Feeling Nervous About Wearing the Hijab in France
As-salamu alaykum everyone, A few months ago I asked for help about being afraid to start wearing the hijab, and many of you gave me support - JazakAllahu khayran. Alhamdulillah for the advice. Still, I’m hesitating. I keep telling myself I’ll begin before the end of the year or right at the start of the new year so it can feel like a fresh beginning. When I wrote before I talked about signs from Allah that nudged me toward wearing it. Lately, though, I keep seeing posts on social media claiming that not wearing the hijab won’t send someone to Jahannam or that it’s not obligatory, and hearing that pulls me away sometimes. Even so, those earlier signs from Allah still stay on my mind. I really do want to wear it, but I’m scared - especially because I live in France. If there are any sisters here who wear the hijab in France, I’d appreciate any practical advice. I’m worried about disappointing my family, but I know displeasing Allah is what matters most. I also fear my intention might not be sincere - maybe I want to wear it because my friends do, even though I’ve been considering this for two years - or that I’ll be a hypocrite and take it off after a few months. That possibility terrifies me the most. Do you have any tips for taking that step? I’m trying to commit to starting before 2026. I know I shouldn’t rush myself, but if I don’t set a goal it feels like nothing will change. I’ve been stuck in this since late 2023. Whenever I hear about someone’s death it reminds me life is short, and I don’t want my burial shroud to be the only time I wear a hijab first. BarakAllahu feekum for any guidance and dua.