“I think it is important to highlight the beauty of diversity in our religion. I converted to Islam 5 years ago, and decided to start wearing hijab when I turned 18. Alhamdulillah, my family has always been immensely supportive and loving. I think the most challenging times to wear hijab is when I visit Mexico, which is at least 3 times a year. In Mexico, the Muslim population is .3%, making it extremely hard for the community to be aware of the religion and believing most of the stereotypes they see on TV about Muslims. When in Mexico, I am often asked questions like “are you a terrorist? Are you really Mexican? Is your husband forcing you to wear that? Does your husband force you to stay home?” and more questions that could be hurtful and provoking for anyone, including myself. At the beginning when people came up and asked me these kind of questions while visiting Mexico, I was really discouraged and felt so heartbroken. I wanted to stay at grandma’s house all day so I didn’t have to face mean and intolerant people. However, as I’ve grown as a person and as a Muslim, and I have learned that these people have not been exposed to Muslims before and they are genuinely curious and mean no harm. I explain to them that Islam is a religion of peace and that wearing the hijab is my own personal decision. I also tell them that in fact, I go to college and I am president of my university's Muslim Student Association in which Muslims are working together to break stereotypes and educate people about Islam. I am proud of my identity and my religion, and inshaAllah I will continue to break stereotypes wherever I go; especially in countries like Mexico, where Islam and Muslims are still a tiny portion of the population, but I know that with all the loving people in Mexico, eventually they will learn to love and understand such beautiful religion.
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