I was reading the news on my laptop one morning and I came across an article about the hijabis, women who wear the hijab [Muslim women's dress of modesty], who are participating in the Olympics. Throughout the article, all the athletes stressed the fact that the hijab was never constricting for them; in fact, more often than not it unfalteringly proved to be empowering. Upon reading various quotes from the women who expressed these sentiments, I smiled and thought back to my personal experiences. The experiences of a young Muslim woman who has been wearing the hijab for the past five years.

When I go back home to visit Egypt, I'm often stormed with unending questions on the difficulty of wearing the hijab in America. I often smile and say that being a hijabi and a practicing Muslim in the U.S. is probably easier than being one in the Arab world. Although the majority of Arab countries are predominately Muslim, Islam becomes an inherent part of the daily life. On the other hand, in the States, you have to make an active effort to practice Islam, and thus you are reminded 24-7 that you're Muslim. I find hijab to be no different. A Muslim woman who chooses to wear the hijab in America is 1) trying to fulfill the commands of Allah (swt) in the Quran and 2) preserving her identity among a slew of different and diverse cultures.

But back to my personal experiences. In complete honesty, I've never found the hijab to be constricting in any activity. Wherever I go, school, college, community service, and work, I'm always empowered, not restricted. I make friends. I work out at the gym. I go shopping. I attend rallies and protests. I speak in front of crowds. I write poetry; I keep a blog. I am not restricted. I am empowered.

Hijab has given me the power and right to defend my religion and it has provided me with endless opportunities. In high school, I was almost the only hijabi for 4 years. Despite this, I was involved in numerous clubs; I wrote for the school newspaper; and I counseled my peers. I made some amazing friends and along the way I hope that I might have even changed some people's perspectives on Islam.

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I remember walking into my classes on the first days of school. Most students would never be sure on how to approach me. I would sense this ominous feeling in the air; the students probably expected me to be reserved and quiet; who knows, maybe they even thought that I had an accent and couldn't speak proper English. Little did they know.

I continue to smile upon reading the comments in my senior yearbook. Things like, "you were a sunshine in our otherwise dull class," "You are the coolest and [only] hijabi I know," and even, "I bet you have a rotating tie rack, with scarves on them!!"

Hijab has empowered me to go out and change the perception of Muslim women. I'm often disheartened when I see the negative portrayal of Muslim women on Western media, but I know that this perception can never be changed until we do something about it. Hijab has encouraged me to be the best academic student, a dedicated community service worker, and an activist, all for the sake of changing this perception. And making a difference.

My first year of college has definitely been the same. It's wonderful to be involved in humanitarian causes and know in your heart, that you are 1) working towards that cause and 2) being a hijabi in action. Because the hijab is something observers can never disregard, I know that there's a direct link drawn between my actions and my religion. Therefore, I'm always aware of what I'm doing and what I say. I know that I'm under scrutiny, but instead of complaining, I've learned to embrace that scrutiny and make the most of it.

Overall, hijab has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. It's brought me closer to Allah (swt) and my religion. It's given me opportunities to work extensively in the Muslim community. It's encouraged me to pursue all my dreams optimistically. Looking back at my college essays, it's even probably a major reason of why I got into Stanford. It's given me an opportunity to mature and learn so much more. Hijab is a big part of who I am. In fact, it's probably who I am.

Definitely not restricting and limiting. Certainly empowering.
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If I've said anything right, then it is from Allah (swt) and if I've said anything wrong, then it is from me and may Allah (swt) forgive me.