This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Hijab- a symbol of my Muslim identity

When some see Muslim women with their heads covered, the first impression is that these women are oppressed. But this opinion cannot be far from the truth. Many of my classmates ask me, “Why do you wear that?” or “What’s that scarf on your head for?” As a twelve-year-old 7th grade student, I have faced many such prying questions due to my head scarf. My mother taught me that wearing a hijab (head scarf) was one of the requirements of my faith as clearly mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him)

Being raised as an Ahmadi Muslim in the United States by parents from Bangladesh, they struggled to make sure that I was aware of my identity as a young child. They would constantly tell me that I was brought into this world for the purpose of serving God and His creation and that I was to be different (in a unique way) from the average American child. Despite the probing questions, I was extremely successful in my studies only because my parents gave me a reason and purpose behind every one of my actions. I work hard to achieve my goals and I aim for the highest. I was told that the sky is not the limit, but rather I would be able to conquer space. And the hijab certainly didn’t stand in my way to success.

When I started the 4th grade, I was in a new school with strangers I had never met before. I was nine years old and embarrassed so I would usually remove my scarf from my head in the middle of class due to peer pressure. Later on, I informed my mother of my situation and we decided that I should wait till middle school to wear the hijab because I was not ready yet. However, by the 6th grade, I built a stronger personality so no hurtful words or accusations would faze me. I covered my head and dressed modestly to present myself as a young Muslim girl. Instantly, I recognized many changes in the way people behaved toward me. Although I was given more respect, I still faced some discrimination. Many ignorant students attempted to remove my hijab from my head and seemed to think of it as a humorous act. After reporting several similar incidents to my principal, many of my teachers informed me that they would be there to help if I faced further disturbances.

Find out what's happening in Forest Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Now, as a 7th grader, I walk with an air of confidence visible in every step I take. I am readily able to answer any questions about my hijab. My Islamic attire protects me from the “evil eye” of the society. I know my purpose and my reason behind my choice of wearing my hijab. On February 1st, which marks the first anniversary of the “World Hijab Day” I will hold my head up high and be proud to be known as a young Muslim girl.

 

Find out what's happening in Forest Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Forest Hills