Danielle Loduca, USA

I used to despise religion, but I chose Islam in 2002 after reading the translation of the Quran, hearing it in Arabic, and extensive research and comparison to other religions and their scriptures. 

I love everything about Islam and one of my favorite directives in Islam is the wearing of Hijab. I find that it freed me from so much unnecessary self-consciousness, competition, and from focusing and worrying too much about my appearance (i.e. Beauty). It has helped develop my humility, dignity and a real sense of self-worth. 

Hijab, in a way, conceals or mutes beauty; but in a way, it, in itself is beauty.

It's ironic, lots of people assume hijab is a sign of oppression. (If you read the bible verses about women covering you'll find out why this misconception really exists.)

But in my experience, I was oppressed by my own fears of our society and what I would face when I chose to cover my body. I feared putting on Hijab, because I was afraid of what people would think, say and do. So for many of us women, it's actually the other way around. We want to cover, but we are afraid to.

I am grateful now, to have the courage to wear hijab and be identified everywhere I go as a Muslim woman - A woman with God on her mind.

This is actually the first of two reasons given in the Quran about why women should cover: "so that they (women) will be known (as Muslims/believers)" (Quran 33:59)

I am proud and pleased to be more resemblant of Mary, the mother of Jesus, then some half naked pop star; because I identify more with Mary and strive to be more like her.

It was hard at first, in terms of getting over my fear of people. It was hard knowing my own family would think I was "dressing like a foreigner", but my love of it and my love of God overcame my fears over time. Since then, Hijab has been a great blessing and a source of comfort, peace and self confidence.

That increase in self confidence also led me to begin writing about my experiences as an American Muslim, including my experience with Hijab. It's been a deeply fulfilling and beautiful journey. - Danielle Loduca, USA