How did you make the leap to wearing a hijab?

[anotherlevel]

Since the conflict and witnessing the sheer strength of the Palestinians imaan and deen, it really hit home that I need to be better and I want to start wearing a hijab IA. But the problem is I don't know how to make the jump to start actually wearing it.

I feel anxious and worried. Though I don't think I should be because it would ultimately be for the sake of Allah. But I think I feel like everyone will be looking at me, judging me or something. I live in a predominantly non muslim community so I feel like I'll stand out.

Please share your stories how you made the leap and made it work for you or if you're in a similar boat. Jazakallah.

salaams sister. mash'Allah congratulations on wanting to make the leap to wear hijab. I have been wearing it since 2003 and things were so different back then. honestly the looks/judging didn't even cross my mind.
unfortunately you are not wrong about the racism/negative judgement.

ultimately it is an act of love for Allah SWT. He has asked us to dress this way in order to demonstrate our submission. Reading the relevant verses in the Quran Shareef, definitely helped strength my resolve - might do the same for you? For me, it was an act of love for all the blessed women in our history as well - as they all wore hijab.

Also to remember that ultimately it is He who keeps you safe. so whether or not we wear hijab, if we are destined to have negative experiences, we will have them if that is written for us.

Some sisters go on umrah shareef and start wearing hijab and then never take it off. that might make it easier for you? the spiritual nourishment you receive from your travels to the Holy Lands might give you the strength you need?

Or maybe you could start wearing it if you are going to the mosque and then slowly build it up?

The one thing I would say, if you don't mind. is that maybe have a think about what hijab entails for you. The headscarf is one part of it, but for eg. is your current wardrobe in sync with what you wish to attain? I would say loose, modest clothing is just as (if not more) important than the headscarf.

May Allah SWT make it easy for you and bless you. ♡♡

I only started wearing it about a week ago. I'd been thinking about it for a about a year but then one day I impulsively thought I'd just wear it for a quick trip down to Tesco to see how it felt and ended up wearing it since. Tbh it's not always comfortable, I do feel anxious and self conscious often but there is a relief in knowing I'm doing the right thing and it is really lovely when other hijabis catch my eye and smile or say salaam, Ramadan Mubarak etc. My husband is very supportive and it helped a lot thinking to myself that it's not all or nothing immediately - just try it one day and don't put pressure on yourself, if it feels more manageable to start wearing it on and off do that and build up. Maybe try put it on just for a ten minute walk just to familiarise yourself with the feeling and kind of break the seal instead of building it up too much? insha'Allah it all works out for you!

I would also recommend wearing it for shorter periods to get used to it. Also, it is a big step so don't put too much pressure on yourself.

I started wearing it when I read the Quran for the first time properly in English and realised how many times prayer is mentioned and I wanted to be prepared to pray anywhere if I needed to (and wearing hijab and loose clothing made it easier to do this).

It is a scary time at the moment - may Allah SWT keep us all protected.

Salaams sister. May Allah SWT reward you for your intention and effort.

Maybe as a first step, try wearing it for short periods in settings you feel comfortable and supported in (masjid, coffee with an understanding friend, a short walk somewhere quiet, even just while out for a drive) to get used to it. I jumped right in and actually looking back think it would have been a bit less stressful to build up gradually.

YouTube and Instagram have some great hijab styling tips, but for ease you could also look at one-piece pull-on scarves or turbans -I found them useful as I knew they wouldn't get unfastened and fall off!

My own story is that I started wearing it the day I took my shahada, mostly because a lovely auntie came up and put a scarf on me, saying "Now you are part of our family!", and I was too scared of upsetting her to say that I hadn't actually decided how I felt about hijab yet(!), so I kept it on until the event I was at finished, thinking I could then take it off once she'd gone and make up my own mind... Next thing I knew, I was back home (having walked home) and realised I'd completely forgotten that idea and walked home wearing it. So, I figured I'd give it a shot! I'm forever grateful to that auntie for being so lovely and for giving me that push!

I can't always wear it how I'd like at work (healthcare setting) but my hope is that I can build on that in time as more options become available. There are now hijab options for surgical scrubs, which is great, and magnetic hijab clips are safer when working with unpredictable people.

Jazakallah Khair for all your responses, they're really helpful.

Starting slowly seems like a good idea.

@therealcookiemonster I would need to change my wardrobe tbh. Not that I have clothes that are not modest but they do need changing.

I was out shopping the other day and the new season's clothing looks to have a more modest feel overall - longer lengths, wider legs, sleeves on dresses! (Didn't buy anything for me yet, was out for new shoes for DC) I'm planning to do the post-Eid diet once we finish all the food (we... made a lot) and then hit the shops!

TK Maxx is good for scarves btw!

@anotherlevel my hijab journey was difficult at the start. I started wearing it in the summer of 2012. This was after a failed attempt in 2010. I was surprised by the reaction of friends and colleagues (even Muslims). One white colleague said "I thought you were one of us" and this has always stayed with me. I thought we were very close but it turns out that any overt symbol of my Islamicness was enough to end that friendship. Many of my Muslim friends reacted with shock at my decision and questioned whether it was actually necessary. I must admit that I found the whole time very difficult and I'm thankful to Allah that he gave me the strength to continue.

On a more positive note, my sister and I did this together and I think that strengthened us both. We talked daily about the challenges and can now look back and laugh at our hideous fashioning of the hijab. Alhamdolillah.

Now, 12 years on, I can't live without it. It's a part of my identity. I feel protected and respected because of it. The attitude of men changed towards me. I was no longer something to look at and I was listened to instead. I really felt the difference. Muslim men started referring to me as sister which they never did before. I still occasionally have bad hijab days where it just doesn't sit right and I feel a bit frumpy but I wouldn't dream of being without it. Any feelings of vanity remind me of the bigger purpose and bring me right back down to earth. I hope this helps x

@anotherlevel maybe you can add a few items that help bring your wardrobe more in line with what you want rather than replacing the whole thing? eg. long cardies/kimonos/blazers. aab from John lewis have some great stuff

All your stories are really inspiring Alhamdulillah.

I've been trying reply for ages but the kids keep calling me for something or the other. Right now they're wanting to go out and play so I'll be back later IA x

Have fun, I'm just on my way to collect DC from nursery!

Slms I started making a conscious effort to wear hijab around age 18 to attend religious events/weddings in the masjid etc. When my family went for Hajj a year later, I decided to wear it every time I leave the house. I was at uni at the time and honestly it did mean that I lost some friends along the way. It also made me appreciate and love the friends that could accept it, including some non-muslim ones that I am still in touch with 25 years later!

It has helped my in my imaan and day-to-day life in so many ways, from the respect that I get from other Muslims when going about our daily lives to just feeling more connected to Allah in trying to please him inshaAllah.

It is not always easy though. I do have people underestimate me and make assumptions about me in work and other settings. Have also had some deeply hurtful and Islamophobic experiences over the years too. However, on balance it has been overwhelmingly positive. I do think the people that have enough of an issue to shout abuse because of a mode of dress would find any reason to target people like me - I'm visibly different because of the colour of my skin and an "easy target" by virtue of being a petite female.

I pray that inshaAllah you also have a positive experience with this decision and that Allah makes it easy for you and you are blessed with all the rewards it brings.