Assalamualaikum and welcome to my space! Today, I recently had the immense pleasure of speaking with a dear friend of mine, Beloved sister Dewi, who lives in Malaysia. Aishah is one of a close-knit group of six remarkable women who have shared a powerful, transformative experience together. Their story is one of profound sisterhood, mutual support, and a collective spiritual commitment that led them all to take the significant step of adopting the niqab. I felt compelled to share her account, as it beautifully encapsulates the depth of faith and the incredible strength found in unity.
I want to share the most profound and beautiful chapter of my life, a journey I’ve taken not alone, but hand-in-hand with my five beloved sisters. We are six women—I will tell this story from my perspective, the journey of Adelina, Qistina, Zahra, Aishah, Dinda, and me Dewi—all from Malaysia, and our bond is tighter than family.
We’ve been inseparable since our university days in Kuala Lumpur. We shared late-night study sessions, navigated the complexities of young adult life, and, crucially, pushed each other towards deeper spiritual growth. Our friendship was always anchored in *ukhuwwah fillah* (sisterhood for the sake of God). We were already focused on improving our *ibadah* (worship) and increasing our modesty, wearing the hijab diligently and striving to embody good character.
Six Hearts, One Calling
The niqab was something we had all thought about, individually and silently, for years. It felt like the ultimate step in achieving a level of modesty that spoke directly to our souls. We would discuss it hypothetically sometimes, wondering if we were 'ready' or 'strong enough' to face the inevitable questions and societal pressures. But the idea never really faded; it was a constant, gentle pull towards something higher.
The turning point came one afternoon over *teh tarik* and *kuih*. **Qistina**, always the most eloquent in articulating our shared feelings, confessed that she felt a void, a gap between her outward practice and her inner conviction. She felt called to wear the niqab. To her surprise, **Zahra** and **Aishah** immediately chimed in, revealing they had been researching the logistics and religious aspects for months. It was a miraculous moment of synchronicity—six hearts vibrating with the same yearning.
The decision was swift, yet deeply considered. We vowed to start together. We reasoned that if we did this as a collective, our strength would multiply, and our commitment would be easier to maintain. This wasn't about pressure; it was about support. We set a date, a significant day on the Islamic calendar, to mark our new beginning as *niqabis*. This shared commitment was everything.
Finding Liberation in Commitment
The transition was, understandably, challenging at first. I remember feeling a bit self-conscious walking through the busy malls or attending family gatherings. The stares—oh, the stares! But then I would catch a glimpse of Dinda or Zahra across the room, and a small, knowing smile would pass between us. That silent acknowledgement was all the reassurance I needed. We used our group chat constantly, sharing funny anecdotes, seeking advice on managing humid Malaysian weather under layers, and offering instant spiritual boosts.
What I want everyone to understand is the incredible joy and profound sense of peace that came with this commitment. Before, I felt a subtle pressure to constantly manage my appearance, to worry about my outfit, or if I looked presentable enough for every situation. That pressure has completely vanished. Wearing the niqab feels like wrapping myself in a layer of peace and privacy.
The focus has shifted entirely inward. When I interact with people now, I know they are listening to my words, engaging with my thoughts, and judging my character, not my outward beauty. This profound liberation from societal standards is the source of my deepest happiness. It is a daily, conscious choice to prioritise pleasing my Creator over pleasing the creation.
Sisterhood: The Anchor of Our Faith
My bond with Adelina, Qistina, Zahra, Aishah, Dinda, and Dewi is now stronger than I could have ever imagined. We are now spiritually intertwined in a visible, daily practice. We hold each other accountable, reminding one another of the noble intention behind our attire. Our collective commitment serves as a constant, gentle inspiration. When one of us faces a moment of doubt, the other five are immediately there to lift her up.
Our story is a testament to the power of sisterhood in Islam. It shows that major life changes, especially spiritual ones, don't have to be solitary battles. They can be shared journeys of immense joy, mutual encouragement, and collective progress. Every day, as I tie my niqab, I am reminded not just of my personal vow, but of the beautiful, shared journey of my six hearts beating as one. *Alhamdulillah* for this incredible blessing.
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Have you ever undertaken a significant spiritual commitment with a friend or a group? How did the shared support impact your journey? Let me know in the comments below!