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Today, I'm going to share my hijab story. Because most people I meet are curious about my hijab but are not sure what/how to ask. So here goes.... I started wearing hijab at age 13. One day, I told my mom I wanted to wear it. It was about 4 yrs after we immigrated to Canada.1/
Even though she wore it, she seemed a little hesitant when I wanted to. "Are you sure about this? Will you be ok around your friends? At school?" Me (a self-conscious 7th grader): "Yes. I want to. I'm sure of it." 2/
Later that night, we were going out as a family. My mom: "Here, let me style your hair for you." Me: "Mom. You don't need to. We talked about this. I'll be wearing hijab when I go out from now on." I think she was scared for me. Scared of how others would perceive / treat me. 3/
But I wasn't scared. I'd never felt more sure of myself. I'd done a lot of reading on hijab and what it represents. I was drawn to the concept and ready to make it my own. I went on a shopping trip to replace my usual shorts/tshirts with long sleeve tops & full length bottoms.4/
My dad had never commented on my clothing. He'd never said the word hijab in front of me. Never said whether I should or shouldn't wear it. He let us make our own choices about most things in life. When I showed him my new outfits, he smiled and said I looked nice. 
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Now I'm not here to debate hijab/ modesty/Islamic requirements. I'm simply here to tell my story. But I will tell you this: hijab is not something I do for a man. Never was, never will be. It's not something I do to avoid being harassed/victimized. It won't stop a criminal. 6/
It's not a self-esteem thing. As most of u know, I love myself (maybe a little too much lol). It's not because I think it makes me more pious/ better than women who have a different choice of attire. It's not out of fear. It's not out of shame. It's not to hide from the world. 7/
For me, hijab is about love. Love for my Creator. And love for myself. Simple as that. I wear it because I love to wear it. It helps me be a better person. I know it sounds silly. How could a piece of cloth on your head do that? Am I close-minded or am I brainwashed? 8/
Honestly, it's none of the above. I'm just me. Wearing hijab has helped me find me. It has helped me focus on things I've deemed important for myself, like spiritual well-being, morals & ethics, education & academic growth, skills...and what I can contribute to the world. 9/
I'm not saying appearance isn't important to me. It absolutely is. I love to dress up and look neat and match my outfits. I love to let my creativity show in the way I choose to wear my hijab. But overall, I am less fixated on how the world will perceive me physically... 10/
and more interested in how I can connect with the world spiritually. I'm not sure if that makes sense but it makes a lot of sense to me. And everyday, I feel more connected with my purpose and more at peace with myself..& I honestly believe my hijab played a big role in that. 11/
And that is my #hijab story. It's important to know that this is only 1 story in a sea of millions. Each person should have the opportunity to share their story. The fact that I've had a positive experience with hijab does not mean that every woman has. Sadly, many have not.12/
I will not deny that some women are forced by governments, communities or families to wear it. And we should always speak out against that. Forced hijab has no place in Islam or our world. I promise to always speak out against this and protect every woman's right to choose.13/
I will also tell you the other end of the spectrum, which in my experience, is just as common: women being harassed or intimidated to take off their hijabs by governments, communities and families. This happens everywhere in the world, including in Muslim-majority countries. 14/
I have had family members and acquaintances suggest that I take it off to 'fit in better' in Canada or improve my chances at succeeding. I always find that so hurtful. Am I not good enough and capable with my hijab on? All I ask is that you accept me as I am. For who I am. 15/
And I promise to always accept you as you are. For who you are. Regardless of what you choose to wear or not wear. All you need to show me is your genuine, true self... and let's work together to enrich this world for all. To me, that is all that truly matters...16/16
