Once you've made your decision about whether or not to wear the hijab, others may encourage you to change your mind, and put forward some compelling arguments. However, you should only change your mind if you have a different point of view; pressure from peers or family can be difficult to overcome, but remember, they aren't you and can't make your decision.  Try saying something like, "I respect your views and understand that you want me to do what you feel is best for me, but whether or not I wear the hijab is my decision. Please don't tell me whether I should or shouldn't wear it." Remember that you can always choose whether to veil or unveil later on, although Allah likes consistency in acts of worship. If you choose not to veil, whatever the reason, there are ways of living up to your faith without wearing the hijab. (After all, being a Muslim isn't dependent on whether or not you veil.) Try to partake in activities that bring you closer to Allah and help make the world a better place.  Join Muslim groups, such as youth groups, events, clubs, study circles or mosques, where wearing the hijab is a choice. Perform religious duties such as praying, bodily cleansing, or fasting. Give money to charity (or, if you receive earnings, zakat), donate things such as food, clothes, or furniture, or volunteer. Celebrate Islamic holidays, such as the month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha. Some women who are close to their faith don't veil for a variety of reasons, but that doesn't mean that dressing in accordance with your faith is out of the question. If you want to cover up, try wearing loose clothing, long-sleeved shirts, long pants or skirts, or other clothes that cover most of your body. While it's not a necessity, it is encouraged. If you want to veil but wouldn't be safe wearing a hijab, consider other ways of covering your head, such as hats, or covering your neck using a scarf. If you attend services at a mosque, it's frequently a requirement for women to cover their heads, out of respect for Allah and the other worshippers at the mosque. While the rules vary per mosque, it's more likely that the mosque will require women to veil before they enter, especially in highly religious communities. To avoid potential conflict, wear a hijab if the mosque requires you to. If or when you begin wearing the hijab, choose a style of hijab that you feel suits you best and that you like, and if fashion is important to you, pick out clothing styles that look nice with it. Remember when you should be veiling - during religious activities and around non-mahram people - and do your best to wear the veil during those times.  Remember that your hijab is an expression of your faith, and that you should be proud of it. It can be tricky to put on a hijab if you haven't put one on yourself before. Try practicing a few times at home before going out and looking up tutorials online, and asking friends or family for help. There are many different views on the hijab, and if you feel alone in your decision, remember, you definitely aren't. Try looking for social groups of people who share your decision on veiling - whether it's at a mosque, school, work, clubs, or even online. If you're uncertain about your decision or are struggling with it, having others around you who support your decision can be a major factor in feeling secure in your choice. Regardless of whether you wear the hijab, you may encounter people who don't understand your choice - be it other Muslims who think you should cover, or non-Muslims who don't understand Islam. Remain calm when explaining your view, and be prepared to explain it multiple times if your decision isn't the most common one.  If you wear hijab and are asked why you wear it, try something like, "This is a hijab. I wear it because I'm Muslim and it brings me closer to God." In contrast, if you don't wear it and are asked about it, consider a response such as, "I don't wear the hijab because I can't wear it at my workplace due to safety issues. I don't feel comfortable wearing it sometimes, but not other times." It can be tough to stick with your decision about veiling, especially if others around you don't do the same or aren't supportive. Making a drastic shift in your appearance can also be jarring and you may feel exposed or like you're sticking out in a crowd. Don't let this sway your choice. Always strive to be the best person you can be, whether or not you veil.

Summary: Don't succumb to pressure from others. Find ways to express your faith without covering. Consider dressing modestly if you choose not to veil. Follow the rules of a mosque. Begin wearing the hijab if that's what you want to do. Connect with others who share your choice. Be prepared to explain your decision. Stay confident!


This method will work best on shoes that are made completely out of canvas, such as Vans and Toms. If you have a pair of shoes that lace up or have a rubber toe cap, try this method instead. Here's a list of what you'll need:  Canvas sneakers Bleach Water Plastic tub Rubber gloves If your sneakers have inserts inside, you can pull those out and set them aside. This way, they will be their original color when you put them back in. This can create a nice contrast. You want to protect your hands from the bleach solution. For a stronger solution, use one part bleach and one part water. For a weaker solution, use one part bleach and two parts water.  The water-bleach solution needs to be deep enough so that you can submerge the shoes completely. The plastic tub needs to be long enough so that you can sit your shoes inside. Try to set them upside down in the tub. This way, more of the fabric gets covered with bleach. This will take one to five hours, depending on how dark the shoes are to begin with, and how light you want them to become. Keep in mind that some of the darker colors will never fully turn white. Some colors, such as black, will turn orange or brown. Be sure to check back on the shoes every 10 to 60 minutes. This will stop the bleach from acting. It will also get rid of the smell. It will take about three hours for them to fully dry.
Summary: Gather your supplies. Consider removing the inserts. Put on a pair of rubber gloves. Fill a plastic tub with bleach and water. Place your sneakers in the plastic tub. Leave the sneakers in the tub until you get the desired effect. Take the shoes out of the bleach solution and wash them using soap and water. Let the shoes dry before lacing them back up.