Hijaab at work.. taking the plunge

Society Religion & Philosophy
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I’ve been thinking about this for a while and one of the some may call “lame” excuses that I have come up is that my work as an independent Consultant will be affected and I won’t be able to do well.

I have never worn hijaab and neither have my parents pushed for it as I live in a Mining town that is 95% white it was better not to (You would understand if you lived there)

Since getting closer to my faith, I understand that Hijaab is integral in being closer to ALLAH but I can’t seem to take that next step.

I am worried that my job as a consultant will be affected and I won’t get any contracts.

Associates and colleagues who have never seen you in a head scarf how do you manage them.

I wear modest clothes, no skirts, tights, I normally wear Trousers and loose tops, nothing really figure hugging

I wanted to hear back from professional / consultants / senior management hijaabans (In the UK preferably) and how it affects them. More so the ones who do not live in a multicultural city.

I want to take the step for my next contract to be wearing hijaab but really feel scared, any advice..

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Re: Hijaab at work.. taking the plunge

Hmm I work in a government organisation, the only thing I would say about wearing a scarf is that people tend to think that you're a bit mousy/passive, unless you speak up for yourself. Having said that, most hijabis I know are quite loud/feisty.

I'm not a manager, but I'm in a decent position which involves working with a lot of managers and directors. As long as you are dressed smartly and look presentable, the hijab thing shouldn't be a big deal. My view is that don't making a big fuss out of it, and other people won't either. If you feel too self-conscious/embarassed, people tend to pick up on it and sometimes treat it as something to be embarassed about.

My sister also wears hijab and she is in a management position, I've always noticed that it's because she's chatty, friendly, and very confident and makes herself heard that peoplel look past the hijab.

Having said that, we live in London so wearing a hijab is not such a big deal compared to before.

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Re: Hijaab at work.. taking the plunge

I wear Hijaab at work but I am in Pakistan so it's much less of an issue for me. However , I always got questions and a negative feeling towards my hijaab from my non muslim colleagues and business associate .

You know your environment better than any of us over here and you can be the best judge on the other hand you don't really have to follow a specific dress code for hijaab you can cover your hairs in other ways too .

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Re: Hijaab at work.. taking the plunge

Hey Diamond .. I would absolutely have no issue wearing a hijaab in Pakistan/Dubai etc because majority rules.. I am comfortable and

Hatty thanks for the advice.. I think that's it I am a really shy person, takes a long time for me to open up and even then I am reserved.

I don't know .. I have started wearing the hijaab on days off and yes it still feels different and I am very very self conscious but then there is a feeling of having done the right thing..

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Re: Hijaab at work.. taking the plunge

I agree that it's easier when you are living in a multicultural area. Most of the professional hijbabi's I know live in areas where this is more normal and they would not be the only person so people don't even 'see' it if you know what I mean.

If you're going to be philosophical about it, one would say that Allah will reward your efforts.

Sorry that I can't give any advice :/

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Re: Hijaab at work.. taking the plunge

ps Diamond, I dn't know any other way to cover hair without a headscarf.. I can only think of hijaab

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Re: Hijaab at work.. taking the plunge

Hey stoppit.. I am usually the only Asian / Muslim in my workplace and it has been like that for the last 5 years.. I am getting on really well with my career and I guess more than anything is my self consciousness. I know I should wear hijaab that doesn't mean I want to wear hijaab .. ALLAH muaf kare ..

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Re: Hijaab at work.. taking the plunge

i wear abaya at work as well we have so many goras and nonmuslims ppl in our office but i am in dubai where its normal most of arabic ladies wear abayas here so there is no issue for me ..
as diamond mentioned above u know ur environment better MAY ALLAH TALAH reward u for this effort

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Re: Hijaab at work.. taking the plunge

Arabian Models in Fashionable Hijab | Mobi Korner

like this one

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Re: Hijaab at work.. taking the plunge

.the one in pink.........

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Re: Hijaab at work.. taking the plunge

hey Diamond , That is what iw ould be planning to do.. Abaya I can't see that happening soon

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Re: Hijaab at work.. taking the plunge

I DO agree with Stoppit about it being easier in multicultural areas, but it's still a personal journey, and when you're going from not wearing on to wearing one, you do feel very paranoid about your face.

When I started wearing it (about 4 years ago), I was just finishing uni and most girls I knew were doing up their hair and looked great, and I felt just really frumpy and ugly cos my hair was covered up and I wasn't too confident. I'm a lot more confident about my face now (hell yeah:D) and my style now though, and you just tend to adapt yourself naturally.

Also, I can imagine it's even more scary when you're the only Muslim in your work place. I went to an all-white school and college and had to defend asian culture a lot of times, simply because people didn't understand it or want to.

I would say, only wear it for yourself (and for Allah). If you don't WANT to, don't force yourself to wear it. You sound like you dress modestly, and that's a good place to start. Try not to feel too self-conscious about it, I'm sure you look fine if you do choose to wear it! Also try out different ways to make it look pretty/funky too!

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Re: Hijaab at work.. taking the plunge

Just take the step and keep a belief on ALLAH, we do not earn due to our hard work, it is just a *sabab. *So need not worry about whether you will get clients or not, you will get what ALLAH thinks better for you.

[QUOTE]

Surah Talaq(65)- Ayah 2
Thus when they fulfil their term appointed, either take them back on equitable terms or part with them on equitable terms; and take for witness two persons from among you, endued with justice, and establish the evidence (as) before Allah. Such is the admonition given to him who believes in Allah and the Last Day. And for those who fear Allah, He (ever) prepares a way out. And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if anyone puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish His purpose: verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion
[/QUOTE]

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Re: Hijaab at work.. taking the plunge

you know so many people around me think that I am being FORCED to wear Hijaab and I will do the same with my daughter too lol :p:

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Re: Hijaab at work.. taking the plunge

this

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Re: Hijaab at work.. taking the plunge

..

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Re: Hijaab at work.. taking the plunge

Thanks girls..

I thought so I do feel like it is what I should do and will need to get the confidence.
I have this contract for a few more weeks and then will jump into the next one so inshALLAH will try and make that next step for ALLAH ..

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Re: Hijaab at work.. taking the plunge

I'd just say that hijab is for a woman's protection and if you feel protected and secured with your head covering then you should wear it.

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Re: Hijaab at work.. taking the plunge

hey Catskin, it is more than protection though isn't it..

I feel safe where I am, I don't need to wear hijaab as I don't try and draw attention to myself but I guess I am protecting myself in other ways ..

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Re: Hijaab at work.. taking the plunge

You are already doing hijab then. I'm not trying to discourage you from covering your head but these things are life changing decisions like deciding for marriage or having kids. Anyway, I hope you feel more spiritual and closer to God after making your decision.