By: Safa T. Rahman
On World Hijab Day, the monumental piece of clothing we wear on our heads is acknowledged and celebrated not only for its cultural and religious significance but also the notion of sisterhood and femininity it embodies, both among Muslim women and between Muslim and non-Muslim women. The simple exchange of a smile with Muslim, Hijabi women, even with those they have never met before, can create a profound sense of connection and solidarity. The warmth of such a gesture touches the deep layers of our soul and makes our worries heard, our pains empathized, and gives us a burst of empowerment to keep walking with our heads held high.
As a society, we stand at a crossroads, with the power to either build or weaken our sense of community. By coming together and taking part in a shared experience, we have the opportunity to strengthen our unity and this is how we shall always remain connected. Not divided by race, political thoughts, or religious sects, but united by embracing the broader element that binds us all . . . sisterhood.
Sisterhood calls for an unconditional level of love, mutual understanding, and empathy. This requires steadfast support for women, by women. Despite our progress, we still have a long way to go in achieving this ideal, but it starts with each of us having the courage to show compassion, even when others don’t. A sisterhood that is strong and inclusive, where every individual feels a sense of belonging, every voice is heard and every heart is lifted, is a movement of immense power rippling out like cascading waves. It creates a welcoming environment where the sharing of warmth and vulnerability is encouraged and embraced with bravery.
So often, we become divided and fall into the traps of the murky waters of competition, leading us to mistakenly believe we must outrun others. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how far you run if you are doing it by slowing others down. Unity is the key to true strength. When we come together as a united front, our voices become a powerful force advocating for justice, peace, and equality. And above all, we become unbreakable when we hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together (Quran 3:103) . . . as a unified whole.
The World Hijab Day celebration invites us to reflect on the value of understanding the essence of being a Muslim woman. What, then, does it mean to embody this identity? Being a Muslim woman is a profound and meaningful experience that needs a strong heart, a firm mind, and unwavering trust in the All-Knowing. These qualities combine to form the bedrock of a Muslim woman’s character and allow her to lead a life grounded in faith and strength. Being a Muslim woman is a timeless legacy, a glorious inheritance that unites one with the divine representation of womanhood. Muslim women can become inspired by Khadijah (RA), a businesswoman. And Fatimah (RA), one with great patience and piety. And Nusaybah bint Kaab (RA), who was a female warrior during the Battle of Uhud. These diverse women stand as shining beacons of the undaunted spirit and resolute nature of Muslim women, inspiring all to strive for excellence and serve as a testament to the power of faith and the glory of femininity. And on this day, we not only honor the successes, barrier-breaking, and change-making contemporary Muslim women worldwide, but also the legacies of the women who had put their sweat and tears into creating a better world for the Ummah and society at large.
Society can often present us with barriers that try to hold us back. They may tell us that we are incapable and don’t belong, but their words stem from fear. They fear the power we hold and the light within us yearning to illuminate. They may try to silence us and keep us in the shadows, but it’s important to remember that their words are just that – words. They may try to make us believe that we are weak and worthless, but the reality is that they are afraid of what we can achieve and the potential we have. So, let’s not let these fear-filled lies stand in our way to keep moving forward. And, yes, walking ahead is never easy when so many people are counting on our failure. But, it’s important to push past these challenges and let our inner strength guide us toward success. Moreover, only Allah (SWT) is in control of our lives. No one else has the power or influence over our lives unless we allow them to do so. Hence, let’s begin by showing ourselves the dignity and respect we truly deserve. Let’s build the courage to do what society tells us we can’t. Let’s turn “can’t” into “can” and make the impossible possible. And most of all, let’s shift our focus from “I” to “us”.
On this special day, let’s reach out our hearts and hands to all our Muslim sisters, of all ages, of all races, and worldwide.
To my Muslim sisters worldwide facing systemic Islamophobia and prejudice, we hear you, see you, and support you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Safa Rahman is an American-Muslim girl who loves to express herself through pen and paper and uses her voice to inspire the voices in others. She is currently a high schooler who hopes to make an impact in the world one word at a time.
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