My Hijab makes me feel empowered

You call me an oppressed degraded soul

You find me an incomplete, shredded whole

Before you force those worthless resolutions

Let me help you clear your assumptions

You pity me for not flaunting my tresses

You abhor me for wearing boring dresses

I cover my head, while my mind is on a spree

I cover my body so modestly that it sets me free!

You casually wear a scarf on a sunny day 

You often use a mask to keep infections away

My attire gives me protection not only from the surroundings

My Hijab also makes me immune to devil's whisperings

You feel that I am deprived of rights and freedom

You sympathize with me through your limited wisdom

But, through my dress code I enjoy unmatched privileges

It gives me a sense of security and has many advantages

You are annoyed when I prove my knowledge, my education
You are unhappy when I am the one to create a win-win situation
I prefer to overlook a position that makes me uncovered in its adherence
Yes, I am working with each breath for the Supreme Obedience

You mock me for covering up, a trend that I carry with pride
You are puzzled that I cover really, or there is something that I hide
My beauty, my charms are truly not for your eyes
I live for eternity, my dear, while here the time just flies

You are so delighted to have stepped on the moon
You are thrilled with all discoveries and would find more soon
Yet you fail to understand that I am travelling towards a Place unseen
My quality of life as a traveler here would crown me there as a Queen.

I am blessed to have found my real worth

I am lucky to have been guided to the Truth

Like a pearl in its shell and peas that are naturally covered

My Hijab is my choice, my right - it makes me feel empowered!

~ Firdaus Fathima