By Rumki Chowdhury
“My hijab is not your business,” said Olympian, Ibtihaj Muhammad. She posted a social media selfie, holding up a sign featuring those exact words. Ibtihaj was referring to the recent law, banning French athletes from wearing the hijab.
Moreover, the majority of the French Senate mercilessly continue showing their hostility against hijab-wearing Muslim women, in the guise of general legislation against “all religious symbols.” It all began in 2011 with the French ban on face veils or niqabs. That metamorphosed into the banning of burkinis, a full-body swimsuit with hijab attached to it, in regions like Villeneuve-Loubet, Cannes and Sisc on the island of Corsica.From the ban on niqab and then, the burkini, the French Senate began targeting the hijab in 2021 when they banned hijab for girls under the age of 18. Eventually, other European countries followed in their footsteps until finally, the EU’s highest court ruled that any employer has the right to ask his or her employee to take off the hijab and if that employee refuses, their services can legally be terminated. It did not stop there, however, after 160 votes beat 143 votes, the French right-wing political group passed a new amendment, banning athletes from wearing the hijab as of 2022.
In response to the above, Ibtihaj wrote on her social media post, “The French football federation already bans women from wearing the hijab in official matches as well as at competitions it organizes. This is what happens when government and officials (in France, India, Quebec, etc.) mask their discrimination with legislation. Religious freedom is a human right and we must protect it at all costs. We must stand together and vehemently denounce discrimination in all its forms. We will not be silent as discriminatory governments revoke the freedom of our sisters. Every woman should have the choice to wear what she wants and the opportunity to play sports, regardless of her faith.”
Al Jazeera asked the Olympic organization committee whether or not they would be implementing the new rules for the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, the committee did not comment. Regardless, the fear and worry still hovers above us.
“Challenging us on hijab only strengthens our resolve to wear it. Together we fight,” wrote Ibtihaj on her post.
Ibtihaj Muhammad won the Olympic bronze medal in 2016 and is a 5-time Senior World medalist and World Champion. She made history being the first hijabi American and the first Muslim American woman to win the Olympics. She is also a published author, entrepreneur, speaker and activist. Her achievements even inspired the first mattel hijabi Barbie. Ibtihaj Muhammad continues to be a ravishing example of history in the making and we stand with her when we say, “My hijab is not your business!”
How you can help raise awareness:
1. Donate to the World Hijab Day Organization this Ramadan. Your contributions will help our efforts to end hijab discrimination globally! One who gives alms during the month Ramadan will be multiplied in rewards to 10 until 700 folds. Don’t miss this opportunity! Donate here!
2. #FastForUnity: Fast for a day, two, ten or all 30 with Muslims to experience how Muslims fast and go on a spiritual journey of self-reflection and self-discipline.
3. #Hijab30: Wear the hijab for 30 days in Ramadan to take a stand to end discrimination against women in hijab and respect individual choices.
4. #HearOurHistory: May is “International Muslim History Month.” Take this opportunity to learn more about Muslim men and women from the Golden Age up until now, who have shaped humanity as we know it.
Tag us @worldhijabday
About the Author
Rumki Chowdhury is the Editor of the World Hijab Day Organization. She is an award-winning published author. She has an MA in English Literature from Queen Mary University of London, a BA in English Writing from William Paterson University of New Jersey and an English Subject Teaching Degree from Gävle Högskolan in Stockholm, Sweden. She speaks Bengali and Swedish fluently! She has years of experience in the media and publishing worlds. Rumki lives with her husband and their three daughters.