World Hijab Day Organization surrounds the importance of promoting and protecting the rights of all individuals, including their right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief.

World Hijab Day is an annual event that takes place on February 1st to raise awareness about the hijab and dismantle stereotypes associated with Muslim women who choose to wear it. The event aims to foster personal freedom of religious expression and understanding, promote diversity, and encourage dialogue among people of all faiths and backgrounds. Our surveys of past World Hijab Day participants have shown that two-thirds of the participants had a positive experience that changed their view on the hijab. They also expressed that they became more tolerant toward other nationalities and Islam.  According to recent research, people who learn about Islam and Muslims are not Islamophobic (Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, 2021).

Thus, the mission of World Hijab Day Organization is to dismantle bigotry, discrimination, and prejudice against Muslim women through awareness, education, and empowerment. Independent of any political ideology or economic interest, our vision is to create a world where we’re united through our diversity.  

How did the World Hijab Day Organization begin?

In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, Muslim women who wore a hijab (headscarf), including myself, faced discrimination and harassment (American Civil Liberties Union). One expert found that 69% of women who wore hijab reported at least one incident of discrimination compared to 29% of women who did not wear hijab (Women’s Rights Project, 2008). I have personally faced discrimination for wearing the hijab in New York City which led me to create World Hijab Day. I have shared my story in a recent TEDx talk which can be viewed here. Therefore, I declared World Hijab Day on February 1st, 2013, not realizing that so many sisters would find appreciation in the initiative and joined me in the celebration. It didn’t take long before World Hijab Day became a global phenomenon ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّٰهِ (Praise be to God). 

World Hijab Day is commemorated by people in over 150 countries and has been recognized by New York State, Michigan State, Oklahoma State, the City of Gainsville, Florida, Newark, New Jersey, and the House of Representatives of the Philippines.

In support of World Hijab Day, New York State Governor, Kathy Hochul, made the following statement:

“Here in New York, we are proud to recognize World Hijab Day, the important occasion that is. Wearing Hijab is a deeply personal and noble decision, one made by millions of faithful Muslim women around the world. Unfortunately, that decision requires a tremendous amount of bravery as well. Too many Muslim women are subjected to daily acts of bigotry, hate, and Islamophobia for doing nothing more than following their faith, including right here in NY. This movement was started by one of those brave New Yorkers, Nazma Khan, who should be a source of pride for every person who lives here. I want to personally thank her for all she has done to confront discrimination against Muslim women.”

How do we celebrate World Hijab Day on February 1st?

The world is full of creatives such as yourselves and we welcome anyone who celebrates the hijab in a positive light for both males and females. 

Wear a scarf: To show solidarity with Muslim hijabi women worldwide, men are encouraged to wear scarves around their necks while women are encouraged to try on headscarves for a day. 

Make a Commitment: Commit to standing up against discrimination towards girls and women who wear the hijab by taking our pledge today! Click here to pledge! 

Send us images: If you are comfortable, send in your photograph to us via our website here with your personal hijab experience which we will publicize on our social media.

Send us an article: You are also welcome to share your stories with us through articles for our blog. Submit article here. 

Organize awareness campaigns/events: The complete guide to how to celebrate World Hijab Day can be found here. We got you covered (catch the pun?) with an entire social media toolkit and letters to your employer and the principal of your school among facilities, highlighting why you believe we should all celebrate World Hijab Day. If you are hosting a World Hijab Day event, please register here to be featured on our website and social media platforms. 

Recognition: Support World Hijab Day in gaining national and international recognition by seeking official proclamations. This effort aims to advance the cause of religious freedom, foster cultural understanding, and strengthen global solidarity. More information, click here.

Support Us: Join us in celebrating World Hijab Day by making a meaningful donation of $10 here today! Your contribution is more than just a financial gift; it empowers us to dismantle bigotry, discrimination, and prejudice against hijab wearing girls and women through awareness, education and empowerment.

