherwise who knows I might have written my own article too!
I’m really proud of you for staying true to yourself and choosing to wear your hijab. It’s a beautiful expression of who you are. I have Muslim friends who wear one and others who don’t. It’s a personal decision, and I respect that so much.
I read your article yesterday but didn’t get around to replying to it. I did not always wear a Hijab and used to think I will just blend in once I moved to a western country (I have fair skin and freckles so didn’t always fit in India). So when I got serious about Hijab while still in India, I did lament the fact that I won’t blend in anymore. But like you I have realised that I was trying to mesh with the wrong crowd, and I am thankful for my Muslim sisterhood now both locally and online. Also like you I am loving the community on Substack!
True, it is this faith in Allah that keeps us going forward and reminds us that we are dependent on Him only and answerable to Him only.
Thank you for sharing your journey ❤️
Beautiful reflection! It's hard to be Muslim in the west especially through wearing hijab. Modesty is definitely a struggle for me, but the more I learn about Islam and strengthen my relationship with Allah, the more inclined I am to do the things that please Him. May Allah make it easy for us to continue to choose Him over the worldly glitters.
Ameen
I had to be ready to wear the hijab headscarf, and the decision wasn't taken lightly. The second I did, my neighbors, the people I interacted with regularly, would have reactions. I also knew that I could not fix their reactions. I also knew there was no backpedaling.
When I started doing it, the first few times were the worst (mostly for me and my nerves). But then I learned that most people didn't care. Others needed a week or two to process, and some asked me questions. The rest needed to see that I was the same person as I was before the headscarf.
There are still reactions periodically from others, but I don't regret my choice to wear hijab. It's part of my identity, just like you describe.
I have run through the emotions of "what if I can't get clients, a job, etc..." but I have to have better faith than that. Allah is in charge of access and permissions, not the recruiter who reaches out to me or the company that offers me work.
Thank you for sharing your perspective and fighting your fears to be who you truly are. May Allah grant you more strength and peace.
What courage! Such a beautiful read Amal! Thank you for sharing your story 💕
Thank you for your support!
More power to you! I poured my heart out today as well check my post ! hope you can relate to that as I can relate to yours😍
Thank you, I have been praying to connect to a community of like-minded Muslims, and I never thought that Substack would be the place I would find it.
I read both your article and Amal’s yesterday. In fact it was through your articles that I learned it was World Hijab Day, otherwise who knows I might have written my own article too!
I’m really proud of you for staying true to yourself and choosing to wear your hijab. It’s a beautiful expression of who you are. I have Muslim friends who wear one and others who don’t. It’s a personal decision, and I respect that so much.
Thank you so much Brandi. Your words mean a lot!
I read your article yesterday but didn’t get around to replying to it. I did not always wear a Hijab and used to think I will just blend in once I moved to a western country (I have fair skin and freckles so didn’t always fit in India). So when I got serious about Hijab while still in India, I did lament the fact that I won’t blend in anymore. But like you I have realised that I was trying to mesh with the wrong crowd, and I am thankful for my Muslim sisterhood now both locally and online. Also like you I am loving the community on Substack!
It's great to hear that you gained the confidence to stand out and be who you are!
Sometimes, it takes courage to be true to yourself. Congratulations Amal !
Thank you Emanuela, its strange how sometimes our internal fears hold us back. And a little bit of courage can result in immense strength and peace.