​​“And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; and that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof.” (Holy Qur’an 24:31)

Last World Hijab Day, I surprised myself when I decided to count how many years it had been since I first put on the hijab. Sixteen years have passed—years in which I have outwardly represented my faith, sometimes with deep awareness and sometimes without even realizing it. Though I was raised Muslim, my decision to wear the hijab at such a young age was largely influenced by the women around me—my cousins, my elders. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the depth and meaning of the cloth I wrapped around my head. But with time, I have not only come to understand that meaning, but to cherish it wholeheartedly.

Growing up, I was often told that hijab was required to protect me. Yet, this reasoning never fully made sense, especially when I witnessed the discrimination and hostility faced by my fellow Muslim sisters. What I didn’t understand then was that the hijab protected me from harm I wasn’t even aware of—barriers I might not have recognized until they were already crossed. It created a boundary between this dunya (worldly life) and the akhirah (hereafter), shielding me from spaces and interactions that could distance me from my faith. This realization only reaffirmed my belief that Allah’s wisdom surpasses our understanding—He knows the challenges of this world, and His guidance is meant to protect not just me, but the entire ummah.

By wearing the hijab, I embody my faith daily—not just in appearance, but in action. It serves as a constant reminder to strive for the best version of myself. Whether that means extending kindness to a stranger, giving generously in charity, or practicing patience when someone cuts me off on the freeway, my hijab holds me accountable. It also connects me to an instant sisterhood, a bond shared among visibly Muslim women. There’s nothing quite like the friendships forged in prayer rooms or the shared joy of swapping modest fashion tips.

Ultimately, Muslim women wear the hijab for a multitude of reasons, and for many, it is not an easy choice—something I have come to understand now more than ever. But for me, my hijab is my protection. Through it, I find strength, purpose, and the beautiful reassurance that I am under Allah’s care every single day.