In May last year, I had gone to GIJ campus, where I schooled, to discuss my project work with my supervisor. As I was approaching the reception (exactly where the Rector parked his car), I was met with a smile by my Mass Communication Lecturer, Mr Jonas Ansong Boateng, one of my few favourite lecturers for the record.
I was confused at first as to why he was smiling at me. Then as I got him, he said to me, ‘you are looking very beautiful. I wish I could be a young man again to marry you’. (The second statement was him being him. The man has a huge sense of humour). I smiled at him. Making a meaning out of my smile I guess, he said to me, ‘I am very serious; you are looking very nice. I like the way you Muslim ladies dress and the way you wear the veil’. It was on a Friday and I had worn a straight African print dress and a veil as I always do.
Mr Boateng’s compliment made me feel even prouder to be a Muslimah. You should note that I receive these admirable compliments a lot when I am in my Hijab (veil).
The volume of Mr Boateng’s words sparked an urge in me to maximise the number of times I wear the Hijab instead of my usual headgear. This has also encouraged me to wear the Hijab wherever I find myself. I should be ME.
To my fellow Muslim ladies, who for what reason do not want to veil, I want you to know that the Hijab is not only your identity, but also the key to earning respect. Those of you who have friends who veil; have you realised that when you are with them the respect others give to them are far greater than yours?
In our Zongo communities, guys love to sit outside, usually by the streets and corners in the neighbourhoods to chat and have some fresh air. We call this ‘base’. When guys are seated at the base, ladies don’t feel comfortable walking pass them because they don’t want attention. When I am in my Hijab, I get this inexplainable confidence which makes me walk pass anyone with utmost ease.
The wearing of Hijab earns you respect from both Muslims and non- Muslims. Even if people do not tell you, you see from their actions the admiration they have for you all for the sake of Hijab. Who wouldn’t want that? What some people don’t know is that you can look decent, earn the respect that you deserve as a Muslim lady, and still look classy. Hijab doesn’t stop you from chasing your dreams my dear Muslim sister; it rather brings out the best in you.
I would like to end with a quote by 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Tawakkol Karman. The Yemeni had this to say when she was asked by journalist about how Hijab was not proportionate with her intelligence:
‘Man in early times was almost naked; as his intellect evolved he started wearing clothes. What I am today and what I am wearing represents the highest level of thought and civilisation that man has achieved, and is not regressive. It’s the removal of clothes again that is a regression back to ancient times’.
So, my dear lady, whoever tells you the wearing of hijab is uncivil is WRONG. That person is not your friend and is a shield to protecting your dignity as the most adored creature of Allah.
Be a proud Muslimah. Don’t open your mouth to tell people you are a Muslimah before they know. Rather, let your outfit do the talking for you. Show the world what a better person the RELIGION OF PEACE challenges you to be.