Hijab

A/S

I REALLY dont feel like working today so I thought I'll make my third blog nice and lengthy to help use up some time.

Before I start to ramble on about hijab here is a crude definition:
HIJAB: An arabic word meaning "cover". Now this can be used to describe a table cloth or curtains or any other item used to cover things. It is most commonly used to describe a womens head covering.

Now I have been a hijabi since October 2005 at the age of 21 yrs and 2 months.
Although I should have been wearing it at the age of 12, I never fully understood a lot of things about Islam until my second year of University.
I had a diverse group of friends from every race and religion in the world. But the ones that I really got on well with were the "Hijabi Hit Squad". A group of scarf wearing girls who followed Islam but still knew how to have fun. It was good to see a bunch of girls who were normal and not fanatical extremists intent on forcing their faith on anyone. Never did the girls try to talk me into hijab. They accepted me the way I was and that is something I appreciated. The more time I spent with them the more I wanted to wear hijab. But something was holding me back and the funny thing is I didn't know what!
WHY was I finding it hard to put a piece of material on my head? WHAT reasons did I have that justified me keeping my hair on public display??
Simple answer: I loved doing my hair into plaits, ponies, buns, curls, waves, poker straight styles. I loved dyeing my hair a shade of red to compliment my skin tone. I loved cutting my hair short and then growing it long again. But I especially loved the attention from the guys. I know that this is a feeling that many girls relate to. Its not beacuse we are vain or stunning and people cant help but be drawn to us like butterflies to a flower. The truth is we have low self esteem. We are not happy with what God gave us. There is something about us that we hate. It could be a big nose OR hairy eyebrows OR a short stature OR even big boobs. We wish we could change that part so we are more attractive. In truth we cannot change those bits we hate, so instead we overcompensate by enhancing an attribute that we like, such as our eyes, our hair, our slim figure. And when this particular enhanced attribute makes us look more attractive to the opposite gender, we feel beautiful. Bottom line is.... WE FEEL BEAUTIFUL.

Now where does the hijab fit into this? Well hijab is meant to cover, to protect and to liberate. I know I dont feel beautiful in hijab. But I also know that it frees me from vanity, pride, and silly ideology of what beauty really is. A lot of people asked me how I felt after I started to wear one. Did I feel proud that I had taken a big step? Was I scared about peoples reactions? Did I feel different? The honest answer is no to all. Putting on the hijab did not change me as a person. Its because I know I should have done this years ago.

I miss showing off my hair but I still dye it, style it, and cut it and show it off when I am at home or at segregated events. And when I go out I wear my hijab in different ways and in different colours which makes me feel beautiful in a more acceptable Islamic way.

If there are any sisters (muslim or non muslim) out there who want to comment, please do so. I would love to hear other peoples opinions on the veil.

ME!

A/S

My second post is just going to be a little intro so you know what I am like. I will not be revealing any sordid secrets ( probably coz I have none), just lil things that make me unique!

I'll be turning 23 this year, which makes me sound old but I assure you that many a times I have been mistaken for 18!

I am of Kashmiri descent (Pakistan side). We live in the mountains near the line of control and I tell you it is absolutely stunning.

I am still single (by choice) for two reasons:
I dont feel emotionally or financially ready to settle down (I know its a poor excuse).
I dont know any brothers who are worth getting married to and I dont think I want to marry my mums choice (most likely a cousin from back home whose a lawyer or doctor or something).

I am as you have probably guessed..a HIJABI since 2005!

My 3rd post is on......Hijab!

Assalamu alaikum!

And hello to u lovelies who have decided to visit my humble blog.

I dont know where to start. I'm not very articulate when it comes to putting fingers to keyboard ( I got a C in GCSE English!!). I just wanted to put down my thoughts regarding me and my religion and the things that I face on a day to day basis. I am not sure if there are any other blogs out there on the same subject but this is for me and anyone else who is bored out of their minds and have nothing better to do than read my drivel!

The subject of my second post is about........me!