From Panic to Pride

                                                           By: Menna Fateen

         "Is your father forcing you?" "Do you like it?" "Is it hot in there?"
These questions used to irritate me. They got me tongue-tied. They made me feel as if a lemon had wedged itself in the middle of my throat. If these people really supported liberty, why couldn't they just leave me alone?

        But, now I take pride in my hijab. It's my liberation, my shield and my protection. This piece of fabric is what makes me who I am. It brings me closer to Allah. Without my hijab, I'd feel insecure and unprotected. I now see myself as a precious jewel that should be protected so that nobody would steal it. No one would go bragging about a diamond, right? At least if that person doesn't want it to be stolen!
Muslim girls are diamonds. They're protected and only shown to precious people. I thank Allah that He has guided me to this safety.

        So Sister, you're a jewel, you're a valuable diamond. You're a ruby. Remember that.