What the Hijab Means to Me

I started wearing hijab (accepted term for modesty and covering the body except for the face and hands) in 7th grade and not because I wanted to, but because I started menstruating two weeks before school started and had no choice. I was the only practicing Muslim in my middle school and, in my 12 year old mind wearing a khimar (Arabic term for headscarf) would be the hardest thing on earth. When I started covering my hair, classmates would ask me, “Why you gotta wear that thing on your head?” I would sheepishly reply, “I dunno.” Thankfully, in time, I discovered it was not the hardest thing on earth, rather a beautiful act of worship that defined me as part of a world community and set me apart from my peers.

In the fifteen years since I began wearing hijab, the question why I cover my hair is the most popular. The answer is simple – Muslim women cover because Allah (Arabic term for God) commands them to. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known so as not to be annoyed.” - Surah 33, verse 59

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and protect their private parts and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands…” - Surah 24, verse 31

We learn more about the details of hijab from hadith, which are the compiled stories of the life of the Prophet Muhammad (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)

For me, wearing hijab everyday is like putting on a uniform. The hijab is a physical representation of my beliefs. Often times, non-Muslims will give me the Islamic greeting, waiters and waitresses will tell me what dishes contain pork and strangers will apologize for distasteful language used in my presence. More importantly, the hijab constantly reminds me that my behavior should not contradict my beliefs. I sometimes find myself thinking, “What do people think when they see dressed in hijab and behaving this way?”

In Islam, we refer to men and women as “brother” and “sister”. This reference reinforces a strong familial bond that connects the hearts of Muslims worldwide. In fact, the Prophet Muhammad (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said, “None of you will have faith, until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” One of the most rewarding experiences of wearing hijab is recognizing Muslim women in public and feeling specially connected to them because of Islam. Recently, my friends and I were at an event in Chapel Hill looking for a place to pray. While on our hunt, we ran into two other Muslim women also looking for a secluded spot. Although we did not know each other, we introduced ourselves and continued on our quest, increasing our prayer line and marveling at the magnificence of our religion.

Two years after starting to cover my hair I was no longer sheepish in my reply as to why I had to wear that “thing”. I realized how special I was to be a Muslim and loved that people were able to immediately recognize me as such. Also, having khimars that matched my outfits helped out a lot too! Observing the command to wear hijab is one small way I joyfully and willingly promote the greatest influence in my life – Islam.