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World Hijab Day (WHD) is an annual event in its fifth year. On February 1st of every year, WHD asks global citizens of all faiths to observe Hijab (head-covering) for a day in solidarity with Muslim women worldwide.
The overall mission of WHD is to create a more peaceful world where global citizens respect each other. Particularly, WHD focuses on fighting bigotry, discrimination, and prejudice against Muslim women. This is most crucial in these times where Hijab is being banned in some countries while in other countries, Muslim women are being targeted and harassed verbally and physically.

Below are some of the shocking but true headlines:

Muslim Women Have Been Attacked at Multiple Colleges Since Trump Won (Vice)
Queens Muslim Woman 19: Pair Yelled Remove Hijab (NY Daily News)
Muslim High School Teacher Told Hang Yourself With Hijab (NY Daily News)
Muslim Girl’s Hijab Ripped Off in Front of Students (Times of India)
UW Bothwell Investigating Possible Hate Crime Against Muslim Women (Seattle Times)
California Woman Robbed Called Hijab-Wearing B* (NY Daily News)

New York State assemblyman David Weprin issued an endorsement of World Hijab Day stating: “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.”

Nazma Khan, a New York native, initiated this global movement with the intent of bringing awareness on a subject that’s very dear to her and millions of Muslim women across the globe. While growing up in NYC, she was harassed both physically and emotionally on numerous occasions. The presence of such discrimination heightened around 9/11 because of her human right to wear the hijab. Her purpose was to introduce her pain to others in hopes that no one will ever have to go through the emotional trauma simply because of the love they have for their faith. Consequently, on February 1st, 2013, she asked her fellow sisters of all faiths across the globe to don the hijab for one day.  Within eight days, she got responses from women residing in 67 different countries that represented a conglomerate of religious backgrounds, to include Christians, Jewish, Pagans, Wiccans, Rastafarians, Buddhists, Atheists etc. WHD gave an opportunity to citizens worldwide who were not familiar with the Islamic faith to open up dialogues with their Muslim neighbors, co-workers, and friends.  Additionally, WHD presented an opportunity for teachers to understand why their Muslim students wear the hijab. It also provided non-Muslim mothers a chance to better understand their daughter’s faith and the decision to wear hijab. The negative perception on hijab allowed people to act upon their fears and hurt innocent women without a real and existing threat.  WHD simply presented an opportunity for everyone to learn about hijab and its importance in the Islamic faith without perpetuating the negative generalizations in today’s society.

WHD has thousands of volunteers worldwide and 70+ WHD Ambassadors from over 45 countries. WHD Ambassadors come from all walks of life from a high school student to a Congresswoman in the Philippines. Last year alone, 150 countries partook in WHD. In addition to that, WHD has been endorsed by many world renowned individuals including scholars, politicians, and celebrities worldwide. WHD was covered in mainstream news media including New York Times, BBC, CNN, Al-Jazeera, Huffington Post, etc to name a few. Recently, Time Magazine listed World Hijab Day in their world calendar, The Year Ahead 2017. It is estimated 190 countries will take part in WHD’17.

“I participated in World Hijab Day and it was a good experience that I will repeat. I live in a very small, very Christian town.  There were some strange looks and people were staring at me – and then looking away quickly when they realized I saw them looking. A few people seemed surprised that I spoke English. The fact that I was wearing hijab gave me the opportunity to talk to my step children about respect, difference, and peace.” (Talya Leodari -Jewish, USA)

We must STAND for Muslim women’s right to cover. There are many ways to show your solidarity.
*Attend the WHD event on Facebook and invite your friends: https://www.facebook.com/events/357711751248489
*Observe Hijab on Feb. 1st, 2017
*Use the hashtags: #IStand4Hijab and #WorldHijabDay
*Organize a WHD event in your community.
*Send emails or letters to local Mosques/religious congregations showing your support.
*Write letters to local officials about protecting Muslim women’s right to cover.

