A Lollipop Unwrapped.

'And Say to the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bossoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband's fathers, or their sons, or their husband's sons, or their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim women) (i.e. sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful' (24:31)


See the lollipop that is covered?
Compare that to a western woman flaunting her "goods" and then to a modest humbled Muslimah concealing her "goods".


"Why do they cover their beauty with that thing?"
"Aren't they hot in that?"
"Why do they cover up like that?"
"They must hate their religioin because they are forced to wear that thing"
"Whats that long robe thingie ?"

My sisters in Islam, please forgive me but I used to be among those who asked such ignorant questions and made such assumptions about the hijab. I never knew what the hijab was for and since I couldn't really formulate my own opinion I would just believe what anybody told me about Muslims. As I mentioned before, I had no idea that Muslims were the ones who practised Islam nor did I know what Islam really was. I didn't think past the "head thingies" as I was too self-absorbed and cared too much about what I looked like instead of what others looked like, WOW! Could you only imagine what kind of person I used to be before I came to Islam?

Most of you have already read my "Journey to Islam" story, where I described myself to have been extremely selfish, haughty, and ignorant. I can't believe the way I used to think and I thank Allah for the guidance. I definitely needed it, but you would be surprised (or maybe not) , to know that the majority of the Torontonians are still in their own little 'clouded bubble' (SEE POST "which catergory do you fit under"). Luckily, my bubble popped and now I am back into the world able to see clearly.

So, I'm sure most of you have been wondering how my first hijab experience was like. I gave myself a time frame, I was planning on sporting the hijab when I was "ready" and I had planned for it to be a month later I became Muslim. But of course, Allah is the Best of Planners and He knows best and I actually started wearing the hijab a week and a half after I became Muslim!

The hijab was definitely something I had to get used to!! I was always used to leaving my hair up in a ponytail or in a hairband so when I had to cover my hair and head completely, I was a bit nervous.
I actually was self conscious and worried what others would think! The hijab made me sweat and it felt very uncomfortable. It often made me frustrated when I couldn't keep it on properly and my hair would keep showing! The first few attempts, I failed miserably, but as the weeks progressed I learnt how to put it on properly and finally, Alhamdulilah I have mastered it :) !

There were times I wanted to give up and just stay at home to avoid going out at all costs! But I remembered the number one reason why I was wearing the hijab. It was to represent my trust and my faith in Allah. It was to hide my beauty and be a modest and humbled Muslimah. I was representing one of Allah's servants and I should be thankful that he chose me to walk in his straight path!
After constant reminders and struggles with my nafs, I won.
I love the hijab so much, I can't picture myself without it.
I feel honoured when I step out into the world with my hijab on as it represents true respect and love for Islam.

My hijab speaks for me and it says " Because I am a Muslimah!"
I would feel utterly naked if I didn't wear my hijab and when I see others who show their "goods" and flaunt them around carelessly, I thank Allah that I am now amongst billions who have chosen to wear the hijab with true pride and sincere dignity. I am not oppressed nor do I feel depressed when I wear my hijab. I look at the "bling bling whores" in the media today showing off their "goods" and think about the lollipop with no wrapper and with all the dirty flies flying around. Would I rather be like that? Or would I rather be respected for being a woman covered properly with butterflies flying around me?

I respect myself so much more now and I feel that because I am in a state where the Muslim population is almost close to none, it is my means of dawah. The hijab is my secret strategy to let others know that the hijab isn't just for "Arabs" or "Indians" but the hijab is for all women, every woman all over the world who believe that there is no God but one God and that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the last messenger.