I'm a feminist and I converted to Islam

Theresa Corbin, Special to CNN

Updated 1247 GMT (2047 HKT) October 14, 2014

Theresa Corbin, who converted to Islam at age 21, chooses to wear the hijab, or head scarf. Other Muslim women around the world wear various garments as part of their faith. Click through the gallery to learn more about them, and read<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/14/opinion/muslim-convert-irpt/" target="_blank"> Corbin's story</a> to discover why they are worn. <br /><br />The hijab, pictured here, is one of the most common items worn by Muslim women. The scarf typically covers the hair, neck and chest but not the face.
Photos: Why do Muslims wear that?
Theresa Corbin, who converted to Islam at age 21, chooses to wear the hijab, or head scarf. Other Muslim women around the world wear various garments as part of their faith. Click through the gallery to learn more about them, and read Corbin's story to discover why they are worn.

The hijab, pictured here, is one of the most common items worn by Muslim women. The scarf typically covers the hair, neck and chest but not the face.
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The niqab is a veil that covers the face but has an opening for the eyes.
Photos: Why do Muslims wear that?
Niqab – The niqab is a veil that covers the face but has an opening for the eyes.
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Niqab is usually accompanied by the abaya, a long, loose black robe.
Photos: Why do Muslims wear that?
Abaya – Niqab is usually accompanied by the abaya, a long, loose black robe.
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The chador is another kind of loose, full-length robe or cloak. It covers the head but not the face.
Photos: Why do Muslims wear that?
Chador – The chador is another kind of loose, full-length robe or cloak. It covers the head but not the face.
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The burqa covers a woman from head to toe in a loose veil. It covers the face completely and has a mesh section over the eyes that allows the wearer to see. It is widely worn in Afghanistan.
Photos: Why do Muslims wear that?
Burqa – The burqa covers a woman from head to toe in a loose veil. It covers the face completely and has a mesh section over the eyes that allows the wearer to see. It is widely worn in Afghanistan.
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Story highlights

  • Theresa Corbin converted to Islam at age 21
  • She found the religion appealed to her intellect and feminist ideals
  • "Muslims come in all shapes, sizes, attitudes, ethnicities, cultures and nationalities," she writes
  • Have a personal essay of your own to share? Submit at CNN iReport

Theresa Corbin is a writer living in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is the founder of