The mighty muhajjiba

Muhajjiba literally means one who wears hijab*

I've been meaning to write this for a long time, mostly because I hear way too many negative things about muslims, and especially muslim women who cover.

I've learned much in the past five years, since orientation at UVA where I met someone that helped me change my entire way of thinking. At the time, I had never been one to pay much attention to what I wore, and never really consciously thought about modesty as an essential part of character. Subconsciously, I know that I had a very biased view of muhajjiba - I think I was uncomfortable around them becuase I percieved (please note, past tense) them as being "holier than thou" - perhaps a reflection of an underlying feeling of inadequacy. Mind you I knew no hijabis at the time - my bubble was rather small. My discomfort was rooted in the fact that I didn't know very many young practicing muslims growing up, and although I was brought up in a muslim family - hijab was an alien concept to me. There were no sunday schools, and women attending j'ummah - yikes, never! Yes, muslim women cover ... but for to me (at that time) if you wore hijab, there was no way that you could be cool, or interesting. Religion and cool - like oil and water. It just didn't mix.

Alot of that changed when a very special muhajjiba helped me realize that wearing hijab has nothing to do with your personality. As my first Ramadan away from home approached, she would tell me - ah, I'm so excited about Ramadan. I'm like, huh - whats so exciting about Ramadan! She never articulated her passion for Ramadan, but from spending time with her - I began to see what excited her about this amazing month, and this amazing deen. The first Ramadan, in 2001, was somewhat of a life-changing experience. While I can write an entire post just about that, my point is - my friend showed me that practicing your religion doesn't mean that you have to change your entire way of life. Being passionate about the deen is about working as hard as you can to be the best that you can, but it doesn't preclude you from anything. In the crudest of terms, Muslims are cool too.

This Ramadan, I will have spent many evenings with one or a dozen of my dearest friends. I am surrounded by these amazing, gracious, loving ... (the list could go on) and beyond anything, strong muslim women. Most every evening (or day, or weekend, or week!) that I have spent with these amazing women, I have been more relaxed, and more comfortable than I have ever been. We talk about everything under the sun, laugh together, eat together, play basketball/soccer together, explore together (explore our deen, and exotic places like W.VA and Puerto Rico!) - somehow manage to have a fantastic time, and most importantly, when the time comes - we pray together. Sometimes, in the moments following salat, I catch myself, take a step back - to take in the completely surreal moment - look around at the room - and just feel an overwhelming warmth, and comfort.

I am amongst strong Muslim women.

When most people see a woman wearing a hijab - they rarely realize that under that piece of cloth is a brilliant mind, often an amazing character, some mind-blowing talent or some combination of all three. Yes, they cover their heads, are watchful of their behavior, and have their gaze lowered - but a piece of cloth will not stop them from being the brilliant people that they are. The next time you see a muhajjiba, notice they're smiling, they're laughing, and chatting with their friends; they might be at the mall, or on the mall. They shop at Banana Republic, enjoy chilling at a good coffeeshop, and can ball with the best of them. They're white water rafting, scuba diving, and wake boarding; jumping off piers when the opportunity presents itself. They balance the deen with their lives, and oh - what exciting lives they lead. Their strength, beauty and grace lies beyond just what people see ... and all too many people don't realize what they're missing.

Every time I get together with these amazing women, I realize again and again just how lucky I am. I have been blessed with the presence of more than my fair share of wonderful, intelligent, witty, warm, loving, and beyond anything - strong women in my life. Photographers/filmmakers, social workers, librarians, journalists, doctors, lawyers, teachers, AmeriCorp volunteers, consultants, scholars, mothers ... and all, my sisters. There are times, such as right now, when I am absolutely overwhelmed by the fact that I am a part of such an amazing community. Alhamdullilah.

My strong Muslim sisters ... I pray that Allah keeps you strong. You make me strive to do better, to work harder and I am proud to walk amongst you, for you humble me and inspire me with your determination and dedication. I pray that one day, I may be as strong as you. InshaAllah.

*clarification by a trusted friend as I can't seem to find a definition/translation.