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I was raised as a Sunni Muslim all of my life, but living in the states after 9/11, I was very afraid to wear my hijab because I didn’t want people to dislike me or think I supported terrorism. For 12 years I hadn’t worn a hijab in public. And then Ramadan of 2014 came, and ALLAH placed confidence, modesty, and a love for humility in my heart. I put my hijab back on July 7,2014. And I’ve never looked back. I have never felt more beautiful and confident.

Yes, people at work, especially my boss began to look at and treat me differently but I did not care.

The beautiful part of this entire story is there was a guy who came into my job all the time, but never spoke a word to me. The day I decided to wear my hijab he approached my desk and asked me “why are you covering your hair today? Did you become a Muslim?” I was afraid to answer at first, but then I decided to answer confidently. I explained to him that I had always been Muslim and that it was my religious holy month of Ramadan and I decided to return to my tradition and wear my hijab. I turned out that this guy was also a Muslim, from Alexandria Egypt, and was so inspired by my bravery and decision to wear my hijab even though people had become islamophobic. On July 28,2014, after eid prayer the guy met my Abi (father) and the rest of my family, and in unbeknownst to me exchanged numbers with my father. On October 28,2014 he asked my Abi for my hand. On January 10,2015 he and I had our Nikkah (wedding) and have been inseparable since!

I’d like to testify that my hijab is my strength and pride, and without I would have my wonderful husband and beautiful family!

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Our Facebook fans shared the following sentiments regarding the ECJ’s ruling:

“If only they saw increased drug use as a bigger problem than hijab.
If only the saw domestic violence as a bigger issue than hijab.
If only they saw rape and murder as a bigger problem than hijab.
If they only saw mass bombings of nations as a bigger problem than hijab.”-Sabrin Saeid

“Now women must choose between God and supporting their families or expanding their own horizons…which means that they’re forced into the same stay at home model that these people claim to want to get them out of if they want to practice their religion.” -Zeynab Kenney

“Symantics. The ruling says “any” but I would be terribly surprised if any person was confronted with this ruling over a cross on a chain or a Kabala red knot. This is a sneaky way to work in discrimination…..”-Cami Peacock

“This is one if the most undignified act ever. I can’t believe this. Where is our freedom as women??? The hijab cover the head not the brain.” -Kadijah Bah

“It’s been clear for a while that Muslims are being scapegoated and targeted for the deep systemic problems that have metastasized over the years in the Western corrupt and decrepit system of governance.”-Fitzegerald Mistral

“Yes, let’s free these women from “oppression” by making it impossible for them to make a living.”-@Jenstrikesagain

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In a country as large as the United States, there are always people around of different ages, backgrounds, and religions even in the workplace. Sometimes it’s less obvious as to what a person’s religion is, but other times it’s as clear as day. The most obvious is seeing a Muslim women wearing a hijab (head-covering)  or abayah (loose over-garment). A hijabi, a Muslim woman that wear the hijab, is especially obvious when she’s dressed modestly and is also surrounded by women in pencil skirts.

Hearing whispers as you walk by is often a regular occurrence for a hijab wearing girl. People often look at you different and like you don’t belong. So much research has gone into discrimination, especially that of a Muslim woman. A recent study has shown that 69% of women that wear hijab have said they face some sort of discrimination, while only 29% non-hijabis have faced discrimination. I’m not saying that 29% is a small number or insignificant, but when compared to the 69% it’s obviously a lot less. That’s over half of the hijab wearing population, which means that it is likely that about every 2 out of 3 hijabis have felt some degree of discrimination in their time of wearing the hijab. A lot of discrimination is based on the lack of education people have about Islam and what the hijab actually is. They believe terrible things they read and hear, so in the end they believe that Muslim women are the face of all of the bad things shown and said. A major place of discrimination is at the workplace. Many women face it more there because of how different they look compare to their colleagues. Being discriminated against isn’t a small thing. It can mentally break a person down from the inside, and it being in a place that one attends regularly and professionally works makes working hard.

