Why do I wear a Hijab?

I've had that question asked several times in the last few weeks. I've had people think that it was a sign of oppression, that I'm wearing it because "the man" tells me I have to, that it makes the women in my religion second rate to a man. I've heard that it's something I wear for attention, something that shouts, "I'm a muslim!" so that people give me attention for it.

So I'm just going to say right now, why I wear a hijab.

"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty, and not to display their adornment except that which appears ordinarily thereof, and to draw their veils over their necks and bosoms.."

(Sura An-Noor 24:31)


It says in the Qua ran. That's mostly it. I do want to mention that in my opinion, hijab is not necessary to be a good Muslim woman. The keyword I believe is modesty, Allah wants his followers to dress modestly in order to distinguish themselves against the rest of the world. I'm certainly not going to criticize a woman who dresses modestly, but chooses not to wear a head covering. If that is the way she interprets modesty, then far be it from me to correct her. It is between her and Allah. It has nothing to do with me.

I don't feel like I'm forced to wear hijab. I don't feel like I have to. I'm not bound to my scarf. I want to wear it. I like dressing the way I do. I like covering my hair and neck. I like my interpretation of modesty and the comfort I get from it, and that is just me. I want people to look at me and not be fooled. I am a modest person and thats what I want people to see when they see me. That is why I wear hijab.