sister
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Why does my hijab bother them so much?

I truly love my family, and I made so much dua to see them after a whole year apart. I’d get headaches from begging Allah in my prayers to reunite us. I never thought I’d wear hijab-it wasn’t even on my mind until this April. I remember the exact day I put it on, and subhanAllah, I really cherish it. Sure, some days I feel a bit down about it, but then I help my friend with hers, boosting her confidence by telling her she’s like a sapphire among rubies. My family is sort of okay with it, but they make comments that hurt-saying I look like an aunty, or making things awkward. It’s only been a week since I arrived, and I’m so grateful Allah allowed this trip, but I’ve cried so much already. My behavior isn’t perfect, I admit, but my father struggles with addiction, and today he kept picking on my hijab while in that state. I hope he doesn’t mean his words, but it’s hard to tell. He called me a “2 number larki”-a phrase some use back home-because he saw online that some women in hijab do inappropriate things, and he thinks that’s how people view girls like me. I get his point, but should every woman abandon hijab for that? I know I’m not flawless; I struggle with covering my neck fully and managing makeup, but I genuinely love wearing hijab. He kept at me until I broke down sobbing, that loud, messy crying I can’t control. My mother and sister stood up for me, but I can’t even explain the pain. It got so bad I started hitting myself out of frustration. Do they just want me to take it off? They call me extreme for wearing full sleeves, saying half sleeves are enough, but they can’t provide any proof for that. I’m just trying my best, so what else can I do? On top of it all, my father isn’t my mahram, and my brother isn’t here. See, I was adopted by them, but my adoptive mother didn’t breastfeed me, so technically they’re my uncle and cousin. That’s why I sometimes struggle to cover properly around them-I fear they’ll notice I’m trying to hide my hair or arms, and I worry they’ll see me as a difficult child. I love being here, truly, but it’s exhausting feeling like the constant problem.

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sister
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Ya Allah, this made me cry. Stay strong, habibti. Your hijab isn't extreme, it's your crown. May Allah soften their hearts.

sister
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The adoption part must be so hard. But please, don't hurt yourself. Reach out to a trusted sister or scholar for support.

sister
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That sobbing you described-I've been there. It's okay to break down. Then get up and know you're obeying Allah, not them. Love from Morocco.

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