"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and protect their private parts and not to show off their adornment except what must (ordinarily) appear thereof, that they should draw their veils over their bosoms." - Q24:31

I see myself as a trendy lady; a power dresser with accounts on every social media platform you can think of. I was living the life, then I decided to start wearing my Hijab. The hijab is a veil that covers the head and chest, which is often worn by Muslim women beyond the age of puberty in the presence of adult males outside of their immediate family as a show of modesty.

When my family members and friends noticed my new mode of dressing, they were both amazed and pleased at the same time. Some people gossiped amongst themselves that it was probably just a phase and i would be out of it in a few weeks. But I had my mind made up and with the Mercy of Allah, I would have the grace to continue even though I knew it would be the start of a difficult journey.

You would think it would stop there but then came the issue of my social accounts, I looked through my Instagram pictures and I wasn't proud of some of the photos on there. I made a mental note of how many likes those pictures got. It took me a while to delete most of the pictures and clean up the look of my accounts online. I was surprised when I started uploading new photos with my hijab on, the sudden decrease in the number of likes and even in the numbers of followers and friends I had. 

All my friends who formerly would always include me in outings started to avoid me and some even suggested I was going to get married to an Alhaji, hence the change in my appearance.

At this point I almost gave up. I mean, whats the use when everyone around you treats and looks at you differently. Then a friend in whom I confide in, exchange advices and ideas with reminded me that all I am doing and passing through is not for my friends or followers but for my Rabb. This gave me the strength to endure an carry on.

I also experienced problems in choosing which manner and style to tie my hijab. Many times I would make my hair and when its done people would admire it, only for my friends to make jest that I will still cover everything up. I also had to undergo a major wardrobe change as most of my old clothes were not compatible with my hijab, I have now embraced longer and less exposing dresses.

Despite all these challenges, I will continue to proudly wear my hijab as I know that such decent and modest attires brings us closer to Allah. And to my dear sisters facing similar or even more problems or for those of you who are currently considering wearing the hijab; my advice to you is to never give up and understand why and for Whom you are doing it for.

I leave you with this verse from the Quran which I pray would strengthen you as it has with me.

“And (as for) those who strive hard for Us, We will most certainly guide them Our ways; and Allah is most surely with the doers of good." - Q29:69

Written by @mz_tosyn