For more information or to support our campaign, go to https://worldhijabday.com/store

For media requests, please contact us at info@WorldHijabDay.com

The post Press Release appeared first on World Hijab Day.

‘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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Because the attached picture was taken on the 1st of February 2013, it makes it exactly 2 years now since I have donned the Hijab. I clearly remember how excited I was and how painful it was to properly style the long shawl. It felt pretty warm too!

One of the first questions people would ask me was what prompted me to make change in my life, especially when I was known to dress in a quite fashionable manner in my younger days. The transformation was brutal and to some, it came as a real shock!

Well, the decision I made had nothing to do with a Pilgrimage Trip or a Completed Hajj. I had just quit a horrible job at that point in time and felt that the time was ripe to “follow instructions” from the Creator, and stay on the straight path. I didn’t want to be straying from his mandatory requirements anymore.
Besides, I no longer wanted to be “free for all”. So, yeah, I made that call to put on the veil – a decision which came straight from the heart, with absolutely no external pressure from anyone.

I kinda regret I made that call a little late in life – and for that, I’d like to offer some food for thought to some young ladies out there.

Believe it or not, the Hijab doesn’t reduce your attractiveness at all.

The beauty that is in your heart and the light that is in your face, will in fact, radiate more once your hair is properly covered and your body lines blurred. And the bonus is, men will automatically respect your more.
No more whistling and no more nonsensical talks.

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Recently my friend notified me that my story that I submitted last year for world hijab day made the rounds back onto the page again. I thought I’d share what I’ve learned in my one year of wearing hijab. While one year is a short time in comparison to the 24 years I’ve been on this earth, I must admit that I have learned a lot in that small amount of time. Not only have I learned more about myself, but also a LOT about other people and their perceptions of the world and me in hijab. I thought I’d hash out a few of the things that I have come to find out in these last 365 days. I hope this helps others as they embark on this journey of hijab as well.

1. You can’t (and shouldn’t try!) please everyone.

Even when wearing hijab, if not because of it, people will love to judge you. The worst part is that most of the judgement will come from other Muslims! One person will think you are too conservative because you wear hijab, but the next person thinks you are too liberal because you wear jeans. But you know what? Their opinion doesn’t matter! You didn’t put on hijab for people, you put it on for Allah, because you feel it’s important for your growth spiritually. As long as you feel good about how you wear your hijab, no one else’s opinion matters.

2. You are a strong and independent woman! Skin doesn’t determine your strength!

Don’t be fooled by cultural feminists, you don’t need to show some skin to show your strength and independence as a woman. While some women feel that showing cleavage and leg empowers them as women, I feel like my hijab empowers me. While this is a topic for its own post…in a nutshell, hijab doesn’t mean you can’t speak out or have an opinion.

3. You will be treated differently

No matter what people tell you, you will be treated differently. Your friends will need to adjust to you as a hijabi (if they knew you before covering), especially if you partook in activities that are unbecoming of a Muslima (Muslim woman). For instance, now that clubbing and drinking are a no-no, some friends may not find you as interesting or fun to hang out with. You know what? That’s ok. For every person that thinks you are boring, another person finds you inspiring! I have a friend who loves to discuss my (and her) spiritual journies, including coming to hijab. Once on the city bus I saw a girl wearing a scarf loosely over her ponytail, and when she saw me she straightened the scarf to cover her head completely, and then smiled at me. I smiled back. You are making a difference, whether or not you see it.

Also, sometimes you get the stink-eye, but other times you are treated with the utmost respect. I was flabbergasted when a young man (maybe a bit younger than me) stood up on a crowded bus to give me a seat. That never happened to me before I covered. Could it be that maybe there was just one gentleman on the bus that day? Maybe, but when it happened a few more times I started to think it wasn’t coincidence.

