Little Hijabi

Time is tender, as tender as a near 9-year-old girl.
Child number two ventures into her milestone — clearly unaware of the importance of her actions, which will shape her life and the lives of others.

Her life. Her choices. Her actions. Her decisions. You may find it persuaded. Of course it is. If she can see her mum, her aunties, and her grandmother thrive when holding it dear to their hearts, she too will naturally hold onto it. It’s a sign of strength and responsibility.

Little Hijabi will know that she is exceptional. Only gifts get wrapped up so beautifully. Only rare gems get that treatment. Only designer brands have bodyguards. Only exceptional people get VIP access.

When her dad held her hand, she looked up at him — her eyes glistened with joy and her smile was filled with certainty. It was at that special moment in time, when this tender near 9-year-old girl was given her first Hijab.

Her small hands swooped the Hijab across her shoulder. Lifting her head high, she waltzed around her family and friends. Lights, camera, action. Sounds of musical notes filled the room. A true celebrity celebration.

Why are we celebrating such an event? What does it encompass? Is this our way to control young women, to oppress them from their rights to freedom?

What do I tell my daughter? How do I explain such an event?

I didn’t have to.

If you’ve read one of my earlier blogs, you’ll remember — it’s simply all the goodness that one can grasp from seeing exceptional character thrive in society, with a Hijab on. Freedom to wear what signifies modest dress. To cover oneself is also a choice. To cover oneself is to show the world only the tip of an iceberg.

For Little Hijabi will not be subjected to what we call ‘standard’ — she will set the standards. She will pave her own pathway and discover her own voice. For her, the Hijab gives her access to strength. Swimming against the tide has never been easy, but it has built muscle.

Venturing off into the world in a Hijab will not be easy — I know that for sure. But neither is it easy without one. Think about it. Dress codes. Hair styles. Friendship circles. These are all challenges.

We are all about giving them confidence and raising them strong. Is the Hijab any less of that?

Tender gifts need special attention to detail — a nice little bow to hold it all together.