You may believe that using a long piece of material to cover the hair and bosom is relatively easy from the outset. How much more different can it be really, than wearing any other piece of cloth? But the reality is that it is indeed an amazingly difficult thing to do in some cases. There are numerous reasons for this apparent difficulty, but the main reason is usually in the mind of the wearer –a type of paranoia really.

A few months ago, I was waiting for the dentist, wondering why they were taking so long to call my name after the appointed time. The answer came about forty-five minutes after my appointment – they hadn’t recognised me even though I was seated right in front of the receptionist.

As I thoughtfully gaze out of the window of my room, the beautiful and soft voice of the Adhan stirs me from my silent reverie. I hurry to perform my wudhu and pray Salah, although I feel sad to break from my moment of reflection, but I know that Allah always comes first before anything.

As she walked with slow but steady steps down the street towards he Masjid, she looked like the ‘ideal Muslimah’: gaze lowered, well-covered, tall, strong, and confident. She had come a long way to get to this stage; hers was a story of a rise, a fall, and a rise again. How did she get to this stage? This is how it all started…

My story may relate to many people because my search for answers is also someone else’s. This semester at my university has taught me very important lessons, and I wanted to share my thoughts on this subject of how I came to wear the hijab. I hope my words don’t offend anyone in any way, but I wish the readers to take me sincerely and to hear me out.