I was a teenager when I made the decision to start wearing the abaya. I still remember how my hands trembled the first time I stepped out wearing it—not from doubt about my choice, but from knowing the reactions I would face.
And the reactions came. Family members questioned me. Relatives criticized. "You look older than your age," some would say. Their words stung. I felt shy, uncomfortable around people, constantly wondering what they were thinking about me. Each comment chipped away at my confidence, making me second-guess the very choice I had made for Allah.
The Turning Point
But then, Alhamdulillah, Allah SWT helped me realize something that changed everything.
I was doing this for His sake alone. Not for my family. Not for society. Not for anyone's approval. I was doing this to please Allah, and in His sight, I was beautiful. That was all that mattered.
That realization hit me like a wave of peace washing over all my insecurities. If Allah loves what I'm doing, if He is pleased with my choice, then what else do I need?
Everything Changed
From that day onward, I started owning my abaya. I stopped shrinking into myself and started walking with confidence—humble, yes, but confident. Not confidence in myself alone, but confidence in knowing that I was pleasing my Creator.
I wore my abaya knowing that Allah loves it and that knowledge transformed how I carried myself. My head was held a little higher. My steps were a little steadier. The shy, uncomfortable girl who worried about everyone's opinions began to fade away, replaced by a woman who knew her worth came from Allah.
When You Change, The World Changes
And here's what amazed me: when I changed, people around me changed.
Alhamdulillah, people started to see the confidence, the peace, the contentment that came from my choice.
I didn't preach. I didn't argue. I simply lived my truth with confidence, and Allah used that as a means to inspire others. That is the power of sincere intention—when you do something purely for Allah, He makes it a source of guidance for others.
For All The Shy Sisters Out There
If you're wearing the abaya and feeling self-conscious, if people's comments are lowering your confidence, if you're wondering what everyone thinks of you—I understand. I've been exactly where you are.
But I want you to hold onto this truth: You are beautiful in Allah's sight. You are doing something that pleases Him. And that is worth more than a thousand approving glances from people who don't understand.
The world will always have opinions. People will always have something to say. But when you anchor your confidence in Allah's pleasure, their words lose their power over you.
Walk With Humble Confidence
There's a beautiful balance in modest dress—you walk humbly, knowing that all good comes from Allah, yet confidently, knowing that you're honoring Him with your choices. You're not arrogant, but you're not apologetic either. You simply are, wrapped in the dignity that comes from faith.
This is what the abaya gave me. Not just a piece of clothing, but a daily reminder of who I'm living for. A shield against the noise of the world. A source of strength when I need it most.
Your Journey Matters
Your story might be different from mine, but if you're choosing modest dress for Allah's sake, you're on a beautiful path. There will be challenges—I won't lie to you about that. But there will also be moments of profound peace, unexpected blessings, and a confidence that no one can take away from you.
Alhamdulillah for the journey. Alhamdulillah for the struggles that made us stronger. Alhamdulillah for the grace of Allah that carries us through.
You are enough. You are beautiful. You are exactly where you need to be.
I'd love to hear your story too. What has your journey with the abaya been like? Have you faced criticism? How did you find your confidence? Share in the comments below—let's encourage each other, insha'Allah.
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