By Welcome to #MuslimGirlAnon, your one-stop spot for all the advice you could need! Every week, we crowd-source the very best advice our #MGClique has to offer about issues plaguing our girl gang.
Need some advice? Write to editorial@muslim-girl-2021-production.mystagingwebsite.com, and we may just feature you!
Q: “I’ve been learning about Islam for a little over two and a half years. I wanna convert by the end of this year (I feel like I already am a Muslim at heart, I just want to fill in any missing details and pick a “denomination” that best fits me) but having grown up Christian and in the Western world, I don’t like the idea of the hijab for myself. I believe I can demonstrate my love and devotion to Allah through many more actions. Would it be frowned upon if, as a new Muslim, I decided not to wear a hijab?”
A: “I myself converted a while ago, and I too had been struggling with the idea of a hijab. But as time passed, I began to understand the meaning and beauty of it. I am still not at a stage where I can wear it, but I do not count the possibility out. I think it’s important to establish yourself within the deen first. Work on your iman. Islam isn’t just based on a hijab, and it is always a choice.”
– Mariana, 21, Holland
A: “First of all, I would like to say that I’m a Muslim woman that doesn’t wear the hijab so I understand some of the pressure that you feel like you have to wear it. It’s important to remember that it is your personal choice, and you can absolutely worship Allah and show your devotion to him without wearing the hijab. Hope this helps!!”
– Anonymous
A: “Hijab is a state of being that comes from your heart and is exemplified through your actions, your thoughts, your behavior, your morality, your kindness, your ethics, your respect for humanity. Wearing hijab outside of prayer times also fosters solidarity, and a united Muslim identity for a lot of women–but not all. If you don’t want to wear hijab outside of praying, don’t wear it; a lot of Muslim women do not wear hijab.”
– Leyla, Chicago
A: “Of course not! Even though hijab is such a heavily emphasized part of Islam, there are so many more things that are more vital to your faith than the hijab, and as long as you fulfill them and truly adopt the faith, you are not in the wrong.”
– Imaan, 16, Maryland
Devotion to Allah isn’t just through hijab, because hijab is so much more than just a scarf on your head. It’s a way of presenting yourself, and carrying yourself confidently.
A: “It might be frowned up by some people, but your relationship with Islam and commitment to Islam is between you and Allah (swt) alone. I wear the hijab because I feel like it’s the one way that I can best demonstrate my devotion to Allah. Devotion to Allah isn’t just through hijab, because hijab is so much more than just a scarf on your head. It’s a way of presenting yourself, and carrying yourself confidently. Whether or not you decide to wear the headscarf is between you and Allah alone. Whether it is frowned upon, or not frowned upon is between you and Allah. I personally believe that being Muslim is so much more than a scarf on your head; for me it’s simply devotion to God and Him alone, and that’s what’s most important.”
– Anonymous, 16, Michigan
A: “Islam is for yourself and how you grow with your relationship with Allah. It’s important to note that accepting Islam and learning the Quran also comes with its own rulings. Not everyone starts off with wearing the hijab, but I would caution you not to be averse to it, or think of it badly. It IS a part of our religion, so accepting the religion means accepting the rulings sent down in that religion as well. Everyone has ups and downs, and sometimes it takes some time to warm up and learn more about it– but I wouldn’t lose hope, and I would definitely encourage you to have an open mind about it…prayers for you. ❤️”
– Anonymous, 21, Washington
A: “No, I don’t think you would be shamed for not wearing hijab as a new Muslim. As a Muslim born in the West, it can be hard for people to identify as a Muslim woman. Personally, I feel like I have other attributes and actions that demonstrate my love for Islam. Either way, Allah SWT knows best, and loves us all!”
– Saba, 23, Texas
If you’re in spaces that shame you for how you act, and what you do, then those are spaces and people that you should stay clear of because genuine Muslims do not scout to critique others…
A: “No one expects you to wear the headscarf, and don’t let anyone ever tell you that you are less of a Muslim if you choose not too. If you’re in spaces that shame you for how you act, and what you do, then those are spaces and people that you should stay clear of because genuine Muslims do not scout to critique others, as we should be judging ourselves. Also, the concept of hijab is purposefully made for self-reflection and resistance. There are different forms of hijab, other than the headscarf. You do you, sis!”
– Ameer, 20, New Jersey
A: “The hijab will eventually come when your iman grows. It’s just another step in the path. Take your time with your deen, and the idea of hijab will come naturally to you.”
– Dana, 17, Lebanon