Whenever a girl decides to take a closer step on the right path and wear a hijab, she receives lots of compliments and faces plenty of negative comments that masquerade as “advice.” Between supporters and attackers, new hijabis live a nightmare of their own having to deal with this contradiction. Whether you’re a parent, friend, colleague, or random stranger to a new hijabi, you have to understand that wearing a hijab is a huge deal and a gigantic, difficult step for them. You can either be kind or say nothing and stop saying these things to new hijabis.
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“Don’t call this hijab; your hair is peeking out”
Most new hijabis, if not all, have received this comment at some point from random strangers or close friends. For starters, you have to understand that most new hijabis have no idea how to properly adjust their headscarf. So, it is likely that their hair will be peeking out most of the time. Moreover, they’re just starting to adjust to their new look without their beautifully styled hair and being the star of the show, so it can be difficult for them in the beginning. Show some kindness and don’t be a reason to discourage them to continue wearing hijab. The same goes for the neck, arms, and feet.
“Your clothes are too tight”
A new hijabi’s wardrobe will probably have very few hijab-appropriate clothes. So, it only makes sense that she’ll continue wearing her old clothes until she can change her wardrobe bit by bit. Moreover, maybe this new hijabi wants to take a closer step toward God but doesn’t have enough funds to buy new hijab-appropriate clothes. Don’t judge the book by its cover and try to be as supportive as possible instead of traumatizing others.
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“Hijab isn’t just a head cover”
Yes, she knows! Any girl who takes this huge step of wearing the hijab is fighting her own demons and putting God first. However, she may start by wearing a headscarf because that’s the only thing she can do at the present time. It may not be about buying new clothes or not knowing how to adjust her headscarf; maybe she’s simply not ready to make further commitments. Putting on a headscarf is in fact a huge step, and it can be the only thing she can do now.
“People like you are a shame to hijabis”
Why do people have to be so unkind and insensitive to someone by saying such a thing? Why would someone shame another just because they’re not complying with the full hijab look? Shockingly, this is one of the most common comments new hijabis receive. To shock you even more, these comments come from close people like family members or so-called friends. Kindly, do not shame others. You’re not in a position to judge others; only God can do that!
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“You look older / less beautiful with hijab”
Do you know that one of the main reasons why God commanded women to wear hijab is to cover their hair, hence look less attractive? Obviously, all women look more beautiful and sexier with their hair showing, especially when styled. Stating the obvious may not be the smartest move. Moreover, this comment could affect a new hijabi’s decision and make her hesitant to continue wearing the hijab. She might even take it off thanks to this comment!
“Hijabis don’t wear makeup”
As we can all agree, changing your lifestyle 180 degrees instantly can result in a huge setback afterwards. That’s why girls who are new to hijab start bit by bit, doing one thing at a time. She’ll start with wearing a headscarf for sure, then she’ll make her way into wearing more loose-fitting clothes. The coming step may be committing to prayers on time or quitting wearing makeup. The point is you will never know the struggles new hijabis face or deal with, so, again, be kind.
“Here’s what the right hijab looks like”
Many online pages are unfortunately dedicated to making fun of hijabis whose hair is peeking out of their headscarves or whose clothes don’t comply with the right hijab. They often post two photos comparing two girls to each other, one of them is a Niqabi. We just want to say that we have absolutely nothing against Niqabis or any other form of hijab; we support all girls no matter what. However, it is not wise to compare two girls with two different lifestyles to each other and claim that this one of them is the representation of the right hijab.
Finally, we’d like to send a message to all hijabis, especially new ones. Don’t allow anyone to affect your decision or tell you what to do. We know you’re dealing with your own struggles and trying hard to become the best version of yourself. Stay strong. Stay beautiful.
Main image credit: @sarasabry