Latest post in my ongoing Hijab Series is written by sister Veronika al Mahdiyah.
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In modern times we still question what is hijab and why is it so important for Muslim women around the globe. It’s just something so simple; taking scarf off the neck and putting it few inches up, wrapping it around our heads.
‘It’s a symbol of oppression! Of male dominance! There is no need to succumb to cultural traditions’
I would say, yes, in some cases men do use it for their own convenience. The same as media uses it’s power to blast over all its channels and ‘push’ certain fashion or appearance standards on the same women. Tiny bust, big behind and on, and on with the ‘newest’ trends.
Hijab for me is something that stays uniform and untouched by time. It’s like good taste. Once you have it, it stays with you. It’s there and obvious.
I had my own struggles with it and, no, it wasn’t about how to wear to look nice with it. It was more about finding myself again.
As a convert it takes time to get over the ‘converts hipe’ and settle back into the normal life. You learn not only about salah, but about yourself too.
Being a women in the modern society you face enormous pressure to be everything that there is to be in the world: educated, self-sufficient, mother, juggling career, studies and beauty/family standards all at once.
Being a Muslimah it’s about the same. Same pressures, same goals, same dreams, but because of your hijab you are suddenly incapable. Irrelevant. Oppressed. Ignorant.
I know, we can hide our muffin tops under abayas, but talent and skill can’t be hidden. It took me a while to realise that I can’t fight against the ones, who are not ready to hear, to know us and that there is no need to explain ourselves all the time.
I found that being hijabi gave me an opportunity to see the world from the different angle, where finding job becomes difficult, because of piece of cloth on my head, instead of neck.
It’s 9 years in making and I finally feel that hijab and I became just a part of each other. The conviction why I’m wearing it – to please Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. The realisation that I don’t have to give an explanation why I want to do it and the biggest realisation, that hijab is not an obstacle to achieve my dreams. I’m getting there one step at a time… and hijab is coming with me.
Author Bio:
Veronika al Mahdiyah, BSc (Hons) Psych (Open), is a relationship coach for busy ambitious Muslim women. Veronika is obsessed with mindset hacks, overcoming fear, and finding the balance between personal and professional fulfillment. You can find her blogging at www.muslimhousewife.com and you can connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/muslimhousewife/
” It took me a while to realise that I can’t fight against the ones, who are not ready to hear, to know us and that there is no need to explain ourselves all the time.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself!
Beautifully written – thank you for sharing!
I’m glad you liked it 😉
I can totally resonate with what you have said. I feel completely naked without my scarf, as if I am not dressed at all.
It becomes a part of you 🙂
Hijab is important to every true Muslim lady. It is a required dress in Islam. But the young Muslim generation is not really concerned about hijab, they are those whom hijab is just a piece of cloth.
In shaa Allah, we will have Muslim ladies growing up, that will love their hijabs as much as we do 🙂
I totally feel the same way… My hijab is part of my skin now! Beautifully written ….loved the bit about hiding muffin tops!! Abaya comes in useful after all! Lol
JazakAllah khair for sharing!
Indeed, it comes useful 😉 Barak Allah feeki xx
So many valid points you have written here. Simply loved this post. I think it resonates with every hijabi girl. Awesome post.
Barak Allah feeki xx
I’m missing my hijab… I was used to wearing ….but now it’s longtime I just wear a scarf, not full hijab. You are right Hijab is not just a thing.
Hijab is a way of life 🙂
I’ve honestly been wearing hijab for so many years now it feels so weird just thinking of not wearing it when I go out.
Yes! Subhana Allah, it becomes you 🙂
I love the last line…. ‘and the hijab is coming with me’. It just shows that you don’t need to give up your deen for this world and you really can have both 🙂
You can tell the world who you are and how to treat you 🙂 Yes!
These are some true and heart touching lines….by you dear Veronika al Mahdiyah. I am glad that you found inner peace in wearing hijab.
Barak Allah feeki, Lubna xx
I fully agree with the fact that we don’t need to explain to anyone why we are doing hijab. God bless you sister.
Ameen! xx
I found this post really helpful to read, especially in terms of not seeing it as an obstacle. ☺