The Challenge of Being the Eldest Sister

As a Muslimah, I find that no matter what I wear, I feel judged. When I was very thin, I faced criticism. After gaining significant weight due to health issues, I was scolded. Now, as I work on becoming fit and healthy, I still get stares. What is the real problem? As an African sister, I used to wear modest, cultural attire, which was fine. Now that I'm older, my family, especially my younger sisters, see my choices as 'cool' and try to copy me. I try hard to tell them not to, but it's only getting worse. I've noticed I'm influencing not just family, but friends and others too. What should I do? I pray daily, listen to Islamic lectures, but nothing seems to fully relate to my situation. My mother is aware, and my father, may Allah have mercy on him, knew before he passed-I used to spend time at his home. Should I stop wearing hijab? I've tried every style: niqab, jilbab, scarves, turbans, even creating my own, but it feels horrible because my sisters now steal my clothes and mimic how I dress, act, and speak. It's both unsettling and frustrating. I feel guilty because they think this is part of our Deen, but as the older sister who reads more, I know better. They've even neglected their Salah because I pray late and my menstrual cycle differs from theirs. What is the right path to take?