4. People are going to assume

People are going to assume that you think a certain way or believe a certain thing because you wear hijab. They think they know why you started to wear it (ESPECIALLY if you just got married to a Muslim). Don’t let that get to you! If you weren’t being stereotyped for wearing hijab, you’d be stereotyped by your race, or your style, or having tattoos, or your hair cut, or your accent… people always want to fit others in a little box, and you don’t need to worry about that. Just keep on keeping on, sister. Their assumptions don’t define you.

5. Everyone’s journey is different

While some people find hijab to be easy, others find it so, so hard. If you are struggling to keep your hijab, while your friends or family seem to be wearing it with ease, that’s ok. There’s nothing wrong with you and there’s nothing strange about your struggle (or lack thereof!) Some days I love my hijab, other days I don’t even want to leave the house because I feel weird with it on. Fortunately, more days I love it . In any case, one person’s trials don’t apply to everyone- but take comfort that someone out there is feeling the same as you are, even if it’s not at the same time.

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I am 24 years old. I am from Egypt but now I live in the U.S. I am a born Muslim. When I was young, my father sent me to an Islamic school where I was taught Islamic teachings in addition to the regular classes. I started wearing Hijab as a part of the school uniform from the 1st grade and by puberty, I wore it everywhere. I can’t remember anyone asking me whether I really wanted to wear Hijab or not. I had never thought about it before. Since I came here to the U.S, a year ago, I started to question myself. Did really want to wear Hijab? I used to think if it was for my father, my culture or traditions I’m wearing it. Then I was here alone, in a new place and no one knew who I was so I could do whatever I wanted to.  And to take care of the image in front of my own family and people, I wouldn’t share anything online.

But to my own surprise, I really wanted to keep the hijab for the rest of my life. Though I wasn’t asked of my opinion years before when I started wearing it, but I was not forced to wear it either. Hijab makes sense for girls. I believe this is how Allah created us. Hijab is modesty and virtue.

My Hijab has always given people a chance to know the real me regardless of my beauty or my color. I am not judged by my body or shape. Instead I am judged by my personality, mentality, character, and humanity. For me, this is absolute fairness.

In the U.S., the country of “freedom”, my Hijab forced everyone to respect me and no one dared to ask me to dance, to drink, or have sex. Why? Because Hijab is a crown on my head. I feel like a real queen among my colleagues here. Accordingly, I behave within the frame my Hijab and to meet people’s high expectations. My Hijab protects me greatly from committing sins if Satan tries to make me forget that Allah is everywhere (by His divine knowledge).

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I was always “scared” to wear Hijab. Worried about what friends, family and co-workers would say played a big role in my decision. I have a fellow revert friend whose been my best friend for years and she reminded me that on the day of Judgement we would have to answer to Allah (Swt) for ourselves, none of those friends, family members or co-workers would be with us. What would my excuse then be for not wearing hijab? I was scared? But how could I NOT be scared of my Creator? This opened my eyes, gave me a wake-up call. The day I started wearing hijab, I felt confident, free, not preyed upon like a piece of meat. Even though I live in a small town where people aren’t used to seeing reverts and especially wearing hijab, I was afraid of the comments I would get but, surprisingly I’ve been told I look beautiful. Of course, I get the odd look or two but I now wear my hijab with pride and I wouldn’t take it off for anybody! Alhamdulilah (Praise be to Allah), I am so blessed to be a Muslim!

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A large number of non-Muslims show great support for our sisters and get a first hand feel of the hijab by donning it for a day.

Amongst other benefits from last years experience was that many non-Muslims have since actively supported the hijab and show greater appreciation and respect for hijabis.

The idea is also to support those of us shying away due to the incorrect perceptions of the hijab to take the steps we’ve been longing to take.

When the world understands what hijab is, where it comes from and why it is donned, it will appreciate that banning it would do more harm than good.

World Hijab Day is simply to create awareness and educate the world and because reminding is beneficial to all, World Hijab Day is held annually.

Source: Mufti Menk Facebook Fan page 

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