Chapter 1
(In order to uphold the privacy and confidentiality of the individuals contributing to this book through written interviews, pseudonyms or initials have been employed instead of real names. While the essence of their experiences remains genuine, this approach is implemented to ensure a respectful representation of their personal narratives. Your understanding is valued, and it is our hope that these insightful interviews resonate with you.)
From the bustling streets of Bangladesh emerges Afraha, a woman whose life weaves together resilience, self-discovery, and unwavering faith. Her story is one of unexpected turns and profound realizations, taking us on a journey beneath the veil to uncover the depths of her transformation.Afraha, like any ordinary girl, with once-harbored dreams of becoming an influencer, initially held no particular connection to the enigmatic world of niqabs or abayas. However, a twist of fate led her to an unexpected decision – to embrace the very symbol that is often misconstrued as oppression. This interview delves into the mystery behind Afraha’s extraordinary journey into the realm of self-acceptance and self-expression.
Interviewer:Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today, Afraha. It’s an honor to have you share your story with us.
- Afraha:It’s my pleasure. I’m happy to share my experiences and insights.
Interviewer:Assalamu alaikum, Afraha. To begin, could you kindly introduce yourself to our readers?
Afraha: Wa alaikum assalam! Certainly! I’m a young woman who just turned 21. Currently, I’m pursuing my studies at North South University in the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry. Interestingly, during my college days at Milestone College, I never envisioned myself wearing a hijab, let alone an abaya and niqab! But as they say, look at me now, alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah!
Interviewer:What inspired you to wear the niqab?
- Afraha:Of course, the reward in Akhirah was a significant motivator. Seeing other women around me wearing niqab made me think, “If they can do it, so can I.”
Interviewer:When you didn’t use to wear it, what was your perception regarding it?
- Afraha:I was never against wearing niqab, but I did have concerns about my health. I worried about fainting on a hot summer day, but, alhamdulillah, that never happened.
Interviewer:Did you think of the niqab as an oppression?
- Afraha:No, not at all. How can a piece of cloth oppress someone? Niqab doesn’t stop you from talking, smelling, hearing, or watching. It doesn’t resemble oppression in any way.
Interviewer:What did you think about your religion? How was your relationship with Allah ﷻ? What did you think about our beloved Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam?
- Afraha:Before practicing Islam, I had a basic awareness of some of its rules, but I held the misguided notion that I would apply them when I became older—astagfirullah, how foolish I was. I used to pray salah but now on a regular basis. I used to pray more vigorously to Allah ﷻ during my exam times. However, even during that time, I harbored deep love and admiration for Rasulullah (peace be upon him).
Interviewer:Why did you embrace this veil?
- Afraha:When I began to take my religion more seriously, I delved into the reasons behind Muslim women covering themselves. There are varying opinions among different madhabs; some suggest covering the face, while others say that it’s not mandatory. Of course, Allah SWT (Subhanahu wa ta’ala means glorified and exalted) knows best. Alhamdulillah, my journey with hijab and abaya wasn’t too challenging, although I didn’t wear a headscarf until 2021. Astagfirullah, within a month or less, I transitioned to wearing the niqab.Now, why did I choose to wear the niqab? I came across a topic about awrah that resonated with me. It highlighted how Allah SWT has created women beautifully, and a significant portion of our beauty lies in our faces. The idea made sense to me, and I believed that by wearing the niqab, I wouldn’t be sinful. After all, I was covering my entire body, and adding a piece of cloth to my face wouldn’t be a big deal. I saw it as an opportunity to earn more good deeds.
Interviewer: Why did you start taking your religion seriously? Was it a person, an incident, or a narrative?
- Afraha: It’s not exactly an inspiring story. Back then, I was pretty much obsessed with social media. You could say I was aiming to become an influencer—Allahummagfirli. But then a thought hit me: What’s the point of it all? Eventually, we’re all going to end up wrapped in that white kafan (you know, that cloth used for wrapping a dead body). When I’m gone, who’s going to bother deleting my pictures from social media? Those very photos could end up being a source of temptation for someone else.Around that time, a close friend of mine underwent a significant change for the sake of Allah. She shared that she used to make lots of dua for me during tahajjud. Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), when I finally told her about my decision to change, she was overjoyed. It was like her prayers had been answered. She played a big role in helping me through that phase.”
