In a world that often reduces women to mere objects from a young age, modesty becomes not just a form of protection, but a powerful act of empowerment. It teaches us—vulnerable women—that our value isn’t tied to fitting into unattainable beauty or body standards, but that our beauty comes from within: the creative minds we hold and unique personalities that come so naturally to us. These are the first traits people see, and Alhamdulillah for that. 

In a society that constantly ridicules and diminishes the act of choosing modesty, it’s easy to feel disheartened when embracing this decision, especially one advocated by our faith. But modesty—covering ourselves in a way that feels right, and acting just so—is an act of immense bravery and strength. Many women, Muslim or not, choose to cover their bodies and the most admired parts of themselves, not out of restriction, but as a way to reclaim ownership of their bodies, to protect their beauty for themselves.

For me, modesty isn't something that feels effortless. It’s a continuous, courageous act—not just in the act of covering, but in defending that choice, especially when so many try to undermine it. In a society that judges and labels women harshly for making such a choice, it takes incredible strength to stay true to one’s values. Names are thrown at women to shame them for preserving their beauty for their own eyes and for those who matter most to them. The willpower it takes to live this choice every single day, despite the overwhelming pressures of fitting into society’s opposing beauty standards, is nothing short of remarkable.

But it’s vital to remember: true beauty isn’t defined by the world’s ideals. It shines through the noor that the hijab brings to our faces, the creativity that blossoms in how we dress, and the profound influence we have on the younger generations of girls watching us. Our choices, through modesty, hold more power and impact than we often realize.

Looking back on my own hijab journey, I see how modesty touches so much of my daily life. It’s not just about the clothes I wear or the decision to cover my hair. It’s in the simple, yet significant acts of kindness and grace—like holding the door for a stranger, even when it’s unlikely that the favor will be returned. It’s laughing when others have the privilege of choosing to frown without being judged, or carefully choosing my words—knowing that standing up for myself can sometimes be misread as defiance. Yes, wearing the hijab and dressing modestly does make me part of a minority in a world that often sees the opposite as “empowerment.” But modesty is about more than just how we dress—it’s about who we are, how we choose to carry ourselves, and how we choose to present our strengths. 

The saying “nobody should try to be perfect” rings true, yet it’s often hard to embrace in a world that watches your every move, waiting for the smallest misstep to criticize. The fear of imperfection exists because there are those who will try to tear us down for it. The Western world wasn’t designed with Muslims in mind, but we, in our quiet defiance, take back our power. Each time we tighten our scarves, wrap our abayas, and swap tighter items for looser, equally beautiful peices, we redefine what strength and beauty look like.

I know firsthand how stunning modesty can feel because I see it every day—in the beauty of our sisterhood, our community. It brings me immense joy to see the bravery in those around me, and it fills me with a renewed sense of belonging and strength. As we continue to walk this path, side by side the Ummah, we find the courage to embrace who we are and create beauty, every single day.