Love, Faith, and Hijab: My Unexpected Journey
When It All Began
We were fresh out of the polytechnic, full of teenage optimism and the kind of casual buzz that comes from sharing pizza and late‑night exam cram sessions. Sa’ad and I didn’t panic about the future—just the simple joy of hanging out together. And guess what? That joy turned into something a lot more serious after a few years.
The Alliance of Hearts and Faith
Sa’ad’s a proud Muslim, which meant a traditional marriage only works if both partners walk the same spiritual path. I was ready for the plunge as a convert, even though learning the basics of Islam felt like decoding a secret language. The effort paid off: Sa’ad learned some Chinese just so he could chat with my Mandarin‑only mother; we made it feel like a reunion for the whole blended family.
Family Reactions – The Mix of Genders
- My parents were like “Wow, a different race and religion? You’ve got this!”
- Sa’ad’s parents started a bit skeptical but warmed up after seeing my dedication—and the day my conversion ceremony added a touch of ceremony to everything.
- All doubts ended up vanishing once we all celebrated together.
Community Trials – Hijab Tensions
- I switched to wearing the hijab after converting. One of my retail gigs put me in front of a sea of customers who had their own little commentary corners.
- There were moments when people asked why I wasn’t “speaking Malay” just because I was in a hijab, forgetting that faith doesn’t care about skin colour.
- Some folks jumped straight to the conclusion that I converted solely for marriage and immediately “checked” my spiritual depth—no real about‑me conversation at all.
- Thankfully, my Malay colleagues and close friends stood by me. They were the real MVPs, offering support when the world felt less than welcoming.
My journey has been about two big things: love that crossed both cultural and faith borders, and learning that community acceptance can be a wild ride. It’s a story that happened right in front of my coffee‑shop‑front desk, and it feels like a bumpy but unforgettable dance.
This piece first appeared in Her World Online.
