We don’t get much of a summer in Scotland but for the odd day where the clouds give way to some sunshine, the heat can actually be quite unbearable. So much so that we have a phrase- “SUNS OOT…TAPS AFF”, which means that everyone that can, will put their body image issues as well as their fear of being burned to a crisp to the side, to embrace the sunshine with their bare bodies.

But what about the Hijabis? On one hand, it’s great to see the sunshine (especially in Scotland), but on the other hand, it can very quickly start to feel too hot under that hijab. Having successfully navigated Scottish summers for most of my life, as well as surviving a few years in the relentless summers of the Middle East, I picked up a few tips and tricks for how to stay cool, comfortable, and stylish in the summer season. So, whether you are in the part of the world that sees the sun once a year, or somewhere that knows no other season, I’ve got you covered. Here’s my list on how to beat the heat as a Hijabi.

1. Intention

When the going gets tough, it’s the WHY that pulls us through. Remember, your hijab is not just a piece of clothing; it’s a beautiful expression of your faith and commitment to Allah. Taking a moment to reflect on this before you step out of the door will not only ensure that you are eligible for the reward of donning it (after all actions are judged by intention), it can provide a refreshing boost of inner strength and motivation.

2. Consider the Benefits

Of course we aren’t in this for worldly benefits, but let’s not deny the infinite wisdom behind the rule. While everyone else is battling with sticky sunscreen, you’re already covered—literally! No awkward sun cream streaks and flawless, protected skin all day long.

No need to worry about taming the summer frizz either- go out with your hair pulled back in an unattractive mum bun under that hijab and nobody will know. How’s that for motivation? Alhamdulillah!

3. Light and Breathable Fabrics

Especially for your headscarves, opt for materials like cotton, linen, and chiffon. These fabrics are light, breathable, and perfect for preventing your head from sweating. On the other hand, avoid heavy, synthetic fabrics that trap heat and sweat. If you are in Scotland though, don’t throw those out, you’ll need them again tomorrow!

If you are of Pakistani origin like myself, then I’m sure lawnis already your best friend. If not, you don’t know what you’re missing! It’s a special material, even thinner than cotton and super comfortable and cooling. Give it a go this season- there are lots of amazing, modest and vibrant outfits to choose from that are usually very affordable too. Try the shop that rhymes with shaadi.

4. Pastels All the Way

Summertime is for unleashing your inner pastel princess. Choosing light colours for your clothes and your headscarf, like white, beige, soft pink, and baby blue, will reflect sunlight rather than absorb it, keeping you cooler. Plus, they’re perfect for a fresh, summery look. Alhamdulillah for a deen that embraces all colours!

5. Loose, Flowy Outfits

Maxi dresses, wide-legged pants, and tunic tops are not only modest, but also comfortable and super stylish. The airflow will keep you feeling breezy, and you’ll look effortlessly elegant.

6. Stay Hydrated

This one’s a no-brainer but so important. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and sip regularly. Staying hydrated helps your body regulate its temperature and keeps your skin glowing. Hydration also helps you feel more alert, focused, and less fatigued, allowing you to enjoy summer activities without feeling excessively hot or uncomfortable. Infuse your water with some fresh mint or cucumber for an extra refreshing twist. And yes- it’s fine to swap the water for a slushie now and again!

7. Cooling Accessories

Invest in some cooling accessories like a handheld fan or a cooling towel. A spritz bottle filled with water and a few drops of essential oil can be a lifesaver. Just a quick spray on your face and neck (underneath the hijab of course) can make a world of difference.

8. Minimal Makeup

If you are a Hijabi that currently struggles to wear less make-up- summer is the perfect time to embrace the natural look. Heavy makeup can feel suffocating in the heat, so stick to the basics. A lightweight tinted moisturiser that includes SPF, some waterproof mascara, and a tinted lip balm are all you need to look fresh and fabulous.

9. Find the Shade

If staying outdoors for long periods of time, whenever possible, stay in the shade. If natural shade isn’t an option, carry a wide-brimmed hat or an umbrella.

10. Plan Your Activities Wisely

Particularly if you are battling the middle-eastern temperatures of over 40 degrees, try to avoid outdoor activities during the peak heat of the day. Early mornings and evenings are the best times for a stroll through the park or a picnic. And if you do need to be out and about during the hottest part of the day, take frequent breaks and find air-conditioned spots to cool down- there must be a mall nearby!

11. Positive Vibes Only

Lastly, if you keep telling yourself how hot you feel, it will add to your discomfort and irritation. Keep your spirits high and your vibes positive. Embrace the summer with a smile, after all, it is a time for fun, relaxation, and making beautiful memories. For us Hijabis, it has the added benefit of earning extra reward from Allah. Win-win!