As a woman who has worn hijab for over 7 years I can definitely say I have been on the short end of the discrimination stick. As a senior in high school I worked as an instructor at a math tutoring center in a small town in south Texas. Well, my town was filled with closeminded conservatives that didn’t take kindly to people of other religions. While I never had any problems with my colleagues, I often heard terrible remarks and received rude stares from my students’ parents. I realized there was nothing I could do to stop people from seeing me the way they did. My hijab is a part of me, so if it’s not accepted then neither am I, right? I learned to ignore negativity and focus on teaching the children the best I could. And on the other hand, my students had no problems with me or my religion. They choose to embrace our differences rather than emphasize or hate them.

Discrimination is not always rude stares or remarks; it includes actions too. While my boss was understanding and didn’t care if I wore my hijab, that is not always the case. Many hijabis are denied jobs because of their preference to don the hijab. One woman even went to court against Abercrombie & Fitch when they refused to hire her based on her hijab. Well, in the US under the freedom of religion stated in the Bill of Rights, they had no valid reason to deny her the job due to her religious preference. She, of course, went on to win her case in the Supreme Court and set precedent for future cases. During the case, Justice Scalia said, “An employer may not make an applicant’s religious practice, confirmed or otherwise, a factor in employment decisions.” While this precedent was set in US, similar things happen in other countries. For example, in the UK, studies have found that Muslim women with a college education are less likely to be chosen for a job against a non-Muslim woman with the same level of education. Additionally, Muslim women also receive less replies based on their resumes. It is important to fight for what is right. Based on name-blind recruitment, it is more likely for a person with a “white sounding name” to get a job over someone with an ethnic name. Muslim women already have a negative mark towards them just based on their names. Something as simple as a name can hold them back before an interview is even scheduled. It is great to know that the law in the US is also on our side. Every hijabi needs to know that she has rights. The laws, listed on the ACLU website, are as follows:

Some attacks go as far as physical abuse. Women are beaten up badly just because they wear a hijab. On a lesser, yet still important note, women are threated and hear verbal abuse. Some women have their hijabs ripped off of their heads just to spite them. There are news reports often showcasing the many attacks against a woman wearing a hijab. Many women endure this regularly because co-workers or bosses think less of them. Muslim women are also treated differently during job interviews. The Independent found that 1 out of every 8 Muslim women is asked illegal questions during interviews compared to 1 out of every 30 non-Muslim women. Questions about family and kids that have nothing to do with what the interview is for. They also found that 1 out of every 4 employers hesitate to hire a Muslim woman based on her religious followings. Due to the negative perception created for the hijab people try to avoid having hijabis around them.

Discrimination against hijabis is obviously not only in the United States. Basically where there are hijabis in the world there is discrimination against them. There are cases all over like in the UK, Germany and France. In some countries there are even laws forbidding the hijab or other modest coverings. According to a study on multiple European countries, it was found that Muslim women face a “triple penalty” of discrimination. They not only face what all women face against men, but also on the basis of race and religion. In 2016 in France a reporter was disrespected because she wore a hijab and reported about terrorist activity. Other news sources questioned as to why she was allowed to report because of her hijab. Cases come up all over European countries often. TRTWorld reported six cases in detail, and went on to say that the majority of cases go unreported. Many women keep their experiences to themselves so they aren’t harassed by others or are embarrassed of their encounters. In a changing world, people are more and more diverse, so some people don’t know how to react or what to make about it. Some Americans believe that people of other races and religions don’t belong among them. They dislike that Muslims are working amongst them at work, and are at the same professional level as them.

