How To Get Started With Hijab In 2023?
New Year marks new beginnings for many. Even though it is just a change of date, it is a great way to evaluate the past year and plan for the future. Most people like to chalk up resolutions for the new year.
It is a way to improve our lifestyle by eliminating bad habits and adopting healthy ones. It is also a time to set goals and strive towards reaching them.
As a Muslim woman, you may want to adopt the practice of wearing a hijab. It is a noble goal, one that is beneficial for the wearer as well as society. Let us first discover what the hijab is and what its significance is.
The Hijab- Virtues And Significance
One of the key identifying features of Muslim women all over the world is the way they dress. Their dress and how they present themselves to the world highlight their belief.
The hijab refers to the article of clothing used to cover the head completely so that not a single hair is visible. It is expected of female Muslims to wear the hijab when in public or in the company of non-Mahram. Islam teaches modesty in every aspect of life.
The way women dress is no different. The hijab is there to protect women. The 31 verse of Surah An-Nur details the requirements for modesty for women. It also identifies those relations for which women need not wear a hijab. The verse is as follows:
"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and do not reveal their adornments except what normally appears. Let them draw their veils over their chests and not reveal their hidden adornments except to their husbands, their fathers, their fathers-in-law, their sons, their stepsons, their brothers, their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, their fellow women, those bondwomen in their possession, male attendants with no desire, or children who are still unaware of women's nakedness. Let them not stomp their feet, drawing attention to their hidden adornments. Turn to Allah on repentance all together, O believers, so that you may be successful." [24:31]
Aside from preserving women's modesty and resulting in a more chaste society, the hijab is Allah's command. That alone is enough for Muslim women to adopt it as an integral part of their wardrobe. So, say 'Allahu Akbar' and begin your journey towards wearing a hijab.
How To Get Started With Hijab?
Wearing the hijab is like any habit. It takes time and effort; however, once you get used to it, wearing a hijab becomes second nature.
Here is how you can get started with wearing a hijab in 2023:
Know The Reason Why You Are Doing It
Whenever we start changing to shake off a bad habit or adopt a healthy one, we tell ourselves why it is necessary. It is part of forming an intention. A way of letting ourselves know why we will be making the effort.
The end goal of wearing the hijab, ultimately, is the pleasure of the Al-Mighty. Allah has commanded women to dress a certain way, and we must abide by this command. Allah clearly states in Surah Al-Ahzab the following commands:
"O Prophet! Ask your wives, daughters, and believing women to draw their cloaks over their bodies. In this way, it is more likely that they will be recognized as virtuous and not be harassed. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful." [33:59]
Allah's pleasure, in turn, provides rewards not just in the world but also in the Hereafter. This is why it is worth the effort. Adopting the habit of wearing the hijab is not easy, especially if you are in a non-Muslim majority country.
You may get unwanted stares and may even have to put up with harassment. However, knowing why you are doing this will surely make things easier. After all, we are answerable to no one but Allah.
Make Sure It Is Your Decision
It is necessary to prepare yourself mentally first before such a major change. This is why it is not just enough to know why you are doing it but also that it is your own decision. Only when you have conviction in your heart can you take such a major step.
Additionally, know the risks and rewards of wearing the hijab. The rewards outweigh the problems you will encounter. Yet, it is best to be prepared. Be mentally ready for questions and stares. People you know may start to act and behave differently because you are wearing a hijab.
But remain persistent so that, with time, they can see past the headscarf. Over time those around you will start to accept it as a style choice. As long as you decide of your own volition, it will be easy to put up with any pushback.
Transition Slowly
Wearing a hijab is a huge commitment. Once you get into the habit of wearing one, it can be very uncomfortable having your head uncovered in public. This does not mean that you must go from not wearing a hijab to wearing it all the time, always.
Start wearing it in public a few times, going to the market. Then you can start wearing it at your place of work. This is because strangers are much less likely to approach you with questions or convince you to remove them.
It is better to start feeling comfortable in a hijab before you wear it around people you know. This will make you much more confident in wearing one once you do it around those you know. Just putting in the effort is a major step forward. You can take your time with it. Like any other habit, it takes some time and work.
Have Fun With It
Wearing a hijab does not mean you can no longer dress up. A hijab provides even more opportunities to style your outfit. As long as your hair is completely out of sight, you can experiment with different styles of hijab.
You can wrap the hijab any way you please. You can choose any fabric as long as it is opaque. Similarly, you can pick any color in the rainbow.
Many women have a headscarf to match every outfit they wear. Some even use beautiful brooches or pins to secure the garment in place. You can play with the aesthetics and look great while maintaining a modest demeanor.
Embracing The Hijab
Wearing the hijab is much more than adorning a piece of garment. The hijab is an integral part of your Muslim identity. It not only symbolizes modesty but also belief in Allah.
As with all of Allah's commandments, wearing the hijab leads to Allah's pleasure in us, and we become that much better at practicing our faith. Hijab strengthens our belief in the All-Mighty. It is not easy; however, with time and practice wearing the hijab becomes easy. It is a wonderful goal to wear the hijab, one that will pay off.
