I always thought there was something wrong with women who wore the niqab. Why on earth would one go into isolation by covering every part of her body and especially the face? Did the niqabi think that she was a superior Muslim, one who had attained true salvation? That’s what I thought before I interacted with niqabis. I was averse to them, and I always thought that they were the “extremists” everybody talked about.

What led me to this path? I would love to say that I accepted it from my own accord, but I had nothing to do with it since it was only through the Mercy of Allah that I consciously became a Muslim. We always say things like “I chose this religion” but it is in fact Allah who chooses us; it is Allah who guides us to the straight path.

I called up my original friend and the first thing I uttered was “I am going to do hijab insha’Allah!” Then I went on to share my research with her; not only did she appreciate my stance but she joined me as well! Both of us were more than happy with our decisions, Alhamdulillah!

Every sister I met during the course was amazing and utterly beautiful, even in the long jilbabs and soft pashmina hijabs. Every single girl there was my sister. And I loved her regardless of her skin colour, dedication to Islam or whether she wore Hijab properly or not. I prayed for her.

It was on one occasion that I remember her sitting across the table from me with a stern gaze. She traced her fingers along the rim of her mug as she spoke, “I’m just a plain Jane, you know? I don’t think I’m Muslim enough to wear hijab”. Muslim enough, I thought. “I don’t get what you mean,” I glanced at her as I tilted my head, puzzled. “I mean, I’m not worthy enough and that I’m not practicing enough…” she replied. I paused to formulate a precise response but all I could say was, “You’re no ordinary plain Jane.” She smiled her signature smile of humility and shook her head.