Discrimination of Muslim woman is a phenomenon that has unfortunately happened for a long time. People see us differently because we choose to wear hijab and cover modestly. The best way to handle the situation is to be the bigger person, and ignore the negativity around you. If you end up in the position where you are being discriminated against in the workplace make sure to report it and know what your rights are. People always say, “I wish I could help.” Well now you can! World Hijab Day wants to set up job training programs for Muslim women to help them conquer the professional world while wearing the hijab. We need your support to help hijabis all over the world get jobs and progress in their professional careers. The time to help is now. As a fellow hijabi, I’m personally asking for your contribution to this amazing cause.

Please donate here: http://www.launchgood.com/worldhijabday

Sources:

“American Muslim Poll.” ISPU. N.p., 15 Mar. 2016. Web. 10 Feb. 2017.

Bhatti, Maqsood, and Abed Ahmed. Trtworld.com. TRTWORLD, 26 July 2016. Web. 9 Feb. 2017.

“Discrimination Against Muslim Women – Fact Sheet.” American Civil Liberties Union. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Feb. 2017.

Easton, Mark. “Muslim Women Most Disadvantaged, Say MPs.” BBC News. BBC, 11 Aug. 2016. Web. 12 Feb. 2017.

Fenton, Siobhan. “British Muslim Women Face ‘double Bind’ of Gender and Religious Discrimination, Report Warns.” The Independent. Independent Digital News and Media, n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2017.

Liptak, Adam. “Muslim Woman Denied Job Over Head Scarf Wins in Supreme Court.” Nytimes.com. The New York Times, 1 June 2015. Web. 9 Feb. 2017.

“Muslim Women‪ Are the First to Pay the Price for Islamophobia in Europe.” Muslim Women‪ Are the First to Pay the Price for Islamophobia in Europe. FEMYSO, 30 May 2016. Web. 09 Feb. 2017.

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‘With hate crimes against Muslim-Americans tripling in 2016, it is important we take this moment to stand together with our fellow Americans on World Hijab Day. Rooted in the American principles of religious freedom and liberty, the World Hijab Day movement seeks to end the discrimination and judgment that comes with wearing a hijab.’

‘As the prime Assembly sponsor of the ‘Religious Garb’ bill in New York State, A2049, I stand with all Americans of faith regardless of their choice to wear a hijab, kippah, turban, or cross. All Americans of all faiths should be allowed to freely exercise and display their religious choice without the fear of violence and bigotry.’

Today’s statement follows several actions Assemblyman David Weprin has taken to protect religious attire in New York. In 2005, then New York City Councilman Weprin stood with the Sikh Coalition and introduced a bill barring city agencies from discriminating on the basis of religious headdress. Similarly, in 2014, Assemblyman Weprin was the prime sponsor of the ‘Religious Garb’ bill in Albany. Passing with a 131-6 vote, the bill protects equal employment opportunities for all New Yorkers, regardless of religious attire and facial grooming.

About Assemblyman David I Weprin:

Elected in 2010, David I. Weprin represents the 24th Assembly District of New York State in Queens. Comprised of the partial or entire communities of Briarwood, Bellrose Manor, Fresh Meadows, Glen Oaks, Hillcrest, Holliswood, Jamaica Estates, Jamaica Hills, Oakland Gardens, Queens Village, Richmond Hill, and Utopia; the 24th Assembly district boasts one of the most diverse constituencies in New York State.

About World Hijab Day:
Founded by New York native Nazma Khan in 2013, World Hijab Day is a means to foster religious tolerance and understanding by inviting women to experience the hijab for one day.

View the original Letter: Click Here

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“I was very surprised,” Munira Khalif, senior at Mounds Park Academy, said. “The best part for me was being able to call family members on the phone and to hear their excitement. This was truly a blessing from God.”

The 8 Ivy League schools are Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University and Yale University. In addition, Khalif was accepted to Stanford, Georgetown, and the University of Minnesota.

“I am humbled to even have the opportunity to choose amongst these schools because they are all incredible places to learn and grow,” Khalif said.”

