Hijab Hijinks: Explaining My Faith (Again!)

Not all stories travel in straight lines. Some twist, some surprise, some shake us awake. This passage offers a glimpse into one of those journeys—one worth exploring. Let it lead you somewhere unexpected.

Purchase Book

“Why do you wear that thing on your head?” they'd ask about my hijab, or "What’s Eid?” when they saw me returning to school after the holidays. It wasn’t their fault, but it was often difficult to answer these questions without feeling like I was explaining myself, defending my identity. "  

"At times, it felt exhausting to constantly educate people about my culture, just as it felt confusing to figure out where I fit into the fabric of Australian society. "  

From well-meaning questions to awkward misunderstandings, being the "different" kid comes with its fair share of challenges. Let's laugh (and maybe cry a little) about the joys and pains of explaining your culture to a curious world.

---