|| r e f l e c t i o n s || Just got back from my trip to D.C. and wanted to share with you a brief encounter I had on my flight ✈️ Two hours into the flight an older man sitting on the seat to my left abruptly asked me, "why do you wear that thing on your head?" I could tell he didn't know how to approach the topic but was genuinely curious so his question didn’t bother me. My response was “I’m a Muslim and this is a headscarf that I wear just like the mother of Jesus did as a form of modesty that keeps my morality in check." His response was “that’s wonderful.”

A lot of times we are turned off by people asking us such a personal and invasive question when in reality they are genuinely curious as to why you've chosen to adhere to a practice they are unfamiliar with. Truth is many of us don't know why we do certain things sometimes, whether it's out of tradition or religious conviction etc. so these questions/encounters actually force us to understand ourselves better, so try to take advantage of those experiences by learning how to articulate why you do the things you do.

Even if their approach is wrong entertain the curiosity, respond to the question, and feel good about educating someone else on Islam even in the slightest way. Rehearse a one liner that helps you explain what the hijab is in simple and common terms. It doesn't need to be fancy just informative.

You won't realize it but you're actually helping yourself understand why you do certain things as well as providing the tools for someone else to experience your worldview 🌎

What did you think of my response to the man? How do you usually respond when random people ask you why you wear hijab? I'd love to hear from you and will respond to each and every comment <3