Dear sister, you know you should wear the hijab, but you feel you have strong reasons not to. Let’s take a moment to clear away the noise. When you search online, you’ll find an overwhelming amount of content designed to create confusion about this beautiful obligation. Who is behind this noise, and how do we Muslim women navigate it when it affects every moment we spend outside the home?
A little investigation shows that much of this confusion stems from secular academics and organizations pushing agendas that misrepresent elements of our faith, including hijab. It’s hard to navigate this online minefield. The misinformation can discourage you from wearing the scarf, leaving you unsure of where to seek authentic guidance.
But understanding Islam and its expectations isn’t just important—it’s essential. Let’s explore why hijab is an act of faith and submission and how it is rooted in seeking the ultimate destination: the pleasure of Allah.
Where to Seek Guidance?
To truly understand hijab, we must turn to sound, authentic sources of Islamic knowledge. Let me ask you: would you go to a car dealership to buy a bicycle or to a butcher for vegan ingredients? The same logic applies here. Western academia or social media platforms are not the right places to begin your spiritual journey.
Instead, we should seek guidance from individuals who are themselves travelers on the path of belief. Start with an easy exercise: search online for female scholars of Islam—not lecturers, not influencers, but actual scholars. Among the names that often appear are:
- Usmir Ansar
- Tamara Gray
- Ustaza Yasmin Mogahed
- Sheikha Fatima Barkatulla
- Dr. Ingrid Mattson
- Sheikha Aisha Prime
These esteemed scholars, who provide real advice on living as a Muslim woman, are united in one clear practice: they all wear hijab.
And where do they draw their guidance from? Their role models are the righteous women of Islam: Fatima (the daughter of the Prophet, peace be upon him), Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), and countless others who have carried the banner of modesty for over 1,400 years. They all covered themselves for one reason alone: to seek the pleasure of Allah.
Be Careful Whom You Ask
Sister, be cautious when seeking advice about the Qur’an or the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Not everyone online is here to guide you toward faith and success. Islam is not merely a matter of thought—it is a faith of action.
I understand that wearing hijab is a big commitment. It’s a visible declaration of your beliefs for the world to see. But remember, striving for the pleasure of Allah will always feel better than seeking fleeting admiration from others.
Allah commands in the Qur’an:
“O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” (Qur’an 33:59)
This verse highlights the purpose of hijab: it’s a means of being recognized as a believing woman while safeguarding yourself from harm.
The Beauty of Surrendering to Allah’s Will
Taking on or giving up something for the sake of Allah is an empowering act of faith. It’s thrilling to rise above the desires of our lower self and seek Allah’s pleasure alone. But Shaytan will never whisper this truth to you. Instead, he tempts us to look for excuses not to wear the hijab. He encourages us to go fatwa shopping—searching for opinions that justify our whims rather than align with the will of Allah.
As Muslims, our faith is not confined to the masjid or the prayer mat. Islam permeates every aspect of our daily routine, from the moment we wake up for Fajr to the time we pray Isha before bed. Modesty is a core element of this beautiful, comprehensive way of life.
Hijab: A Statement of Faith, Not Fashion
In Western societies, studies have shown that the less clothing women wear, the more appealing they appear to men in power—and the more financial opportunities they gain. But such standards reduce women to mere objects, a humiliation from which Allah has spared us.
Answering this reality, Ustaza Tamara Gray wrote in her article Lean In: Our Feminist Manifesto:
“Like a sports team, we recognize each other. Like an ethnic background, we feel comfortable with each other. Like a flag held high on a battlefield, we bravely go out every day, in every country of the world, and represent our Prophet (peace be upon him), our religion. We represent our men, who too often blend into the background. And we represent our hurting women who need our activism.”
Hijab is more than fabric—it’s a bold declaration of faith. It signals that we prioritize the good opinion of Allah over the fleeting approval of people.
The Ultimate Reminder
Dear sister, Allah knows your struggles. He sees the hesitation in your heart and the whispers of doubt in your mind. But He also knows your potential to rise above these challenges. Wearing hijab isn’t about perfection; it’s about striving for sincerity and submission.
Reflect on this verse:
“You will have the upper hand if you are [true] believers.” (Qur’an 3:139)
When you take a step toward Allah, He will guide you the rest of the way. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever draws closer to Allah by a handspan, Allah will draw closer to him by an arm’s length.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
My Message to You
Dear sister, wearing hijab is not just about modesty—it’s about identity, faith, and devotion. It’s a shield against societal pressures and a badge of honor that declares your allegiance to Allah.
Take that step. Wear the scarf. Not because society expects it, not because anyone else pressures you, but because Allah loves you and wants the best for you.
“My dear sister, wear the scarf, that you may be known.”
Source & Credit: Towards Eternity
