My Hijab Journey: How my life altered with the presence of hijab and how yours can too.
Growing up, I was never really forced into wearing the hijab, but modest attire was always encouraged and covering up at least the bosoms and other private parts was always recommended. What really strikes me about my hijab journey is that it began with natural inspiration, and not forced motivation or the pressure of my parents or anyone else.
Throughout my elementary school years, middle school years, and grade 9 and 10, I wandered without feeling the power of hijab or ever getting a chance to really comprehend its true meaning and power. Come grade 10, I joined the MSA Club at my high school. Muslim Student Association Club. Now comes the ironic part. The club was a huge success, especially with its “Try on a Hijab Event” that we hosted near the main entrance to encourage others to simply try on a hijab. Not only that, we created some pamphlets as well that explained the importance of hijab and conveyed a meaningful message about covering up for the sake of Allah SWT. The event was a huge success and it truly delivered its purpose. Not just for others, but especially for me. Several non-Muslims came to simply try on a piece of cloth on their head, including some of our own friends, and take pictures at the photo booth we prepared. Even some male students wanted to try it for fun.
As the event went on and more and more people came, I had a moment of enlightenment sparked within me. I told one of the club leaders that time to put it on me as well. It was a soft red cotton hijab that perfectly complemented my forest green uniform.
As I was walking home that day, I thought to myself. It actually felt so good to wear the hijab. I contemplated that feeling and how every single person in the MSA club wore a hijab and I was the only non-Hijabi there it seemed. As that thought hovered over me, I wanted to go full-time with the hijab the following school year in grade 11 and surprise all my friends. My two closest best friends also wore a hijab for a long time which was a key factor in my inspiration and hijab journey.
As I walked into the hallways that day in September 2016 wearing that pink, funky-looking cotton hijab styled with exaggerated layers, I got some surprised looks, while also receiving disapproving looks from some of my classmates who did not appreciate me for my decision as much. That’s when I knew who my real friends were. I looked around at all the admiration and support I received from my closest friends that time and remembered those were my keepers.
So that was my hijab journey. I’m sure everyone has had their funny hijab phase back when they weren’t aware of how to style it and wear it when first starting out. I sometimes sit back and compare and see how far I have come from wearing puffy camel hump hijabs with several pins tucked in to keep it in place to finally switching to chiffon hijabs with quick styling and minimal use of straight pins. Stay tuned to my other blog posts for hijab hacks.
Share your hijab journey in the comment section below and what inspired you the most to start wearing it! 🙂