Interviewer:Wearing the niqab does come with its challenges. For instance, eating in public with a niqab can be a bit problematic. Do you also face this problem?
- Afraha:Yes! But no worries;It’s one of those little challenges that come with the territory. you can always return home and wash it 😊.
Interviewer:How do you eat in public with the niqab on?
- Afraha:Let’s meet one day; you’ll see, haha.
Interviewer: Sure 😁. One day, we’ll, inshAllah. What was your family and friends’ reaction?
- Afraha:Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), they were okay with it. While happy for me, they also expressed concerns about potential challenges in the job or university.
Interviewer: What are some common misconceptions about niqabi women that you would like to dispel?
-Afraha:The misconception that niqabi women are dead serious! 🤣 It’s funny how people perceive us. I wish I knew how to change that perception, but in reality, we’re just like anyone else—full of life, laughter, and joy. The niqab is just a part of our identity, not a reflection of our sense of humor!
Interviewer:What was your lifestyle before embracing the niqab?
- Afraha:Back then, when I was ignorant, I used to engage in a lot of bad activities. I disrespected my parents, talked to guys, and hung out with them. And, I deeply regret my actions and urge everyone not to indulge in these sins.
Interviewer:What was your personality back then?
- Afraha:I was an emotional fool, nothing else. I would follow anyone who seemed cool and trust anyone without judging.
Interviewer:How was your family background?
-Afraha:My family is conservative, but not very practicing. They used to advise me to wear a hijab and not reveal my body, but now they suggest I don’t need to wear a niqab in front of my cousins and uncles (non-mehrams). 😑
Interviewer:How do you handle these situations?
-Afraha:I don’t argue but politely decline, making it clear not to ask me anymore.
Interviewer:Have you ever received any mistreatment from people who already wear niqabs?
- Afraha:No, I never got any chance to hang out with them. Although I used to know a few niqabis, they weren’t my close friends. To be honest, I had never imagined in my life that one day, I will embrace this veil. I thought once, I will grow old I will wear a headscarf 😅. How foolish my thinking was!
Interviewer:How was your life before you embraced the niqab?
- Afraha:Full of depression.
Interviewer:Life after you embraced the niqab?
- Afraha:Life took a significant turn. Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), I stopped listening to music, unfriending, or having limited interactions with males (not a complete stop; I do talk to classmates and teachers due to necessity).
Interviewer:Do you regret your decision?
- Afraha:No, alhamdulillah. I believe everything happens for a reason.
Interviewer: What role has education played in shaping your understanding of Islam and your decision to wear the niqab?
- Afraha: I’m in the general line, to be honest, so education didn’t play a significant role. However, studying microbiology has shown me the small discoveries of humans in nature, boosting my Iman. Subhanallah, Allah ﷻ is the best creator indeed.
Interviewer: How has your understanding of modesty and femininity evolved since wearing the niqab?
-Afraha:In the past, I held the belief that girls should follow career paths, pursue higher education, or venture into business, much like boys. However, my beliefs have undergone a transformation. I now firmly believe that Allah ta’ala has designated specific roles for both men and women. Allah has made men the maintainers and protectors of women. Who am I to go against Allah’s divine order? Presently, I feel a sense of comfort in the idea of staying at home and, in the future, taking care of my husband and children, Insha’Allah, while my husband fulfills the role of provider, aligning with the roles Allah has designed for us.
Interviewer: Did you experience any stereotypes or misconceptions about niqab-wearing women, and how did you respond to them?
-Afraha: Not really, as far as I remember. I always stayed away from negative people and was surrounded by good souls. Alhamdulillah.
Interviewer:Afraha, can you share your favorite verse from the Quran and tell us why it holds a special place in your heart?
-Afraha:Certainly! One verse that resonates deeply with me is from Surah Al-Ahzab.
“Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” Surah Al Ahzab-verse 35 (Al Quran)
It beautifully acknowledges the diverse qualities and virtues of both Muslim men and women. It emphasizes belief, devotion, truthfulness, patience, humility, charity, fasting, guarding one’s chastity, and the remembrance of Allah ﷻ. This verse serves as a reminder that Allah ﷻ has prepared forgiveness and a great reward for all those, irrespective of gender, who embody these qualities. It reflects the inclusivity and equality that Islam promotes.
Interviewer:What do you like about our beloved Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam (صلى الله عليه وسلم)?
