For many Muslim women, the Hijab is more than just a piece of clothing or a choice. They say it is a symbol of faith, worship, identity, and empowerment. In this interview, Zahra sits with Hawaa Abdullahi – President of an anti-microbial resistance club in Kaduna – who shares her Hijab journey: the challenges she’s faced, and the wisdom she’s gathered along the way.
When did you start wearing the Hijab, and what influenced your decision?
Growing up with a Hausa dada and a Fulani mama meant I got the best of both worlds. My childhood was a blend of two rich cultures, shaping my worldview and values. I started wearing the Hijab in Junior Secondary school. My dad never forced us, but when we showed interest, he encouraged us wholeheartedly. My brother also played a huge role; he taught us about the virtues of the Hijab and always supported us. Honestly, having an enabling environment made my Hijab journey a smooth one.
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Interesting. Would that mean then that you have never faced challenges or discrimination because of your Hijab?
Oh, absolutely not. I have, and to be honest, I find most of them funny and petty. The most common one? People take one look at me and assume I can’t speak English – so they start talking down on me. But Alhamdulillah, I always fight back. Strongly.
That’s a weird misconception. Staying on that, what would you say is another common misconception about Hijabis that you wish people understood better?
People need to stop seeing the Hijab as some form of oppression. It’s an act of worship – just like prayer, respecting parents, and treating people with kindness are. And another thing that bears repeating, stop assuming Hijabis are uneducated or timid. We are NOT.
It’d be hard to disagree, I reckon. You are President of an anti-microbial resistance club in Ahmadu Bello University and surely, that’s some education and takes some courage too. Would you consider this the most empowering moment you’ve had while wearing the Hijab?
Hmmm. Actually, every time I do anything impactful, especially community service, I feel empowered. My Hijab isn’t just a piece of clothing; it’s a statement. It tells the world who I am and what I stand for.
Social media users and popular culture commentators often have the most to say about the Hijab these days. Do these things affect you or have you ever felt pressured to take off your Hijab?
Nope. Never. Alhamdulillah, I’ve always been comfortable with it.
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You have a good carriage. How challenging would you say it is to express your personal style while wearing the Hijab?
I wouldn’t say it’s that much of a challenge. For one, I am not a fashionista in the sense of the word, but I do like to look good. I personally don’t fancy the common one-piece hijab with hand holes. It’s just not my style. But I love the abayas and jallabiyas. As long as they look good, I’ll wear them!
What’s one Hijab-related tip you’d give to someone new to wearing it?
Just because you wear the Hijab doesn’t mean you have to look drab and miserable. Find a style that suits you. Some people rock the one-piece Hijab effortlessly. Others prefer abayas or jilbabs. Wear what makes you comfortable and confident.
How has wearing the Hijab deepened your faith?
Wearing the Hijab is a daily reminder of my submission to Allah (S.W.T.). Just like performing ablution before prayer, making an effort to wear my Hijab properly brings me peace. It pushes me to be better and stay consistent in my faith.
I see you have intrinsic motivation but were there any Islamic or cultural influences that shaped your Hijab journey?
Hmm. Truth is at first, I hesitated about wearing the abaya. You know how some people are, if you don’t wear what they consider ‘modest,’ they start side-eyeing you. I worried about what people might say, but over time, I grew confident and unbothered. Now, I wear what I want.
Say someone is finding it difficult to be confident and they are struggling with their Hijab journey, what would you tell them?
I may not be in the best position to offer advice to this profile because, Alhamdulillah, I didn’t struggle with wearing the Hijab, however, I acknowledge that I have struggled with other aspects of worship. My first thought would be to tell them to pray about it. Desperately. They should pray the same way people pray when they need money or success. That’s how I pray for guidance and it works. Also it helps to surround oneself with the right people. A supportive circle makes the journey easier.
So in a few sentences? lol
Lol. So, it’s been an amazing ride for me, challenging but also fulfilling. To my sisters thinking about it – do it now! Just take the step, and may Allah (S.W.T.) guide and accept your worship.
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Finally, how do you see the future of Hijabis in Nigeria and beyond?
Honestly, I don’t know. I think it is complicated. We have some people who embrace the Hijab for its true purpose – worship. We also have others who simply wear it as a cultural practice. And then some, misrepresenting it in popular culture or even daily living. And then there are those who are abandoning it entirely. It’s a kind of metamorphosis I haven’t fully figured out yet. But I pray it turns out for the best.
