My Hijab , My Strength

My Hijab Story is a series written by beautiful souls of our EMMA Family. Read more heart warming and soul boosting Hijab Stories here. If you too have a story to share, we’d love to hear it! Send us ❤️
It pains me to see my sisters all over the world succumbing to the constant quest to fit in. Believing that it is absolutely hard to stand firm upon our faith with our covered heads held up high, I certainly know that it gets extremely overbearing at times. And I also know that most of us would rather give this all up for some peace of mind. It’s okay. Yet I feel like we need some faith restoring -a wake-up call. I’m not here to tell you how to wear your hijab or how to style your outfits modestly or criticise your way of expressing yourself -let alone have a say in you wearing it or not, I’m only here to remind myself before anyone why we’re wearing scarves atop our heads and guarding our beauty. Regardless of this being an obligatory command, it’s one of those unflinchingly bold statements that singles us out. We’re always looked at differently, whether we want to admit it or not -whether we want to believe this or not. There’s this sense of pride in being able to control what the outside is seeing of us. We’re not to be messed with, for this is a choice we take upon ourselves to choose every single time we step a foot outside of our houses. And we’re strong enough to have all these thoughts and undying wants to be just like everyone else and for once not be “outstanding”, but wrap our scarves firmly atop our heads for it’s a reminder of who we are and what we stand for. It’s a home in itself, where we belong. And sometimes home isn’t a perfect place, but it’s just a feeling that unyieldingly attaches itself to our hearts. Sometimes I look at myself in the mirror with my hair let down and just stare wondering how life would have been or actually be if hijab wasn’t a part of my life -part of myself. There are endless possibilities. Yet I’m almost immediately back to my senses with one thought: I’m only doing this for God, even if my heart is sometimes so weak that it can’t help but wish things were slightly more tolerable. However, by no means am I saying that my hijab is a burden. It never was. I just have my ups and downs.  
If anything my hijab is a constant faith restoring friend that allows me to look up at myself and get back on my feet to continue trying to be the best muslimah I can be.
And if out of this life one thing that can save me on judgment day, it must be this. Even if I’m not dressed up as modestly as I should, but I’m trying and fighting myself every single day not to wear those skinny jeans that were enforced upon me by my weak notions. Yet all of this struggle is worthwhile. My hijab doesn’t allow me to go to certain places and most probably these places I shouldn’t be at. My hijab annoys so many people, then maybe they can’t be accepting enough and neither should I tolerate them and alter myself to their favor. My hijab reminds me of the prayers that I try not to neglect, then it’s a self-disciplining act I desperately need yet barely want. My hijab symbolizes my strength that was gathered by all those times of struggles that patched up this mess of a strength. Hijab isn’t a fashion icon. It’s a commitment that we struggle with. We stumble upon situations and circumstances that test us constantly. But we don’t always pass these tests. And it’s okay. If you took it off, hoping you’d wear it again soon when you’re strong enough -it’s okay, He’s the most forgiving. If you’re wearing it but it’s suffocating you -it’s okay, He’s the most merciful. If you’re wearing it “wrong” and trying your best to be better -it’s okay. If you’re trying to wear it yet you’re so afraid and it seems like everything is holding you back -it’s okay. He knows. And He’ll forgive us if He wills.

Now it’s up to us to build up each others’ strength, and for once – for the love of God – stop criticising everyone around us and just do our best.

28 thoughts on “My Hijab , My Strength

  1. Hoda says:

    Lovely read! Yes, everyone goes through her own struggle , and is at a certain stage in her path. we should never judge!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *