This month's Hijabi of the Month comes to us from Sacramento, California! Nassem Algazzali was nominated by two of her friends. Here's what one of them had to say about her:

"I met Naseem last year when she joined the MAS Youth committee that I work in, in Elk Grove. In a matter of a year, we've grown very close and Naseem continues to inspire me with her dedication to Islam. She deals with obstacles she faces with grace and trust in Allah (S). She doesn't limit her thinking and always brings up new ideas to improve the community around her and doesn't hesitate to take the steps to make these ideas become a reality. I cant explain how much I love her and how much she motivates me."

 

I was born in Yemen, and came to the United States 14 years ago. My father believed we'd have better opportunities to grow, learn and adventure. Fourteen years later, I've found myself adventuring what life has to offer. I can say alhamdulillah, with contentment of the people in my life, the education I'm lucky to have and Islam as my guidance. 

 

I'm currently a Sophomore at California State University Sacramento. I'm studying Journalism and hope to minor in Sociology. I love to write and express myself. Not only do I express my thoughts onto paper, but I express them through my actions as well. I work as a committee member for Muslim American Society (MAS) Youth Sacramento. I've had the most amazing year of my life working with dedicated Muslim youth who work for the sake of Allah. MAS Youth has opened many doors for me. The opportunity has taught me what it truly means to be an activist in the community for the sake of Allah (S). Through MAS I have met great friends, which I'm thankful for. It's amazing how work done for the sake of Allah can bring people together.

1) When did you start wearing hijab? I started wearing hijab at the age of 15. At that time in my life, I didn't have any religious role models, nor did I grow up practicing Islam. Allah had given me the hardest but most beautiful test to overcome. At the age of 15, many hurdles came my way, but without any questioning I knew what He had in store for me. Through these hurdles I found Allah (S). I felt his mercy, forgiveness and lived by his revelation. 

2) What does hijab mean to you? Hijab is my shield. My inner spiritual protection, and my outer definition of who I am. A servant of Allah (S) who finds in the hijab a reason to worship. 

3) What is one motto or phrase that you live by? Throughout my journey when I began to wear the hijab, I haven't let any hurdle misguide me because that's how I was guided in the first place, Alhamdulillah. I'm so grateful for the hurdles that have come my way and have appreciated Allah's plan. As I like to remind myself, "Those who are more loved by Allah are those who are tested by Allah." -Bukhari. 

4) What were some positive influences you had growing up? The most positive influences I've had growing up, were the two men Allah had tested me with when he had taken them away from this temporary life. My uncle and my dear father were nothing but a positive influence in my life. They taught me patience comes to those who wait, and were always supportive of anything I wanted to pursue. They were patient, wise, hard working men for their family.

 

5) What's the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you? The best advice ever given to me is a quote by Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, and it goes like this; "No amount of guilt can change the past and no amount of worrying can change the future. Go easy on yourself, for the outcome of all affairs is determined by Allah's decree. If something is meant to go elsewhere, it will never come your way, but if it is yours by destiny, from you it cannot flee."