I am that Hijab
A stunning and powerful poem on hijab by guest writer Aatifa Shareef.
I am that Hijab
Aatifa Shareef
—
I am that Hijab
That cloth, that fabric
That symbol, that fear
In people’s eyes
Why does she wear it?
I am that cloth
Bound
Grippingly around her head
Secure but comfortable
Strong but delicate
Covering her hair, her ears, her neck
I am that fabric
Pinned
Gracefully around her head
Protective but alleviating
Simple but beautiful
Displaying the beauty within, the pride within, the soul within
I am that concept
Placed
Gloriously around her head
Fierce but merciful
Unyielding but blessed
Compelling the wearer to go on, the onlooker to pause, the bystander to ponder
I am that liberation
Wrapped
Graciously around her head
Desired but attained
Unseen but felt
Refusing the persecution, the unwanted glares, the harsh words
I am that freedom
That concept, that liberation
That symbol, that serenity
In her eyes
That is why she wears it.
______________
Aatifa Shereef originally wrote this poem in 10th Grade for an English assignment requiring a creative piece on freedom. The first thing that popped into her mind regarding freedom (ironically to some) was to write about hijab! “I am that Hijab” was previously published in The Columbus Dispatch, and was submitted to this site by the author. In 2009, she graduated from The Columbus Academy in Gahanna, OH, and is currently a freshman at Northwestern University.
Masha'allah that is a very powerful and beautiful poem! I also wrote a poem about hijab in an earlier post called “We Wear the Hijab.” Keep on writing!
-fida i
mashaALLAH! iits a great piece of work…keep writing..
jazakALLAH
With lots of duas
Anam
Masha'allah that is a beautiful poem!
MashaAllah Love it!
Wow, mashallah. Great message and rhythmic verses!
awesome mashaAllah!
awesome mashaAllah <3
would love to read more from sis Aatifa inshaAllah :)
subhanallah!!!!!!! This poem is amazing and very beautiful..I hope you continue to write and insha'allah post so we may read your works….
Aatifa, this poem is beautiful as you are. Mashallah! With lots of Love, Your Cuz