Amina asked:
Q: How can I convince my parents to let me wear hijab?
P.S. Please don’t treat this question differently because I’m twelve; like I’ve said I’ve researched this for some time now.
Salaam, Sister Amina! Let me begin by expressing my respect and admiration for you. You strive in the way of Allah (SWT) in a way many of us find difficult to do. You have been blessed with a strong heart and soul, masha’Allah.
You should also take comfort in the knowledge that you are not alone. Many Muslim women struggle with this situation, and this struggle is, in and of itself, a high form of worship. You do not have to feel as if you are drawing away from Allah (SWT) as you work to convince your parents, or that the sincerity of your faith is somehow in jeopardy; Allah (SWT) is with you in the struggle and He showers you with mercy and kindness. I hope this knowledge will help bring you some peace. I know how difficult it can be to argue with parents, how stressful and wearying it is, especially when such arguments reveal our parents’ shortcomings. It can take a lot out of person, and so it is important to remember that you are not fighting this battle on your own. As Allah (SWT) says:
“If Allah is your helper, none can overcome you. And if He abandons you, then, who is there to help you after that? In Allah the believers should place their trust.”
-(Al-Imran 3:160).
With all of this in mind, let’s move on to the matter at hand. Obedience to our parents is one of the core tenets of Islam, but this rule has a prerequisite: That whatever your parents are commanding of you, it should be in agreement with Islam. Allah (SWT) says:
“And We have enjoined on man to be good and dutiful to his parents; but if they strive to make you join with Me (in worship) anything (as a partner) of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not. Unto Me is your return and I shall tell you what you used to do.”
-(Al-‘Ankaboot 29:8)
Our obedience must first be to Allah (SWT), and then to our parents, in every matter. If what our parents enjoin us to do is acceptable in Islam, then we are duty-bound to obey. If it is not, then we are duty-bound to follow Allah’s (SWT) rules. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“There is no obedience to any created being if it involves disobedience towards the Creator.”
-(Muslim, 1840)
You have a right to wear the hijab. While you may be disobeying your parents in doing so, you are blameless and sinless in this situation. You are working to become a better Muslim, to improve your worship, and to grow close to Allah (SWT). Therefore, as far as wearing the hijab is concerned, if you want to wear it, and are happy wearing it, then you should wear it. There is no need to ask permission from your parents.
Of course, living with disappointed and upset parents is not easy, so I understand why you would rather have their blessing. Sit your parents down (or write them a letter — I find that easier sometimes), and ask them why they do not want you to wear hijab until you are older. Try to alleviate their concerns. Are they afraid that you will get harassed or teased? If so, let them know that everyone deals with harassment and teasing at some point, and that you believe you will be able to handle it just fine. Show them your research. Tell them what you know. Make sure that they do not change the subject or derail the conversation. Tell them, “Mom, Dad — this is important to me and we need to talk about it seriously.” If everything else fails, let them know that you will be wearing the hijab with or without their permission, but that you would much rather have their blessing. Tell them you love and respect them, and do not want to upset them. All you are asking for is respect in return — respect for your choice, your individuality, and your right to follow Islam in the way you see fit.
I hope this helps and that Allah (SWT) helps your dreams and wishes come true.
Disclaimer: I do not consider myself a scholar or an authority where Islam and Islamic jurisprudence are concerned. The responses to the questions are formulated after much reading and research. If there are any glaring errors in the logic, or in the factual accuracy of the sources, please do not hesitate to point them out.
–
Dear MuslimGirl is our weekly advice column, published every Wednesday. If you have questions on Islam, faith, or need some lifestyle advice: Email hareem@muslim-girl-2021-production.mystagingwebsite.com!
Thank you so much for for the advice! I’ll try to follow it to the best of my ability! Salam
U know wht ur soooo amazing. Im 13 and i was complaining about not being able to wear shorts and stuff. Your sooo lovely i wish i cud meet u. Uve changed my thinking completely. UR AMAZING GIRL. thats it… Follow ur religion… U will go to jannah for it. If ur parents dnt let u wear it theyre gonna go to hell not u. Ur brave and amazing. Good luck inshallah u will be able to wear ur hijab.
First of all masha’ Allah!
I’m so proud of you. When I was 12 I never even thought that way. I can’t believe a young girl like you is so faithful. I am 14 now and I also really want to tell my parents that I’m going to wear a Hijab. I think they’ll be proud.
My advice to you hun, Allah is more important than your parents. Do what you need to do to be a better Muslim.
Insha’Allah your parents will be proud of you too. <3
I have a similar problem. I am 18 and i strictly want to wear abaya (niqaab or burqa) covering myself from top to bottom so that no non-mehram man could have a glance at me. I wear hjiab..i wear it in the best way possible..covering my head and wearing full sleeves salwar suit and i do parda in a very decent way! But as Allah says to have a cloak over all your body and be in proper parda, I’m not able to do it…i asked ammi several times for letting me wear Abaya but every time she scolds me and refuses giving and excuse that i am too small or i won’t be faithful to it…some day I’ll wear it and someday I’ll not…and i am left speechless because i don’t know how to make her understand the fact that Allah wants me to parda and i should do it! Please help me!
I have the same problem my dear sister,but my mom covers herself completely.she only got to do that after alot of begging to my father.when I was nine I asked him can I wear hijab the answer was no sternly then I asked him can I wear it when I turn ten?then the answer was yes and I was so excited when turned ten and i burst into tears when he broke his promise it made feel to suicide then I asked him again can I wear when I turn 11?he said okay and the same thing happened when I turned 11.But this didn’t hurt me as much as I am hurt today yestersay we went to a park as my brother was dropping me and my mom and then he saw me with hijab he had a surprised look but he didnt say anything but when we reached the elevator of our building he started shouting at me but I didnt feel hurt then he was takin my shall And I pulled it back and then my father lied that let him look at the size of it then he pulled it and was about to hrow it away my mom stood up for so he didnt throw it but he hid it away in his briefcase.I dont know what to do….plz help me
i have the same problem because my parents are muslim but my mom tried to wear the hijab and took it of and i realy want to wear the hijab but they both telling me that i have to wait and i realy want it so badly i even cried a hole night about it. they say i have to wait til i get maried
Thank you so much! I’m going through the exact situation and inshallah this works <3