03/02/2026
*Hold on to your Hijab*
They say my hijab is a threat
That its length is too long,
Its circumference scares them,
And Its color - "too dark for our brand"
They say.
They say this Hijab doesn't make me smart
"You are brilliant but it kills your vibe"
They say: "you are too beautiful to be in this
Doesn't it make you hot in this heat?"
I look down at the length they call long.
This colour that they term "too dark",
"This hijab that only ensures safety for all.
It scares you? Really?"
I take a moment to consider their words,
Their safety has always been my priority
Their likes, I have to like for myself
I must reconsider, and light up their brand.
In a white hijab I appear the next Monday
Short, styled and decorated elegantly
I look almost like Nancy with a hood today,
That even the men stare at me admiringly.
My boss smiles and gives me a hug.
"How beautiful you look in your cape hon,
But you would even look the very best
If only you would wear just a cap tomorrow."
Oh? This is it?
My hijab is the hindrance you never want to see?
Is my chastity what you intend to reveal?
You want me stripped of my precious apparel
But never will I agree to this again!
I say, in a voice louder than a bulldozer's
That my Hijab is my pride and solace.
My Hijab is the crown that I will never give up
It makes me a Queen, and that's enough for me.
Arise O sisters in Islam!
Let not their standards intimidate you,
Nor their worldy positions deceive you
For there is more honour in this veil Islam has given you.
Let them keep their job if you must remove your hijab,
They can keep their favours if you must lose your essence.
Allah will never leave you even for a second,
If you hold on tight to your Hijab even when it hurts.
Nana Bee
For WHD