“Strength and growth only come from continuous effort and struggle” (Napoleon Hill).
Growing up as a Pakistani-American Muslim, seeing women relatives wearing hijab, I vividly remember knowing I would do the same. However, in eighth grade I began questioning my decision. I wondered if I wanted to be any more different. As a brown girl with an unusual name who didn’t eat bacon like everyone else, people already knew I practiced another faith.
I reluctantly started wearing a headscarf without being cognizant of its significance. After a lot of research on the primary objective of the Islamic concept of ‘hijab’ (covering), I felt as if I had ascertained its essence. The concept of ‘hijab’ is prevalent amongst both Muslim men and women to maintain their modesty. Islam enjoins men to lower their gaze and for women to wear the hijab. It is a sign of chastity and safeguards us. It marks us as Muslim women, so that we may be openly recognized as such and stand out.
As a young woman, I refuse to be judged by my physical attributes and beauty. A person’s worth and intellectual ability should not be judged by society’s beauty standards. Instead, a person’s worth should be measured by their mindset and actions. I have come to learn over time that my hijab serves as a source of protection, rather than becoming a barrier in my day to day activities.
My research confirmed this was the right path for me. I began to want to wear the headscarf because it was part of my identity as a Muslim woman and would distinguish me from others, not because I wanted to fit in with my family or make them proud.
As I started ninth grade, I wore the hijab over my head confidently, ready to start this new chapter in my life. Not only did I never feel judged by anyone, I felt more empowered. Now, every time I put it on and step out, I feel protected and safe. It makes my faith stronger and connects me firmly to my roots and values. More importantly, it has given me the confidence to embrace my faith openly.
While I proudly wear the hijab today, I am glad I had those earlier doubts, which I was successfully able to overcome. That uncertainty gave me the opportunity to find the true essence of the hijab. The day I began having full faith in my decision was a turning point in my life. This phase in my life taught me that having faith in myself will always be enough for me to stay motivated and accomplish anything I set my sights on. While I was determined to wear the hijab, I simply needed the reassurance to remind myself that I am doing this for myself, and not for the approval of others.
The hijab will continue to define me, my character, and my values. I will always continue to grow with it. My faith lays great emphasis on seeking education and serving humanity. I strive to pursue these goals diligently, with the objective that one day I can serve humanity to the best of my knowledge and abilities.
I am proud of the identity I have made for myself and I embrace being different. I am proud to be a Pakistani-American Muslim woman.
