Most non-muslims think that if a Muslim girl is wearing a hijab or covering herself in an abaya, she is forced to do so. I have seen hundreds of comments and statements on Quora and Reddit like that.
It’s a general assumption that Muslim women are oppressed by the religion Islam, and the Muslim community forces them to wear a burqa and hijab in hot weather also. But what is the reality?
Are Muslim women really forced to follow deen, or do they follow it willingly? Do Muslim girls live miserable lives, or are they free to live happily? A born Muslim girl can tell you better!
Hi! I am Tehseen, and here’s my real story: how a home Muslim girl turned into a six-figure hijabi solo freelance businesswoman.
Don’t wear hijab: Do what is right in Deen, not what is right for parents
I come from a Pakistani family background. We have a conservative Muslim family.
But my parents are not very strict about hijab. They just wanted me to do the right things according to Shariah and they were never forceful for any ritual.
When I decided to work online, the first thing that came to mind was, “How will I present myself? With hijab or without hijab?.” I discussed it with my mama, and she just said, “As you like!
I was in my early twenties at that time. I decided to show myself with a hijab on according to the commands of Allah Subhanwa’talla as stated in surah Nur chapter 24, ayah 31 as follows:
“…and not display their beauty except what is apparent, and they should place their khumur over their bosoms…” (24:31).”
When I wore a hijab with an abaya for the first time, my father wasn’t happy. He bluntly said, “Take it off. You don’t need to cover yourself with a hijab with me. I am with you to take care of you. Whom are you afraid of?” That’s what he said! I politely told at that time, “No one, but I want to do it for the sake of Allah.”
He never accepted it. Because our family women don’t wear abaya, they only wear big chaddars to cover themselves. It’s been 04 years since I started wearing a proper abaya with a veil.
In the starting days, he used to scold me for wearing a hijab every time I went out. There was a time when my whole family was against me for wearing a hijab because my stubbornness was spoiling the home environment. But I never gave up.
It was my first big life decision. I stood high on it. I did it for Allah Subhanwa’talla. I followed Shariah. These four years weren’t less than a roller-coaster for me. I struggled personally and professionally all together.
How I started my online business at home with zero experience
How do you start a business online with zero experience? The simple answer lies in this quote:
“Your network is your net worth”_ Tim Sanders.
It all started back in 2020. I used to work as a virtual volunteer in a social welfare society. That society used to help needy people across Pakistan. I worked there as a content writer to write press releases, scripts, and announcements and arrange activities to promote the society. I came to know about freelancing and started learning about it. I had the power of a pen. I was good at conveying messages. Therefore, I opt for content writing in freelancing.
Without any prior experience, I was hired by one of the society members, and I never looked back. I got remote projects one after another, and I learnt content writing from real-time tasks. I used Google, took free resources, and learned from my mistakes. My clients taught me side by side, and I became a versatile content writer without working on any freelance marketplace.
I have received all remote projects from my social accounts, which I use to promote my business. I preach women’s empowerment, independence, resilience, and strength on my social accounts, as our religion revolves around women’s empowerment and resilience.
Our Muslim history is full of women’s success stories. The first Muslimah and the first wife of our last prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (Peace be upon him), Hazrat Khadijah Razi Allah talla-anhu, was a businesswoman. She was known for her business wisdom, courage, and piousness.
Then, our beloved Hazrat Ayesha Razi Allah Talla Anhu, the wife of Hazrat Muhammad (Peace be upon him), was a Muslim scholar. After the death of Hazrat Muhammad (Peace be upon him), she opened a madrasa to preach Islam.
Muslim history is filled with women’s leadership and empowerment in all eras. These true stories motivate us to stay firm on Shariah and follow Allah’s commands religiously.
My Writing Business: Breaking the Stereotypes
Like my personal life, my professional life was also influenced by my hijab. I worked remotely while sitting at home but needed to interact with clients and people online. When I started working online, I was harassed by different people from different cultures on the phone. They spam-called me and messaged me all the time just to force me to be friends with them and fulfil their lustfulness.
The one myth that is associated with hijabi women is that they are involved in haram things, and they are easy to trap in fitnah. But my clear shut-up calls and “Never give up” attitude changed everything over time.
We should learn that when a woman says no, it means no. When you know what is right or wrong and have a clear vision, you become strong and unstoppable.
When I started my writing business, my vision was crystal clear. I wanted to become independent and take charge of my life. My first decision, “Wearing hijab,” pushed me to make the second decision, “Independent life.”
My Hijab gives me wings of freedom: Fly high with hijab on
The hijab became my wings to fly and shield to protect my soul. I became financially, mentally, and emotionally independent by knowing my true self. I started growing my business and teaching also. I used to post my work, attract leads with content creation, and close deals every other day.
Soon, social media users started noticing me. I was being recognized for my work. I started teaching freelancing online. I conducted numerous e-workshops, seminars, courses, and much more. People started inviting me to online interviews.
I have done all this with my hijab on. I feel so confident, complete, and happy in my hijab. Before that, I was such a shy person who never wanted to talk to anybody, not even on a phone call. I used to be an introverted soul. But the hijab gave me the confidence to face the world boldly.
Who says a Muslim woman can’t do anything in a hijab? The hijab is a barrier between you and a non-mahram (permissible to marry), but people started calling it a barrier to freedom.
Work from home to work from the office: It All changed!
This little piece of cloth (hijab) and my talent gave me respect, fame, and recognition. Companies started knocking on my door to hire me for their on-site jobs! I began receiving on-site job offers at high rates and accepted one for a change. I stepped out of home for the first job of my life—absolutely, with a hijab on!
I want to state here for all my Muslim sisters the most significant achievement of my career: I got a job in real estate with a hijab on. This industry, like many other businesses, doesn’t usually allow women to cover their faces in the office, but a full hijabi was HIRED!
So, If you think you shouldn’t start covering your face because it will risk your career, think again! I am a living example in front of you!
We should focus on becoming a valuable, talented, and skilled person. Have faith in Allah, who wrote your Rizq (provision) before sending you to this planet.
From Home Girl to Six figure Hijabi Solo Freelancer: Life Changed at 360
Before 2020, I never even imagined that I’d be at the place where I am standing today. It all changed for good. I believe it all happened because of my first decision. My intentions (niyyah) were solely for Allah, and Allah bestowed me with the best life in return.
I am a 6-figure hijabi solo freelancer. I am working globally now. I work from home. Sometimes, I work for a half day. Sometimes, I work a lot. But I am living at my pace, terms, and conditions within the boundaries of Shariah, Quran, and Hadith. And my father? He is proud of me! And don’t scold me on hijab anymore!
Our deen is a complete code of life. We Muslim girls are the queens of Islam, and our mehrams treat us likewise. Do you still think we live miserable lives?
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