I would like to share a slice of my life and experiences as a hijabi woman for over 23 years. In a world that is constantly evolving, I've embraced the beauty of wearing the hijab (headscarf worn by Muslim women) with freedom, donning it proudly in every aspect of my life – from casual outings and invigorating gym sessions to relaxing days at the beach and travelling all over the world. This blog is not just a chronicle of my personal journey but also a celebration of how I seamlessly weave fashion trends into my wardrobe, adorning myself in lovely modest colours that reflect both my style and commitment to modesty.

As hijabi women, our dress is incomplete without our hijab. It’s not just a piece of clothing; it’s a lifestyle. By delicately putting my hijab over my head, I fulfil my vow to protect my modesty and obey Allah’s (God’s) command. My hijab is between me and Allah; it’s my choice. It’s not my father’s or my husband’s or my brother’s or the imam (who leads Muslim worshippers in prayer) of the local mosque.

The hijab is a meaningful religious statement for many Muslim women, reflecting their way of life. It carries profound symbolism as these women delicately drape stylish head coverings over their heads, gracefully concealing their hair. In doing so, they send a powerful message about the natural beauty of women, challenging the societal notion that feminine allure depends on visible hair. It's not a symbol of oppression or religious extremism.

I would like to take the chance to clear up some hijab misconceptions, such as:

‘Hijab limits our education and job opportunities’. Absolutely not; we can be found excelling in medicine, science, art, technology, and other fields that have nothing to do with one’s dressing.

‘Hijab keeps hair dirty’. Covering the hair doesn’t mean we have a defect. We clean it, dye it, embrace hairstyles and even curls and perms.

‘Hijab is worn indoors too’. We have list of males who can see us without hijab. When we are among our male relatives e.g., siblings and other females, we can remove our hijab and dress in non-modest cloth.

Do you have any questions or doubts about the hijab? Feel free to ask, I know I am always happy to answer questions and clear up any misconceptions. 

Wearing the hijab strengthens my faith, establishing a firm connection to its fundamental roots and values. I take pride in the confident identity I've crafted for myself, fully embracing my uniqueness.

Samar Haikal is Organisational Development Assistant in the People & Culture team at Leeds Trinity University.