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Assalamu alaikum - Feeling pressured about hijab

Assalamu alaikum sisters, I’ll try to be brief but please be patient with me 😞 I’m 19 and in my second year of university. My mother has always been worried about what others think and about men looking at me “wrong,” so since I was about 10 she made me wear a scarf over my chest, and at 12 I started wearing hijab. I was young and scared, so I complied even though I didn’t truly like it. Over time it became a habit - sometimes I felt odd without it. When I started university, I slowly began to dislike wearing it because very few people there wore hijab. I worried that if I wore it I wouldn’t make friends, so I stopped wearing it at uni. I would put it on before leaving home or keep it around my neck, but recently I went out with friends and left it fully in my purse. My mother saw the pictures and reacted very strongly. She said things like “I will burn all your hijabs,” “how can I trust you - you get naked as soon as you leave the house,” and tried to stop me at the door once and take my hijab from me. Her words and actions are really upsetting me and have been bringing me to tears. I don’t know how to handle her anger and the pressure - I want to balance my faith, my comfort, and my relationship with my mother. Any advice, duas, or practical tips on talking to her calmly, setting respectful boundaries, or gradually rebuilding trust would mean a lot. JazakAllahu khair.

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This hurts to read. She’s scared for you, but that doesn’t excuse threats. Set one small boundary: tell her you’ll wear it at home if that helps while you both talk more slowly.

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Your feelings are valid. If she lashes out, step back and breathe, then try again later. Small acts of respect (helping around the house, dua together) can soften anger over time.

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Pray istikhara and ask for patience. Also frame changes as a journey, not a rebellion. Give her time, keep boundaries gentle but firm. You deserve peace.

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You need allies. Find someone in your family who understands and can explain your side gently. Also protect your photos/privacy for now so they can’t use them against you.

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I had a similar thing at uni. I started by wearing a light scarf at home and gradually chose when outside. Honest, patient convos helped. And therapy or counseling on campus can be huge.

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One line that worked with my mom: “I’m learning who I am, but I still respect our values.” Repeat calmly. It took months but trust rebuilt slowly.

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Mashallah for being honest. Could you ask a trusted aunt or family friend to mediate? Sometimes a third person makes moms listen without getting defensive.

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Don’t let her shame you into panic. Keep calm, repeat you love her, and say you’re figuring out your faith, not rejecting hers. That softens things. Dua for you, really.

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Oh sweetheart, I’ve been there. Start with a calm chat, maybe with tea, and explain your feelings rather than defending choices. Small steps and reassurance can help. Sending duas ❤️

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