Extracurricular excellence

In addition to her exceptional academic record and vigorous class workload, Khalif is a state speech champion and founder and leader of MPA’s Social Consciousness Club.“Munira has thrived in MPA’s rigorous educational environment, where we challenge students to be intellectually curious and confident communicators,” Randy Comfort, MPA’s upper school director, said. “She already is making a difference in communities across the globe, and I know she is ready to embrace the challenges that arise in our constantly changing world.”

World contributions

Khalif is one of just nine young people from around the world to receive the UN Special Envoy for Global Education’s Youth Courage Award for her work as a young education activist.

She was also appointed as A World at School Global Youth Ambassador, working to promote universal education.

“I believe Munira has great potential to affect change on the world stage, given her combination of intelligence, sensitivity, powerful internal drive, practical skills and charisma,” Lisa Pederson, director of college counseling at MPA, said. “She interacts positively with people of different backgrounds, opposing viewpoints and ignorance.”

Khalif founded Lighting the Way, a non-profit campaign to make education accessible for East African youth, especially girls, by focusing on scholarships, building libraries, and mitigating sanitation issues. She has also served as a teen ambassador and advocate with Girl Up, a campaign of the United Nations Foundation that mobilizes American girls to take action on behalf of their counterparts in other countries.

She plans to major in political science and continue working to make a positive impact on the world through public service.

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Which is more concerning to the world? –  A fully covered woman or a barely clothed child?

Actually, if we try to focus on the amount of attention dedicated to the “ hijab is an oppression” issue, we would instantly notice that the world is really driven by Islamophobia to the point that we have forgotten about the real calamities befalling the people as I write this!!

A photo of a Syrian refugee boy walking on the ice with bare feet would get million “likes” on facebook, twitter, and all the social networks from thousands of people. However, none of them is angry enough to walk the streets asking governments to end wars and save those poor children!!

At the same time, we witness thousands and thousands of raging marshals and their manifestos requesting governments to ban “ hijab” in the universities, at work and public parks etc.

What a shame! Isn’t it?

A woman who practices her basic human rights raises more rage than a poor child deprived from his basic human rights!!

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Do you know why hijab is beautiful? Because it projects the beauty of your good character. We are covering up one kind of beauty in order to highlight another, more important higher form of beauty. But how can you wear hijab when everyone around you does not? It’s all about your perspective. What I do is say to myself- someone might see my hijab and be inspired. Just like one time I saw this woman with a long white hijab and it felt like I was looking at an angel. I had a moment of inexplicable peace inside me, longing to be beautiful like her.

So when I leave my house I ignore the ‘fear’ and I project ‘inspiration’ instead. Because if you feel strange, people will look at you strangely. If you feel like a terrorist, people will think of you like one. When you feel scared, you will start looking around for people who are looking at you. When you do that, people will automatically start eyeing you awkwardly because YOU are looking at them! What you feel is what others will choose to feel. It’s up to you. If you see the beauty in yourself, the beauty of faith, that’s what others will see.

Women who have worn hijab have talked about the advantages of wearing hijab. Some of the reasons you might understand, others you might not relate to or feel comfortable with. That’s because those reasons are from someone’s personal experience – a human. But what are the reasons mentioned in the Qur’an? Why does Allah ask believing women to wear hijab? Those are important to understand.

There are 2 simple reasons in Surat Al Ahzab 33:59.

1. “An ya’rafna – to be known” The hijab identifies you as a Muslim. The benefit of this is that when people see you wearing hijab and going about your life – this normalizes Islam to people. It’s not this strange religion with strange people. This woman is at the supermarket, at the park, at the post office, at the library, at the school – this is a normal person.

2. “fala yu’thayna – to not be annoyed, molested” The hijab is a neon sign for others to treat you with respect. You are obviously not ‘girlfriend’ or ‘prostitute’ material. The hijab attracts people who admire you for your strength and high morals. And detracts people with low morals and criminals.

{ يٰأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِيُّ قُل لأَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَآءِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِن جَلاَبِيبِهِنَّ ذٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰ أَن
يُعْرَفْنَ فَلاَ يُؤْذَيْنَ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَفُوراً رَّحِيماً }

‘O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.’

