The New Muslim's Field Guide by Theresa Corbin & Kaighla Um Dayo

Author:Theresa Corbin & Kaighla Um Dayo
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2018-01-30T21:00:00+00:00

TALES FROM THERESA TOWN

Before I accepted Islam, I had fever dreams about hijab. Hijab—or covering my hair as I thought the term meant—was just another road block on the way to becoming Muslim. Was I superficial? Yup! You better believe it. But also, I was young and had little spiritual maturity. I knew I loved Islam. It made sense to me—worship the One who made everything and follow the messengers He sent for guidance to universal truth. Simple. Logical. What’s not to love?

But I thought that being Muslim meant that I would have to swaddle myself in hideously un-creative clothing. Visions of black trash bag-esque dresses danced through my nightmares. Now, there is nothing wrong with dressing in monochromatic tones if that’s your thing. But it is not mine. I love color and fashion.

Giving up my sense of style wasn’t my only concern. I also feared what people would think. I let this get between me and my deep desire to accept Allah’s (SWT) guidance. I let it get in my way for some time. But my desire to come closer to Allah mounted. I couldn’t not be Muslim anymore. I tried to fit into what society expected of me, but I grew increasingly angry and it was breaking me. I couldn't not be who I was created to be. So, in desperation, I told my only Muslim friend how I felt about Islam and how I felt about hijab.

That friend said something that changed my life. She said: observing hijab doesn’t make someone Muslim, and not observing it certainly doesn’t make someone a non-Muslim. You can become a Muslim now and then think about hijab as you learn more. Who knows? You may never wear hijab, but at least you have a chance to live and die as a Muslim. And who knows? You might end up wearing it and loving it.

I said my shahada shortly after listening to my friend’s advice. My plan was to never wear hijab, ever. But something weird happened as my faith skyrocketed. I stopped caring about what others thought. I just couldn’t give a crap. I was in love with Allah (SWT) and didn’t care who knew it. So, two months after I declared myself to be a Muslim, I started observing hijab in increments, beginning with the headscarf and then more loose clothing as I grew as a Muslim.

I learned that I didn't have to give up my identity to be modest. I discovered that modesty doesn't necessitate being frumpy. And observing hijab has some major perks, one of which is that I don’t have to obsess over my coif.

If you consider the fact that before Islam I would spend at least five hours a week grooming my mane, and since observing hijab, I maybe spend only one hour a week on my hair. I have so much more time to do other fun things, like write this book. Yay!

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