Honorable Mention - Madiha Qulagi
Hijab
Most non-muslims think the reason women wear hijab is just because it is required in Islam. They think they are oppressed, forced, or it's a fashion statement, we cover it for cosmetic reasons. All of that is false. Hijab is required in Islam but, it does not exactly define you as a Muslim. A hijab does not represent how religious you are, but its a reminder that even when your imaan is low, you still belong to Islam. A muslim is a servant of Allah (S.W.A) who dedicates thier time to Allah (S.W.A) and follows the foot steps of Prophet Muhammad PBUH.
The reason why women wear hijab is because our beauty is so valuable and precious that it must be covered and protected. Muslim girls dressed modestly are like pearls in its shell. The girls are the treasured pearls and the hijab is the shell, protecting its beauty. Modesty (hijab) is the crown of a muslim women. The hijab forces a male to look at a woman with respect rather than as an object. No woman in this entire universe is prettier than a female muslim who dresses not to please others, but to please Allah. The beauty is on her Imaan instead of her body.
There are many misconceptions about hijab. One of them is people's perspective on hijab. Most if not all just think of it as a religious clothing when in reality it's so much more than just a religious piece, but more like a protector or shield for a woman's beauty that of which I have already covered. But there are so many misunderstandings about the hijab, such as these questions that I as a hijabi have received.
“I bet you let your hair get greasy because no one has to see it?” False. Because hygiene is such an important factor of being a muslim, we still wash our hair and keep ourselves clean at all times. “Are you bald or have cancer?¨ Most if not all of us dont cover our hair becasue we are bald or for cosmetic reasons. “Do you have to cover your hair at home?” No. Your hair can be present to your father, father in-law, brother and your husband. We are allowed to take it off at home unless there is a non-muharam present. “Why are you wearing a towel?” 101% of hijabs are not even close to being towels and I find it very disrespectful to even call them towels.
And finally my favorite topic, oppressed Muslims girls. Some think that women are oppressed and they are forced to wear hijab and that they can't go outside, receive an education and do what they want to. This is extremely false. We should start wearing hijab at a younger age. We can play sports, become president, receive an education and accomplish all of our goals as we wish. Fatima Dahman, Ilhan Omar, Ibthaj Muhammed are just a few great examples of female muslim role models who prove that Islam does not prohibit women from reaching their goals and you can become whatever you would like to be. Infact, in Islam it is required to receive an education.
From my personal perspective, my parents supported me in every decision I made and are happy with whatever I want to become when I grow up. My parents are my biggest fans. They were especially supportive when it came to wearing hijab. Their exact words were, “wear the hijab proudly when you are ready and comfortable.”
There are many more misconceptions and misunderstandings which I have only covered some of the common ones I’ve been asked. Every time you wear the hijab, remember that you are not only pleasing Allah (S.W.A) but you are wearing an ayah of the quran. Beauty is complete when hearts are pure.