Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah,
On Hijab Day, we celebrate the beauty, strength, and deep meaning behind it—a symbol of faith, modesty, confidence, and empowerment. The hijab is more than a beautiful head cover; It is a statement of our commitment to our creator, a source of power, and an expression of the inner beauty that comes from an Islamic lifestyle. Modesty applies to women and men, this inner, invisible hijab should be wrapped around the heart and in the mind so that the one with an inner hijab sees and interprets everything through a value system that both nurtures and guards, that is strong and merciful, that stands firm because it surrenders to truth.
In a world that often values appearances, the hijab stands as a testament to our strength and resilience. A reminder that our worth is determined not by social standards but by devotion to Allah swt. If a person has this inner hijab, then he/she will do as Allah SWT enjoins of: “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their modesty. That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is aware of what they do. And tell the believing women….” (24:30-31). A beautiful balance of responsibility to protect individuals and society from corruption is established when both women and men wrap their souls with an inner hijab, screening themselves from anything that pulls the individual away from surrender to Allah SWT.
This Hijab Day, let us also reach out in friendship and understanding to those who do not fully understand the beauty of Hijab. Through education, dialogue and compassion, we can break down stereotypes and create an inclusive society. Together, we will continue to uphold the values of modesty and grace that the hijab represents in our personal lives and in the community.
Jazakullahu khairun.
With warm Regards,
Sumaira Afzal
President-ICNA Sisters
