Your Healing is Halal
by Humaira Khurshid, Registered Psychotherapist at Natacha Pennycooke Psychotherapy
World Hijab Day is more than a celebration of a garment; it is a recognition of faith, dignity, and choice. As a psychotherapist, I have had the honor of supporting many hijabi women whose stories reflect resilience, strength, and deep emotional courage.
Allah says:
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze, guard their modesty, and draw their veils over themselves.”
(Qur’an 24:31)
For many women, the hijab is not oppression; it is devotion. It is a daily act of obedience, identity, and self-respect. Yet in today’s world, this choice is often misunderstood, scrutinized, and even challenged emotionally, socially, and professionally. Many women endure these pressures quietly, feeling they must suffer in silence.
Allah reminds us:
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.”
(Qur’an 2:286)
But bearing does not mean suffering alone. Emotional pain, anxiety, and the weight of societal or family expectations deserve attention, care, and support. Healing is not a lack of faith, it is an act of worship.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Seek treatment, O servants of Allah, for Allah has not created a disease except that He has also created its cure.”
(Tirmidhi)
Seeking emotional support honors the soul Allah entrusted to us. True sabr or patience does not mean suppressing pain or tolerating harm. It means trusting Allah while actively taking steps to heal, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Islam teaches kindness to parents:
“And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy.”
(Qur’an 17:24)
But it also protects the soul:
“There should be neither harm nor reciprocating harm.”
(Hadith – Ibn Mājah)
Women who have faced control, invalidation, or guilt-based pressure in families can begin healing by creating safe boundaries and seeking support. Empowerment in Islam is not loud rebellion, it is quiet strength grounded in iman. It looks like saying no without guilt, seeking help without shame, and honoring oneself while honoring Allah.
To every woman reading this who has been silent for too long:
Your emotions are valid.
Your healing is halal.
Your boundaries are self-respect.
Your journey is sacred.
Allah promises:
“So truly, with hardship comes ease.”
(Qur’an 94:5–6)
And the Prophet ﷺ said:
“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer.”
(Muslim)
Faith on your head.
Sabr in your heart.
Healing in your journey.