Shrouds of pride, volumes of confidence
Growing up, I hated wearing a head scarf. I hated it because it was forced on me. I mean what makes me different to the woman who covers up completely – does it make her heart more pure, are her prayers going to reach God because she is more sincere? I don’t think so. My Dad too wanted me to wear my scarf because I looked ‘lovely’..well, I was a rebel. I AM a rebel and I will only do things if it speaks to me.
I went to a Muslim school in Durban. The uniform was a black or white abayya and scarf. Well, I found it cooler to tie the scarf around my waist and boy did I get into trouble for that. I was sent to the principal’s office on occasions too many to mention. The colours were so boring in any case!
A few years ago, I was having a really bad hair day. I took cover under a scarf and was really surprised when my colleagues said I should wear one everyday. But that was not enough. It took me a lot of soul searching and only recently I am beginning to love the hijaab way of life – but don’t get me wrong, I will dress in whatever makes me comfortable because my Lord loves me for ME!
Recently, I have been having some deep conversations with my inspiration behind my contemporary romance, #beautifulchaos. I guess because I have a soft spot for him, I listened to his every word. He spoke about his journey and how close he felt to Allah. He does not listen to music and believes that God is his true constant. He told me he is in a better place now. I gave him a personalised copy of the book and when he looked at the back cover, he saw my author’s photo – I was in hijaab. He loved it and just to see him smile made me smile. And so my journey into the modern yet Islamically inclined grooming began.
I also believe that God’s plan is definite and He placed me in the right place at the right time. Today, I am honoured to live the #Arabics brand. It is also a welcome opportunity to be the face for them at the #HijaabFashionWeekSA on the 13th and 14th May 2017 at Image Lifestyle. If you don’t know it yet, Arabics manufactures modest, Islamic wear at a fraction of the cost. With our ever diminishing rand, gorgeous outfits from Dubai is fast becoming out of reach but Arabics is ready to groom you all the same. I love their colours – a vast change from the dead beat black and white of yesteryear, I love their designs too. The fabric is light and alive. This quaint family business is situated in Roshnee, Vereeniging and if it is too far then just go online and place your order.
Now that I have shared this, let it show that this is MY journey and I choose to travel at a pace that is comfortable for me.
