By Fatima (Paris, France)
I have been asked to share my story. I am Fatma, an 18 years old girl living in France. Therefore, I apologize in advance for the eventual English mistakes lol.
I always wanted to wear Hijab. My father is a great man, he is the greatest. He didn’t want me to wear it only because all my cousins were wearing it. He always told me to think about the true meaning of Hijab, and then wear it.
I have been blessed with the decision of wearing it at the age of 16. My mom is a revert, she doesn’t wear it. My sister doesn’t neither. They always supported me though.
Here in France, Hijabis conditions is very particular. We can’t wear it in schools, and finding a job is almost impossible. In fact, many women have to remove it in order to earn money, or even to be present in their children’s school life. I remember when I still was in school, my heart broke once a day : when I had to show my hair. I felt naked.
I now study journalism in Paris. I am the only Hijabi of my university. To have the same results as the others, I have to work two, three, four more times than them : finding internships with Hijab, or even asking people for an interview. Everything becomes more difficult. People don’t see you like a simple journalist student. They see you like THE Hijabi journalist student, you know. I have been told Islam would influence me in my articles. Well, it’s who I am. Islam is a part of me. It would be the same if I was Christian, Jewish or atheist. Everyone has an influence.
But Alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah), this only makes me stronger. I don’t feel different at all, even if I probably am, or at least people probably see me in a different way.
I feel French. A Muslim French, obviously, but still French though.
Many people tell me “Why don’t you go study in London? You will have much more opportunities there.”
My dream has always been to present the news. I basically have 1% of chance to succeed here. Yet I won’t give up. I used to think I would travel to UK eventually. But now I changed my mind. I don’t need to feel like I have to leave this country. This is MY country too. I WILL succeed here. Things have to change.
I want to thank the staff of World Hijab Day for all they do to spread awareness. A message to all girls out there, either Hijabi or not? Don’t put yourself limits. Be proud of who you are. Be strong, be confident, smile and keep your head up. Love yourself and the world will love you. We cover what’s ON our heads, not what’s IN our heads.
Hello… I m Shazia Habib from Pakistan… I have started to take hijab and really proud of it. As I m good in creative writing so I want to write and publish an article on hijab through your page. Will you plz help me.
Assalam-o-Alaikom Wrt Wbt, Dear sister Shazia, Please send your story to us by using following the link https://worldhijabday.com/store/submit-story/
Jazak’ALLAH
Regards
WHD Team
Hello. My name is Bailey and I am a current high school student. I’m looking to write a paper about the controversy of Islamic scarfs in France, and I was wondering if I could interview you or someone you know -Thank you
Hello, we would love to help. Please contact our World Hijab day French Ambassador, Hadjar. Her e-mai address is worldhijabdayfrance@gmail.com.
Mashallah, Allahumma zid fazid……… do not ever give up my sister… may Allah be with u always.you are a beacon of the ummah……
plz send me ur email address as i wud like to ask u afew questions.
jazakallah khair
Salamun alaykum,
I would like to congratulate for your choice, be strong and don’t be afraid of anything, Allah helps you.
Thank you this is so kind, Allah bless you x
Assalamu Alaykum, dont feel bad Allah sw will be in ur side. Am a freelance journalist most especially the employers would be telling u that if u r ready to work wt us you wl shave ur beards. But Alihamdulillahi. Is every where may Allah continue to guide us. Shukran. Here is my email for any information oyebodeshakiru@yahoo.com
JazakAllah I will email you soon inshAllah 🙂
chin up girl! you’re so inpiring!
Love, a fellow hijabi, UK x
Thank you lovely, please share it! x
Assalamualaikum
Is it possible to have the sister contact me? I will be launching an online magazine in the within a few months and I could really use a journalist. Perhaps she could also inform me as to the types of stories she covers as well. The magazine is bilingual (English and French) so it would be a great favour on my part.
Thank you
W alaykom lsalam,
Give me your email and I will be happy to keep in touch for this project, sounds good 🙂
With duas,
Fatma
Mashaallah sister, keep it up , don’t loose your hope ,your never alone , Victory is not fear from u
Assalam aleykoum
It is possible to get more information about this sister.
We could work together for an inspiring project.
Pls contact me by phone or mail.
Barakallahu fik
w alaykom lsalam, give me your email and I will happy to hear about your project,
with duas
Fatma
Salam aleykoum,
My email adress is rifath@hotmail.fr or you can add me on facebook : http://www.fb.com/parvez.alrifath
Un grand merci à l’avance 🙂
It’s been done 🙂
Masha-Allah sister! I salute your courage keep up the good work.