Did you know that research conducted by the University of Westminster and later published in the British Journal of Psychology indicates that the majority of muslim women who wear hijabs have a better chance of having higher self-esteem and confidence in their bodies?

I would say that's surprising. But does it really seem that way? Though it may seem paradoxical in a society where modesty is sometimes viewed as a restriction, for Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab, we find it to be an empowering tool for self-acceptance. 

“While we shouldn’t assume that wearing the hijab immunizes Muslim women from negative body image, our results do suggest that wearing the hijab may help some women reject prescriptive beauty ideals,” said lead author Dr. Viren Swami in a release on the study. 

This could never be truer. In my opinion, the day I decided to fully embrace modesty was when my self-confidence skyrocketed. Being fully covered and stepping away from societal expectations is a powerful factor in improving my body image and self-esteem. Instead of constantly critiquing and comparing my appearance to others, I am freed from the pressure to look a certain way.

Another study, published in the Psychology of Women Quarterly in 2017, found that women who dressed modestly reported higher levels of body satisfaction and less body dissatisfaction compared to those who dressed in revealing clothes. The modest approach helps reduce the objectification that many women experience when their physical appearance is overly scrutinized. 

While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look pretty and fashion-forward every now and then, I still foster a sense of discipline by following the rules and regulations of modesty. Most importantly, when I decide to dress up, I am honoring the essence of what our religion has taught me; staying completely away from societal trends and expectations.

This newfound freedom fosters a sense of empowerment, allowing us to focus on things that really matter, like our intellectual and emotional qualities, rather than our outward appearance. This shift in mindset is key to boosting self-esteem.

Even the renowned Islamic scholar Dr. Ingrid Mattson once pointed out that the hijab offers an alternative to the pervasive culture of objectification. “The hijab offers a different form of beauty—one that is about character, intellect, and faith, not just physical allure.”

In final words, the hijab really shifts in how we, as women, view our bodies. By stripping away the external judgments of the world, it often leads to healthier relationships with our physical appearance and mental well-being. Embracing modesty through the hijab can thus become a powerful tool in reshaping body image and self-esteem for women everywhere.