Choosing Hijab Against All Advice
When I took my shahada, almost all Muslims around me told me to wait before putting on my hijab. It was made to sound like this big overwhelming thing to be wearing Hijab as a White British Muslim. A huge commitment they thought I wasn’t ready for. But my heart had been moved. I embraced Islam because I love the faith and all that it offers. I didn’t want to delay what already felt like an extension of who I was becoming. Ignoring the advice, I followed my conviction.
Walking Into University Wearing My Hijab
Just a few days after converting I walked into University with my hijab for the first time. I was the only Muslim on my course and yes, I got funny looks. Back then, there weren’t many hijab options available in British shops. No premium hijab brands. Most stores that sold hijabs were run by men who clearly didn’t understand what British Muslim women wanted to wear. The fabrics were often see-through, the colours garish and many hijabs were too short to wrap modestly. It felt restricting.
Finding My Feet With Hijab and Letting Go of Style
However hijab means something deeper to me. I sacrificed a sense of style whilst I adapted. I looked awkward which didn’t help my family to love or accept it. However, it didn’t sway me and I stood firm.
Over time I have experimented with all flavours of hijab. From turban style to full niqab. From black abayas to skinny jeans. It’s important to understand that as a young lady adopts the hijab, it can take a while to find one’s confidence. This period of experimentation was an investment in a steadfast modest future. Femininity is creative. It’s important for a girl to have the space to discover what feels right for her. Styles I have worn I the past take nothing away from the way I wear it today.
Reclaiming My Heritage Through Modesty
Upon learning more about my own culture I have become firm in a belief that the way I dress as a Muslim English woman is closer to how my ancestors dressed than majority of English women dress today. In Victorian England ladies wouldn’t leave the house without covering their head. Hijab carries with it elegance. Misconceptions of hijab being “Arab” or “South Asian” is deeply flawed and rooted in ignorance.
A Modest Message from My Ancestors
It was as a New Muslim standing at the statue of The Virgin Mary peace be upon her, at an Abbey where my Nan’s ashes are scattered that I realised… What can be more complimentary to my culture, than to dress in a way that resembles the modesty of The Virgin Mary? The purest of women in the eyes of the Christian world and Mother of Believers for Muslims. Honoured for her chastity and devotion to God. Yes, my Hijab goes hand in hand with my roots as an English woman. That was the moment I understood, my hijab complements my faith and my heritage. It’s not foreign, it’s deeply familiar.
Modest Fashion Today: Embracing Elegance and Identity
Thankfully, hijab has become so much more accessible due to the wealth of quality and chic hijab brands out there, it really has become so much easier to express yourself, whilst remaining modest and true to your culture as a hijabi woman. The movement of modest fashion both from high street brands and Muslim owned businesses is allowing Muslim women to express themselves – modestly, creatively, and authentically. Wearing the hijab no longer means sacrificing style. Instead, it has become a statement. One of faith, identity, grace, elegance and strength.
Final Thoughts: Hijab Is My Journey of Faith and Culture
My journey with wearing Hijab as a White British Muslim hasn’t been easy, but it has been transformative.
It has helped me reclaim my femininity, honour my heritage, deepen my faith, and face the world with unshakable resilience.
To any woman beginning her hijab journey: Give yourself grace. Find your style. Don’t let fear or other people’s opinions shape what is meant to be your sacred commitment. In Britain with rising hate crimes to wards Muslims, it takes courage to don the hijab. Put your trust in Allah and keep good company.
Your hijab is more than just fabric, it’s a part of your unfolding story.
Tell me about your hijab experience in the comments below!