- Afraha:I love everything about him, but two things from studying his Sirah hit me profoundly. Firstly, he sallallahu alaihi wa sallam (صلى الله عليه وسلم) wasn’t always serious; he sallallahu alaihi wa sallam (صلى الله عليه وسلم) played with kids, spent quality time with his wives, and and laughed with his companions. Secondly, the most touching part was that he sallallahu alaihi wa sallam (صلى الله عليه وسلم) cried every day for his Ummah in Tahajjud.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to your younger self, knowing what you know now about faith, identity, and personal expression?
- Afraha: I would tell my younger self to trust Allah ﷻ and then trust my mom, not others.
Interviewer:What advice do you have for individuals considering wearing the niqab or facing societal judgment for their choice?
- Afraha: Just ignore them or share videos and articles that support the niqab. Most importantly, make dua that Allah makes it easy for you.
Interviewer:Message to all those who want to change but are afraid.
- Afraha:In a beautiful hadith narrated by Abu Huraira, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) conveyed the words of Allah: “I am just as My slave thinks I am, and I am with him if He remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I too remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than they. If he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him. If he comes to Me walking, I go to him running” (Sahih al-Bukhari 7405, Book 97, Hadith 34). In simple terms, it means that when you take a step towards Allah, He responds by coming even closer. Just take that first step, and you’ll find Allah is ready to meet you more than halfway.
Interviewer:Message to humanity.
- Afraha:Let’s be kind to everyone and strive to follow in the footsteps of our beloved Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam (صلى الله عليه وسلم).
Interviewer:Any advice you’d like to share with young Muslim women?
-Afraha:Absolutely! When embracing Islam sincerely, please, please, please steer clear of following those niqabi influencers 🫸🏻. Do you truly believe that wearing vibrant-colored abayas like pink, yellow, orange, or red and strolling down the street with trendy songs playing in the background is modest? Noooooo! Instead, follow the guidance of scholars, read the Quran, and explore the hadith. That will be more than enough. Trust me, following those influencers won’t bring any real benefits. Also, some sisters who revert to Islam often interact with seemingly practicing Muslim men, considering them for marriage. However, they fall into Satan’s trap. Although their primary intention was to get married, they end up trapped in a haram relationship. So, please don’t fall prey to this Satan’s trap.
Interviewer: Lastly, I would like to ask “Are you oppressed?”
-Afraha: 👽 Yes, only in a feminist’s fantasy.
Interviewer:Thank you for sharing these personal aspects, Afraha. It provides a deeper understanding of your journey. Anything else you’d like to add or share?
- Afraha:It’s been my pleasure sharing my story. I hope it can inspire and encourage others on their paths. If anyone has questions or needs support, I’m here.
Interviewer:Thank you once again, Afraha. Your insights are valuable, and your openness is truly appreciated. Wishing you continued strength on your journey.
Afraha’s journey is just the tip of the iceberg, a prelude to the diverse experiences waiting to be shared. This chapter initiates the unraveling, inviting you to witness stories of resilience, conviction, and a deep-rooted connection to faith—all hidden behind the niqab. The journey has just begun; more revelations await in the chapters to follow.
As we draw the curtains on today’s insightful interview, I extend an earnest invitation, not just to you but to all hearts willing to listen—I invite you to Islam. Take a moment to delve into the Quran, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our Prophet’s life through his Seerah. Allow your own understanding to unfold, independent of preconceived notions. Choose for yourself if the niqab is an oppression or not.
And to my fellow Muslims, let this be a gentle reminder—a call to continuously seek knowledge about your religion and Deen. The journey of learning is a perpetual one, and with each step, our connection with Allah strengthens.
May this invitation resonate with sincerity, kindness, and an open heart, guiding you to discover the profound beauty within Islam.
Dear readers,
If you’re a niqabi or know someone who would like to share their unique journey, please reach out to me on Instagram @auth_farzana_tutul. Your stories are precious and can inspire others on their own paths.Feel free to share your comments and thoughts in the comment section below. If you have any questions you’d like answered, drop them there as well.Share this book with the people who have been misled by the medias and movies.Let’s embark on a new journey together, unveiling new stories and connecting through shared experiences.Until then, stay safe, and may you discover the beautiful purpose that adds meaning to your life.
With warmth and love,Your beloved author
- Farzana Tutul
