What I’ve learned in the 10 years that I’ve been wearing hijab: a thread

PSA: I chose 2 wear it August 10 years ago and I kinda just want to discuss my experiences of being a young hijabi in western society and the 21st century

There are different styles of hijab. Some people choose to show some hair and/or their necks. I don’t but that doesn’t mean I’m a better hijabi than someone who does do those things. Hijab styles rely heavily on culture.

I started wearing it when I was 9. It was Ramadan and a month before school started again. My mom said “hey Aia, why not try wearing it for Ramadan and see if you want to continue with it?” And so I started wearing it.

I remember thinking I was so cool and that everyone was staring at me in awe. If they were staring at me cause of islamaphobia I dunno but I felt so pretty. When I went back to school in September, I was met w unnerving remarks from my “friends.”

I was told over and over again throughout my tween years that I’m prettier w my hair & that people MISSED seeing me without hijab. Despite this, I kept wearing it. Alhamdulilah I kept wearing it. Growing up, I worried people would only like me 4 my hair so I never showed anyone.

Eventually, the people around me grew up and respected my hijab. I also eventually grew out of that fear. Hijab taught me that it filters out bad friends and keeps you with good ones. It’s helped me not find myself with the wrong crowd. It protected me in that sense.

I have to say that wearing hijab is a lot easier done when the individual is younger. Yes, children do not understand the magnitude of the decision you’ve made but the older we get, the more impressionable we seem to be about beauty standards and social media.

Hijab isn’t easy. You see clothing that you wish you could wear but you know can’t. Stores used to barely have any modest items. Your friends could go out in short sleeves and you’re sweating in what you’re wearing. Your hair looks super good but u can’t show it.

U could have a bigger chest & ass & you can’t wear certain things bc it would then be considered immodest. It’s frustrating. U see social media & it tells u to accentuate these bodily characteristics but u can’t. U cuss or u step out of line &every1 stares at u bc you’re a hijabi

You are a clear symbol of a religion so many hate. You are easily a target for hate crimes. People can be mean to u right off the bat bc u symbolize something that they consider to be a form of oppression. Belgian universities banned hijab. France and Quebec banned niqabs.

Some boys (Muslim boys too) will choose 2 not pay u any attention. They might call u boring & simply just not their type. U may not be given jobs bc of your hijab. U may be denied things non hijabis wouldn’t. There are many struggles w hijab. Physically, mentally & emotionally.

Despite all of this, hijab made me who I am today. Every decision I’ve made, every friend I have, every value I believe in is bc I wear the hijab. Is it hard sometimes? Ofc. But would I ever choose to take it off? No, I’d lose a big part of who I am. I can’t exist without it.

I dress nicer bc I’m a hijabi. I talk as calmly as I do bc I’m a hijabi. I study as hard as I do bc I’m a hijabi. I always felt the need to prove myself and show how blessed I am to have my hijab. Like wao, imagine being this badass, educated, veiled young woman.

I’m a flag-bearer of Islam. You look at me and know I’m Muslim. I’ve gotten stares, hate speech but I’ve gotten compliments also. Every time I speak and go out in public, I am representing my religion. And Allah knows the struggle that comes w hijab and He sends blessings my way.

1. there are many diff hijab styles. Showing a little bit of hair doesn’t mean that someone’s iman is any less than my own. 2. Hijabi clothing is becoming more mainstream but it’s still hard. If u see a girl struggling w modesty, don’t be harsh w her. Show her modest alternatives

3. Hijab is not just clothing. It’s how u speak & how u interact and deal w difficult situations. 4. Hijab isn’t just 4 females. Males have hijab as well & it’s important that brothers understand this. 5. It’s ok 2have days where u wish u could show your hair. It’s bound 2 happen

6. There are people that fetishize the hijab. There are Muslim men that do so as well. This is so wrong. Not only is it haram but it hurts the sisters who do wear it. Hijab is meant to protect and by sexualizing it, it puts many Hijabis in uncomfortable, dangerous situations.

7. Hijab shouldn’t be forced. Those girls grow up hiding many things from their parents. They may take off their hijab while they’re at school. They make show their hair to non mahram men as well. Forceful parents make sneaky children.

8. Just bc a girl doesn’t wear hijab, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t care ab Islam. Some of my non hijab friends have such beautiful iman. To the girls who take off the hijab, I understand your struggle.

Hijab is a journey. There are ups and downs. Sometimes you’ll feel powerful and other times you’ll feel horrible. To the girls who wear it w pride, to the ones who struggle w it and to the ones contemplating putting it on, I love you and I’m proud of you.

Hijab is beautiful bc it protects u & it’s an act of worship, yes. But it connects u w hijabis u don’t even know. U all share common struggles. U can share similar stories & I think that’s beautiful. Hijabis are some of the most resilient, eloquently spoken individuals I know.

If you’re ever struggling w hijab or you need modest fashion inspo, I’m always here to talk. We’re legit sisters. We’re connected. You and I are in this together and how could I not want my sister to succeed and be happy in life?

I went from having absolutely no Muslim friends to have a hijabi friend group that I love. Help me help you feel more content with your hijab.

Now be that badass, strong, educated and beautiful young lady I know you are. I can’t wait to see the change you’ll make in the world and in the hearts of those close to you. I love you ALL.

And don’t let someone tell you that you can’t do or achieve something bc you’re a hijabi. People are either super extra haram police or just don’t want to see minorities succeed.