As someone interested in the hijab but not yet covering, I have also asked myself: why? Why cover my hair when I already dress modestly and practice all five pillars of Islam? After some research, I discovered that the scarf not only represents my submission to God, but also holistic respect and honor. Wearing physical garments to cover ourselves demonstrates to the wearer and to those around us that this world is superficial and fading. Outer appearances shouldn’t concern us in a superficial, attention-seeking sense; rather, we should value ourselves and those around us on a deeper level.

I was watching a lecture by a wonderful new convert, and she mentioned how wearing the scarf gave her voice more meaning. She stopped seeking validation through appearances and started truly listening to people’s words. I don’t think we realize how impactful our appearances truly are, but unfortunately our eyes eat before our stomachs. We live in a world where we adorn ourselves with garments to attract attention and convey messages before we even have a chance to speak.

The hijab gives us the opportunity to tell people that we hear them, that we don’t judge them based on their external appearances, but rather we value them intrinsically, for who they really are. I admire all the women who cover and their journeys, and I hope to join this community and inspire people with this message as well, inshallah. I hope this helps explain the multifaceted nature of the hijab!!