September's Hijabi of the Month is Ola Faraj from Dearborn, Michigan! Would you like to be a HOTM? Is there someone you'd like to nominate? E-mail us at blog@hautehijab.com.

 

I started wearing hijab at the age of 9. My mother was and still is my role model. She allowed me to make that decision on my own and I am so grateful that I wore it when I did. It made me the strong woman I am today, Hamdulilah!  

 

2) If you could tell your 17-year old self anything, what would it be? 

 

3) What's the best piece of advice anyone's given you? 

The best piece of advice given to me would have to be from the best advice giver: my mother. All my life she instilled the importance of respect, especially self respect. Wearing the hijab is a prime instiller of respect by means of modesty and I try my best to incorporate that in my daily life. When you respect yourself for the sake of Allah (S) you have no choice but to respect others. 

4) What is one motto or statement that you live by? 

One motto I live by comes from the holy Quran as our lives should always revolve around this precious book. "Verily, with hardship there is relief." (Qur'an 94:6). I am a strong believer of the fact that anything worthwhile in this life is worth the struggle and this statement guarantees that indeed there is relief and undoubtedly ease. 

5) What piece of advice would you give to girls struggling with hijab? 

This past Ramadan, two of my very close friends decided to wear hijab and I was so proud. I am aware of the struggles many girls go through when making this decision in their life but one piece of advice I gave to my friends was that the reward is worth the struggle. Your modesty and respect for yourself and most importantly your Lord, will make it all worthwhile. Many are afraid of how they will maintain a certain look and I am so grateful to be able to show people how fashionable the hijab can be.