But it’s also this narrowing definition of hijab as a piece of cloth that covers our hair. We don’t think of it as a transformation, as a behavior, as a personality. As long as the strands of hair are covered, we’re okay, right?

It’s a sad unfortunate sight. I’ll be going about my usual day when suddenly I see a hint of familiarity. The hesitation comes first, but the second time I look, I’m reassured. My mind isn’t playing tricks on me. I know that girl. I recognize her face. But she looks so different; almost like a stranger without that soft fabric enveloping her head. As our eyes meet, I smile guiltily like I’ve been prying, but we converse as if nothing has changed.

This is the voyage out my friends. A voyage of questions, countless decisions and unyielding certainties, but much like the saying goes, “smooth seas never made a skilled sailor”.

We must remember that we cannot see into the hearts of humankind and so we cannot judge and, certainly, cannot condemn.

But now, by the grace and mercy of Allah ta’ala, I understand the strength that my Lord has bestowed upon me, because He has granted me the opportunity and the privilege of carrying a child. This is a privilege that no man can ever have, because I truly believe no man is strong enough to fulfill this task.