Behind the Veil

Being a Muslim girl there is one thing that I am always questioned about, my head scarf.

Firstly I want to confirm to many of those who come up with exotic ideas,
NO I don't of green hair or any other unnatural hair color, and
NO I am not bald, I do have hair.

Anyways, the head scarf or hijab (many call it) is a part of the many aspects of my religion of Islam. Allah(SWT) has said in the Quran(our holy book) for both believing men and women to lower our gaze and dress modestly.

One common misconception many people have is that this idea of covering is only for the girls, but actually it is for both men and women. The amount of our bodies that we are required to cover differ though. Boys need to cover themselves up to their knees, and not required to completely cover their arms. Us, girls, however have to cover ourselves from head to toe except for the hands and face.
There are some girls who choose to cover the faces but that is not mandatory.

Now, I'm not a scholar in my religion and so I do not want to say anything that is incorrect by going into details about the reasons behind the veil. The most I can do, though, is share my experience.

I always wore full sleeve, and loose clothing so handling that was not much of a problem. Beginning to cover my hair and neck was a lot more difficult. The main reason I was afraid to start was peer pressure. I went to a public school where only two other girls wore the scarf and that's it. I was very hesitant. However, one I woke up and realized that I needed to start because it is Allah who I want to please, not people.Allah had guided me and I began.

I was in 6th grade at the time and actually started at the age younger than any of my relatives. When I went to school the first day no heads turned, no one pointed, no one made any sort of rude comments. It was just like any ordinary school day. A couple of my close friends did ask why I was wearing the head scarf. I did not have to go into details about it. All I said was it is a part of my religious beliefs and they respected that.

I felt great. Never again did I have to worry about how my hair looked in the mornings. During winters, I was a lot more comfortable. And, even in the summers. People think that I be burning in the heat because of my full sleeve clothing and head wear. But actually it is the exact opposite. The sun's rays do not directly hit my skin, so I do not suffer from sun burns.

It is an amazing feeling. Whenever I go out my clothes feel like a protective wall from disrespectful glares of strangers.

The problem is that I had a hard time accepting the guidance sent down by Allah as some of them do not seem to match with the ideology of the society today. But once I implement them in my life I realize the true wisdom behind them and life actually becomes so much more simpler.
I thank Allah for making these trials in life I face a whole lot easier to handle.

May Allah protect us and help us live by His guidance.