So ladies, don’t wait to be ‘ready’- you will never be 100% ready, none of us are! Don’t worry about being an ambassador of Islam – you will never be 100% best da’eeya(female religious preacher), none of us are even close. Because that doesn’t matter. We don’t have to be the most knowledgeable or the most religious. We just have to take the first step, and Allah will take care of the rest. Let your true beauty shine.

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Answered by Mufti Ismail Menk:

We cannot base global ideas only on our own situation. We must deeply consider what is happening to others too. Hijab is being banned in a growing number of places. People are misinformed regarding hijab. Democracies may soon vote to ban it based on majority view. This had happened in some places. We need to educate them. If we don’t educate them we will be guilty of allowing misconceptions to grow without doing anything meaningful to educate and create positive awareness.

We can ask them to enroll to a one day school can’t we? We can ask them to attend a seminar once a year can’t we? We can ask them to distribute pamphlets can’t we? We can ask them to try it out and see how they feel can’t we? 

There is no special salaah or thikr or ibaadah but merely a one day school where pamphlets are distributed, tables are set for street dawah and people have the chance to clear their misconceptions first hand and have a feel of the hijab first hand. 

 If you follow what’s happening in other places you will appreciate the need to educate the masses and encourage Muslims who have succumbed to various types of pressure to abandon what they believe is a duty or who haven’t built the courage to adopt it yet etc etc. 

Those who call it a celebration, have failed to see the light. Bid’ah is the last word to be used because it doesn’t fall under any category of acts of worship. It is merely a “means” of educating, so the time and duration can be worked out according to the convenience of all parties to create the biggest impact. Such as a school’s timings and duration of lessons and number of pupils in the class and and and. 

No celebration or partying.

No dancing. 
No food and drink.
No sweets and chocolates.
No extra Qur’aan or prayers.
No acts of worship.

Only educating and awareness.

Street dawah tables at malls and stalls and flea markets every weekend have the same concept but on a smaller scale. 

May Allah Almighty grant us a deep understanding.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/muftimenk/posts/10152536565846971

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It has taken me a while to decide how to begin writing this story, but I will start by introducing myself. My name is Diana; I am an ordinary person of flesh and blood. I grew up Catholic, in fact my whole family is. I currently attend to a university and work in a police department. I could tell you detail by detail about my life and my experience, but I would take many pages for that.

Several years ago I felt lost; I felt blind not knowing where I was going in life. During all those years I have devoted my time to find myself. It was as if asleep. Over two years ago I was introduced to Islam, a religion that seemed so peaceful for me and I began to feel very interested about Islam. I am a highly conservative person; therefore I decided to do more research on Islam on my own. I read and learned a lot about Islam. I attended a few times at the mosque near me and observed the women wearing their hijabs and the beauty and meaning that comes from it. I realized I had found what I wanted, what I needed, but I was terrified about my family’s reaction. I had many dreams in relation to Islam and my family too. They were peaceful dreams where I wore a hijab and my family understood and supported me over the decision I made.

Finally, after all this time I decided to take the next step. I went to the same mosque with a friend who talked to the sheikh about my decision.

I feel blessed that Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) has allowed my lips to say “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

After three months and nine days from when I converted into Islam (12/15/13), I can still feel so much emotion in my heart and tears rolling down my face every time I remember that moment. I started wearing the hijab the same day I converted into Islam because I embrace the beauty and the true meaning of wearing a hijab. I have also noticed that people treat me different, but in a better way. I feel blessed wearing my hijab and for the first time since that day, I feel so calm, in peace, and awake. Alhamdulillah for all the blessings I’ve received and Inshallah my family will understand and support me in the kind of life I’ve made peace with. Beauty is modesty and I feel happy to say that I feel secure, respected and proud to wear my hijab. Hijab is my Beauty, I am hijabbed and I am proud of it.

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