I recently began practicing hijab (wearing a headscarf, dressing and behaving more modestly).
Women wear the hijab for many different reasons: to show devotion to Allah (swt – the exhalted), to be identifiable as a Muslim, to make a fashion statement, to hide their hair/skin problem, to keep others happy, to show obedience to their husband/parents/government, to fit in with their friends/family/culture/community, or to …… (the list can go on).
Why each individual woman out there wears the hijab is a personal matter so I can only speak for myself: I wear it to show devotion to Allah (swt) and to prove to myself and others that my mind, heart and abilities are more important than my physical appearance.
I am not oppressed – nobody told me to wear it – I wear it out of choice. In fact, looking back, I believe I was oppressed pre-hijab because I was brainwashed to believe that I had to be a certain weight, dress a certain way and apply a certain amount of make-up in order to feel beautiful, be admired or become more successful.
I don’t want people to pity me because they believe they are looking at yet another oppressed woman. I want them to understand that I feel more empowered than ever and that…
It’s My Hijab – It’s My Choice
© Rabia Bashir 2013