So another Hijabi influencer removes her hijab and social media platforms go into a complete frenzy
with people quickly jumping to take sides; some condemning, others supporting
and some just there for the comments.
And look - let me be the first to admit that wearing the Hijab is not the easiest thing
to pull off in 2020.
The Hijab is a cape Muslim women wear publicly, day in day out, and it comes with a whole
lot of hardships.
Be it not getting that job we really wanted, be it the racial slurs, or in my case being
called a letterbox…
Thanks Boris!
And this isn’t even to mention the social pressures of trying to look our best in a
world of glamorous photoshopped imagery of women.
As Hijabis we’re constantly fighting this up-hill battle of self-consciousness and doubt
- and we live with it daily.
But before we get too carried away in all the struggles, the real question we should
be asking ourselves is: Have we lost the conviction as to why we are wearing the Hijab in the
first place?
In Islam the Hijab is more than just a garment to cover our hair, it is a form of modesty
that Islam demands from both men and women.
Hijab symbolizes the true meaning of obeying Allah and encompasses modest character,
behavior and manners.
Now after understanding that the Hijab is an obligation from God, we can see how this
will be viewed as problematic in today’s modern world.
A world that celebrates the liberation of the individual and the ego.
A world that teaches you to focus on your self.
To love yourself unconditionally and to put yourself first.
And while self-care and self-love are in no doubt important, we have to be very careful
it doesn’t turn into self-worship.
Whereby we no longer worship God, but rather our own egos.
And with the current ego-boosting social media platforms,
one can easily lose the real meaning of the Hijab.
Transforming it from being an avenue of obeying Allah,
to becoming just another trendy form of social expression that changes with the latest hashtag.
And this is exactly why we are seeing so many
public figures who have a huge platform, take off their hijab because they say “They are
speaking their truth!”
So now post hijabi’s ‘coming out’ is a narrative welcomed with praise and admiration
for being one’s authentic self.
Such a phrase poses some dangerous implications, especially when your truth is at odds with
Allah’s truth.
As Allah says in the Quran:
It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter
that they should have any option in their decision.
Another statement that is gaining traction online is the old phrase “Only God can judge me”.
And while no one is commenting on others’ state of Iman, it is important to point out
that these influencers are “influencing” many of our sisters nowadays.
Even if these Hijabi influencers never claimed to be role models, having such a huge platform
comes with great responsibility that we will be held accountable for.
So where do we go from here?
As a fellow Muslim sister I understand the struggle.
And honestly, we all need to help and support each other to get through today’s challenges.
But if you do feel the pressure, here’s a few things we should remember.
First and foremost, always surround yourself with a positive environment that fortifies
your Imaan.
Surround yourself with sisters who elevate you and are there for you when you hit that
iman low.
Make time to attend lessons at your local mosque, and if there aren’t any programs,
take initiative.
Control your social media feed so you’re not constantly subjected to content that makes
you feel bad about yourself. Learn the stories of the great women like
Maryam, Asiya, Khadijah and Fatimah.
Read the stories of the female companions of the Prophet saws to remind ourselves of
what it really means to be close to Allah.
And remember no one is immune to tribulations in their faith and that is why it is important
that we constantly make dua to Allah to give us the strength to persevere through all the
challenges that come our way.
As the Prophet ﷺ taught us:
And if you do know anyone struggling, don’t put them down.
Rather lift them up and see how you can help them.
So for all our sisters out there at a crossroad, before you decide to take off your Hijab,
ask yourself this.
Are you praying your daily Salat?
Is your environment cultivating your Iman?
And how is your relationship with Allah?
We’re all in this together.
And I pray that Allah gives us the strength to stay strong in our faith amidst all the struggles.
Allah bless you.