Sofia Khan is Not Obliged

by Ayisha Malik

‘It is a test from Allah; for all of us.’ He paused and sighed. It took a few moments before he carried on. ‘One of the greatest things a person can face on earth is the test of separation. Separation, in any form, is loss, but remember: the greatest separation is that of hope. Ignore people who blame us for the actions of a few, because a person who has faith is never separated from hope. Do good deeds, Brothers and Sisters. For everyone. Start with your neighbour – even they have rights over you – because when life is over, your good deeds will be all you take.’ Two weeks later, I wore the hijab.

Praying, I’ve learned, is the only antidote to nerves.