Some time ago, I found out that I had a devoted reader and it had truly made my day! Thank you!
Ever since I have started this blog, I have taken it upon myself to try not to reveal as much as possible anything about my physical aspects. I wanted whoever was reading to just try to visualize my speech and not my body. I don't know why, but that was the main theme for myself. To provide an air of mystique and allure, I believe. However, I have decided today to reveal a drastic trait in my physical appearance, that, for those who know me have had a hard time adjusting to it.
I am a Muslim woman of 21 years of age, and I have recently decided to wear the hijab. I don't know why people were surprised, if not confused by this act. A lot were utterly shocked and the meaningless question: "Why did you that?" kept popping all day long at work. When my answers were not that satisfying for them, they have resorted to their own speculations. Allow me to humor you with a few of them:
1. "Were you sexually harassed?"
2. "Is there someone about to propose to you?"/ "Are you engaged?"
3. "Do you have body issues?"/ "Do you hate your body?"
4. "You were the last person I would think of to do such an act!"
5. "Is this for the holy month of Ramadan only?"
6. "You will regret this act soon!"
7. " Oh dear, now you will never be able to get married!"
When I decided to wear my hijab, I did it because I felt that I needed to do it. I did it to please no man on Earth, but for inner peace. I feel calm, to some extend. I am aware that my hair that used to run wild in every possible direction was a distraction to people, but it was my pride and joy as well. I know that by deciding to cover it up, all of sudden, might be seen as shocking to some, but this was not how I have seen it. I thank God that my abrupt and sudden decision to wear it did not hinder me or make me look back. I just looked in the mirror and decided that it's time now.
My hijab today is one week old. I am still having a hard time adjusting the head scarf and making it stay in its place, but I am working on it, and soon, I know, I will be able to add my personal touch to it.
Now, to be fair, not all the reactions were as negative as the ones I have mentioned earlier. I have received a lot of "Congratulations!" on Facebook, mainly, in addition; some friends of mine bought me head scarves as a form of encouragement to which I am thankful.
So, how is life after the hijab?
Well, it is not restricting as I thought it would be. So far, I am living my normal life as if nothing has changed, which is good, I believe. Sure, the harassment on the streets has almost disappeared for me to which I find as something sad. For people to give themselves the right to harass a girl just for choosing to let her hair run down her back is just heartbreaking and not fair. Who are you to give yourself the right to do such an action? It is her right to enjoy her hair as long as she pleases, and it's your obligation to lower your gaze and start behaving like an actual human being and let her be. Her choice must be respected, regardless of what you think of it. I mean seriously, hasn't it occurred to you, for a second, that this girl might not share your religion? That she could be a Christian, Jewish, Atheist, Buddhist, who does not wear it because it does not say so in her religion of choice? She might be a Muslim who isn't ready to wear it yet, who are you to force it upon her?
What about your wardrobe?
Well, I was never the type of girl who would walk on the streets with super short skirts and tiny T-shirts, I was modest, so the change in that department was not drastic as well.
Do you care about people's reaction towards it?
No, why should I? My action has affected no one but myself, it did not harm any of them; so why should I care about their puzzled faces and dumbfound looks?
This post was written for no purpose other than documenting this event.
Peace out! H!
Ever since I have started this blog, I have taken it upon myself to try not to reveal as much as possible anything about my physical aspects. I wanted whoever was reading to just try to visualize my speech and not my body. I don't know why, but that was the main theme for myself. To provide an air of mystique and allure, I believe. However, I have decided today to reveal a drastic trait in my physical appearance, that, for those who know me have had a hard time adjusting to it.
I am a Muslim woman of 21 years of age, and I have recently decided to wear the hijab. I don't know why people were surprised, if not confused by this act. A lot were utterly shocked and the meaningless question: "Why did you that?" kept popping all day long at work. When my answers were not that satisfying for them, they have resorted to their own speculations. Allow me to humor you with a few of them:
1. "Were you sexually harassed?"
2. "Is there someone about to propose to you?"/ "Are you engaged?"
3. "Do you have body issues?"/ "Do you hate your body?"
4. "You were the last person I would think of to do such an act!"
5. "Is this for the holy month of Ramadan only?"
6. "You will regret this act soon!"
7. " Oh dear, now you will never be able to get married!"
When I decided to wear my hijab, I did it because I felt that I needed to do it. I did it to please no man on Earth, but for inner peace. I feel calm, to some extend. I am aware that my hair that used to run wild in every possible direction was a distraction to people, but it was my pride and joy as well. I know that by deciding to cover it up, all of sudden, might be seen as shocking to some, but this was not how I have seen it. I thank God that my abrupt and sudden decision to wear it did not hinder me or make me look back. I just looked in the mirror and decided that it's time now.
My hijab today is one week old. I am still having a hard time adjusting the head scarf and making it stay in its place, but I am working on it, and soon, I know, I will be able to add my personal touch to it.
Now, to be fair, not all the reactions were as negative as the ones I have mentioned earlier. I have received a lot of "Congratulations!" on Facebook, mainly, in addition; some friends of mine bought me head scarves as a form of encouragement to which I am thankful.
So, how is life after the hijab?
Well, it is not restricting as I thought it would be. So far, I am living my normal life as if nothing has changed, which is good, I believe. Sure, the harassment on the streets has almost disappeared for me to which I find as something sad. For people to give themselves the right to harass a girl just for choosing to let her hair run down her back is just heartbreaking and not fair. Who are you to give yourself the right to do such an action? It is her right to enjoy her hair as long as she pleases, and it's your obligation to lower your gaze and start behaving like an actual human being and let her be. Her choice must be respected, regardless of what you think of it. I mean seriously, hasn't it occurred to you, for a second, that this girl might not share your religion? That she could be a Christian, Jewish, Atheist, Buddhist, who does not wear it because it does not say so in her religion of choice? She might be a Muslim who isn't ready to wear it yet, who are you to force it upon her?
What about your wardrobe?
Well, I was never the type of girl who would walk on the streets with super short skirts and tiny T-shirts, I was modest, so the change in that department was not drastic as well.
Do you care about people's reaction towards it?
No, why should I? My action has affected no one but myself, it did not harm any of them; so why should I care about their puzzled faces and dumbfound looks?
This post was written for no purpose other than documenting this event.
Peace out! H!
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