Salam,

Welcome to Islam! I understand your concern, as I have lived in the US for 15 years as a Muslim woman wearing hijab. It is not an easy thing. Simply putting a piece of cloth over your hair makes you an instant target of harassment and sometimes worse. And this is a very serious and scary thing. People who do not experience this can too easily dismiss this serious stress Muslim women in the West face.

I converted to Islam one month after 9/11. And like you, I was terrified of wearing hijab. In fact, the thought of having to wear the hijab kept me from converting for some time. That was until a Muslim lady gave me some good advice. She said: Islam is not about hijab. While hijab (for both men and women) and modesty in all aspects of life is an important part of the manners of a Muslim, it is not a core part of belief. Take it easy. Learn the faith and see what happens.

And I did. I didn’t wear hijab right out of the gate, but I did start learning and living Islam. Since you are new to Islam, I suggest that you focus on learning pillars of iman (faith) and implementing the pillars of Islam. This will increase your faith and with increased faith, only Allah (SWT) knows what is possible.

Perhaps, since it is still a bit cool outside, if you want to take steps toward wearing hijab, you can start by wearing a hat and the like. But if this is too much for you, know that your priority is your connection with Allah. Strengthen that step by step.

Learn the 6 pillars of iman. Learn about Allah through His attributes. Learn about Islam and start implementing the five pillars. And forget about what people say one way or another. Ask Allah to give you the strength and courage of conviction to draw nearer to Him by doing all that pleases Him.

If you find that you are still not able to wear hijab and be an identifiable Muslim in the difficult atmosphere in which we live, don’t ever let it hold you back from being the best Muslim you can be. And always, no matter what, ask Allah for His protection and mercy.

I hope this helps. May Allah keep you safe and firm on the path to Him.

Salam.