Artiste Neelofa reveals to Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli her quest for happiness and reasons for wearing the hijab
HER radiant but shy smile lights up the room as she carefully adjusts her hijab.
Neelofa’s new image became breaking news, sending her fans and the local entertainment world into a frenzy, but the 25-year-old actress and TV personality remains calm.
In an interview with The New Straits Times, she says that the feeling of receiving God’s hidayah (guidance) is indescribable.
“It is beyond beautiful. You have to experience it for yourself,” she says.
The public have been inquiring about the reason behind her new image.
She had made the decision to wear the hijab on her own, without consulting her family and friends. She reasoned that if she were to give a statement, people could twist her words.
“They could say that I was showing off. I didn’t want that so I stayed silent.”
Initially Neelofa wanted her reason for wearing the hijab to be a secret. “Biarlah rahsia (Let it be a secret).” However, she finally gave a heartfelt confession during a live radio show on IKIMfm last Friday.
“That was a chance to let out my true feelings. Only after that, I was able to explain why I chose this path.
“I have a loving family and friends, and a successful career. However, my life still feels incomplete. I want to experience everlasting happiness.”
Around June last year, she realised that she must immerse herself in Islamic teachings and be closer to the Almighty.
She referred to friends including singer Heliza Helmi, actress Natasha Hudson and environmental activist Dr Anwar Fazal, who gave her advice on her next step.
THE TRANSFORMATION
“My learning process was a long and slow one. I started by attending classes held by Usrah Fitrah (a gathering of local artistes to learn about Islamic teachings).” However, her interest to become closer to God wavered day by day.
Neelofa took up tafsir (Quranic interpretation) classes in May this year and was awed by the beauty of the Quranic verses.
One day in mid-June, she made a vow to perform the compulsory five prayers a day. During her prayers, she asked for guidance from God.
She also listened to lectures by religious scholar Mufti Ismail Menk on CD. “He’s my hero. I wanted to learn more. Now, I manage my career around prayer times, not the other way around.”
On the second day of Ramadan after dawn prayers, she held a translation of the Quran in her hands and asked: “What do you want to show me today, God?”
She randomly opened a page which revealed surah (chapter) An-Nur that highlights the importance for women to cover their aurat.
“I took that as a sign. That day, I put on the hijab and went to work, like it was the most natural thing to do.”
Another sign from God occurred when Neelofa had to attend a photoshoot session.
She found a bookstore next to the photoshoot venue. To her joy, the shop had a section on Islamic teachings.
“I realised that my life was slowly changing. I wondered if I had the strength to go through challenges, especially since I work in the entertainment industry.”
Burdened by worries about how the public will perceive her change, Neelofa started to feel anxious.
Again, she turned to God, asking for strength to brave the possibly tumultuous journey.
She then opened the Quran, again at random, and her eyes came upon verse 46 of surah (chapter) Al-Anfal, which translates into: “And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and (thus) lose courage and (then) your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient”.
“He answered my question on the spot,” Neelofa says, her voice cracking. “I instantly cried, realising that He was listening. He constantly showed me signs. I shouldn’t have doubts anymore.
“I made a promise to myself. Even though I’m working in this industry, He must always come first.”
THE RESULT
Someone once told her that it is not always easy to get guidance from God. It is not often that one dreams about getting guidance and receives it the next day.
“My story isn’t like that at all. I worked hard on it. It took me more than a year, but it’s all right. It made my results all the more satisfying.”
Neelofa initially had a feeling that people will think differently of her, and that she would lose fans because of her wearing the hijab.
“However, God is almighty. I gained an additional 70,000 Instagram followers within a week! It seems that I have a lot of support from people.”
She had read various comments online about how her change inspires the young generation. Some were so moved by her sincere interview on IKIMfm that they also wanted to wear the hijab.
“Women already wearing the hijab tell me that my journey inspires them to delve deeper into Islam. I’m so touched.”
Inspired by Neelofa’s journey and transformation, Remaja magazine’s beauty competition Dewi Remaja, is now accepting applicants who wear the hijab. Neelofa, who won the competition in 2010, will be part of the judging panel of the competition’s new season after Ramadan.
Neelofa didn’t expect to be a role model for such inspiration. Naturally, she feels the burden.
“I’m scared. I don’t have enough knowledge yet, which may cause me to make a mistake that can affect lots of things in my life.”
One of her biggest worries initially involved her career. Neelofa is the host of Astro Ria comedy gossip show MeleTOP and TV3 magazine programme Nona.
“I figured my new image wouldn’t suit the programmes, but I was surprised that the production teams accept my decision.”
Her mother is her biggest supporter. She is thrilled and proud of her daughter’s decision and transformation. She regards Neelofa’s sharing of her experience as da’wah (spreading the message of Islam).
“I want women to know that when you wear the hijab, God will bestow more opportunities on them.”
As for her acting career, Neelofa will take on roles that can assist her in inspiring even more people.
However, she isn’t ready to become an icon for Muslim women yet.
“I’m still in the process of transformation. I hope to change people’s perception of women who wear the hijab.”
She is taking things one at a time, and gathering more knowledge to further improve her life and be even closer to God.
“I’m focusing on rebooting my life.”