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Once I decided to do this, it was
easier to be positive and embrace
the changes both internally and
externally. To feel good about
myself, during my travels to
Turkey, I purchased beautiful silk
scarfs, shawls and cotton scarfs as
well as fashionable Islamic skirts,
jackets, dresses and another
modest swimming suit. I also
learned how to wear my scarf in
different ways. I surrounded
myself with people who
appreciated and loved me for who
I am. This brings to mind a dear
friend, who told me that she was
inspired by the change in me and
she started wearing full-time hijab
too. She sadly passed away in her
early thirties in 2014, but I will
always remember her support and
kindness. May Allah grant her
Jannah, Inshallah Ameen.
Working in the corporate world
was another huge challenge for
me. I had to find the right fit of
being covered as well as
professional. Holding a high
profile position in a male
dominate sector, I never felt
intimated. Colleagues would
approach and ask questions.
Some felt I looked better without
the scarf too, but overall, my
change at work was received fairly
well. The company I work for
respects diversity and women in
the environment. It is almost 8
years now that I have been fully
covered. I have accepted this
change and new way of life.
Initially the change of wearing a
hijab was very challenging. I was
exposed to uncomfortable and
unfamiliar situations, however,
this helped me develop resilience
and strength of character.
It has taught me tolerance too.
Through a thoughtful approach,
letting go of habits and patterns
that no longer served me and
allowing me to see the
opportunity as a result of this
change, has been beneficial for
me. I also know that as long as
Allah is pleased with me and
that is sufficient . Wearing a
scarf does not impose a
limitation on my mind or life. In
fact, it is a parachute to take me
to the next level. I did not feel
limited because of my hijab,
instead I felt empowered by it
and went out to achieve my
goals regardless. I completed
my qualification, continue to
work (Project Accounting
Manager), I get to travel and still
experience the joy of swimming
in the sea, paragliding, and many
more other activities while
doing so and most importantly
be a mom to two beautiful
children.
Interestingly, I now get many
compliments from people from
all walks of life, women also
approach me to show them how
to tie the hijab.
Change brings on transformation
and depending on one’s attitude, it
could either make this
transformation easy or more
difficult. I am grateful for the
wisdom I acquired from my new
found experiences and knowledge.
This change has given me a deeper
insight to myself and an opportunity
for my true beauty to shine through.
Embracing this change helped me
recreate my life with a purpose.
Being covered “uncovered” a lot for
me. It helped me to rediscover my
freedom and it does not end here –
my journey continues!