So there you have it, ladies! With these tips, you can stay cool, comfortable, and chic all summer long. Here’s to enjoying the sunny days ahead, all while keeping your ‘TAPS’ on!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Sana A. Faqir was born and brought up in Scotland, UK and spent a number of years living in Dubai with her husband and 3 children. Now back in Scotland, Sana has placed her legal career on hold to pursue her long-standing dream of writing children’s books. She hopes to inspire both Muslims and Non-Muslims through her writing. Sana is also the Coordinator of an annual Islamic book fair in Scotland. Sana’s aim is to ensure that Muslim kids in Scotland find representation in the books that they read.

Instagram and Facebook: @sana_a_faqir
Twitter: @SanaFaqir

The post Beat the Hijabi Heat: A Hijabi’s Guide to Staying Cool This Summer appeared first on World Hijab Day.

Stereotypes.  We all have them no matter how enlightened we convince ourselves that we are.  I, myself, am guilty of them. I am also hyper-aware of stereotypes because I know I shatter them.  I am a hijab–wearing woman living in a post-9/11 United States.  I graduated in the top ten percent of my class from one of the most rigorous universities in the country and became a subspecialized physician.  Every day my existence pushes back against the notion that women who wear hijab are oppressed, uneducated or backwards.

Lately, I think a lot about why governments of some countries are adamantly trying to prevent women from wearing hijab, enacting laws against wearing it in public, whether while working or at leisure.  I went to a liberal arts university that drove me to become a critical thinker.  So please indulge me.  What kind of strength does it take to stand against torrential waves of culture trying to convince women that physical beauty is everything.  Women are bombarded with commercials from the beauty industry.  Women’s images are used to sell everything from cars to colas.  And the notion of physicality has only been enhanced a million-fold in the age of social media, specifically Instagram and TikTok.  Human beings have been conditioned to curate content and to curate the “best” content, we need the Instagrammable look.

The notion of hijab contradicts the idea that a woman’s worth is her physical beauty.  I am not saying that is why Muslim women wear hijab.  Nor am I pretending that I represent the opinion of all hijab-wearing women.  I wear hijab because I believe that is what God asked me to do.  I believe in an Omnipotent God who created all human beings, all living creatures and everything else.  I believe in God’s Infinite Wisdom and that God is the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.  Logic dictates that if I believe all these things about God and I believe God asked me to wear hijab, then I will wear it.  

However, doing what is logical does not mean it is easy.  It’s not easy to face discrimination or to have to prove yourself with every single encounter.  To prove that yes, I speak English.  Yes, I am a doctor.  Yes, I am qualified for this job.  And it’s certainly not easy when the President of your country posts a video of a Muslim congresswoman who covers her hair intertwined with images of 9/11 and the words “We will never forget,” thereby painting a target on women like me. Nevertheless, we persist.  Every morning, before I leave for work, as I put my hijab on, I am reminded that God is so much greater than all of it.  God is larger than my worries.  God has given me more than any other entity.  My ability to breathe, to see, to walk, to think, to love, to see beauty, to experience kindness.  It all comes from God. God would never hurt me. God wants what is best for me.  God loves me and has more mercy toward me than I could ever experience toward my own four children – that fact alone necessitates that I would devote my whole being to what has been asked of me.

Have I ever thought about what if my religion is wrong in this arena? Of course.  What critical thinker does not closely examine alternatives and contradictions? I work for a Catholic institution.  Not once have I seen a statue or image of the Virgin Mary without her hair covered.  I know Jewish women also cover their hair.  It is not a coincidence that even until today some Christian women will still cover their heads when they enter church.  And mind you, in Islam, it is not just women who cover their heads.  Men are strongly recommended to cover their heads also.

As millions of women across the globe make the same decision daily, it is easy to see why governments may feel threatened.  It is not easy to govern critical thinkers who derive incredible mental strength from a faith founded in love of an Infinite Source.  For some governments to pose as enlightened and liberal, yet turn around and try to govern how women dress in public seems a little archaic and hypocritical to say the least.  Yet here it is, the year 2023 and this is where we are.

How about we let people choose?  How about we respect, not just tolerate, religious differences? How about we ask people about their choices and educate ourselves instead of assuming from our vantage points?  How about we recognize that we have stereotypes and vow to try to abandon them, choosing to be open-minded with every human being we encounter? Because, stereotypes… we all have them.

About the Author:

Dr. Nour Akhras is a board-certified pediatric infectious diseases physician who has been working at a free-standing Women and Children’s Hospital in the suburbs of Chicago for the last decade.  She holds a BA in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Chicago and received her medical degree from Rush Medical College.    She has traveled internationally, serving victims of war on multiple medical missions.  Dr. Akhras has advocated for the rights of refugees by authoring op-eds in newspapers like USA Today and the Chicago Sun-Times and through speaking engagements including presenting at Washington DC’s National Press Club on the effects the violence of the Syrian war has had on the lives of Syrian women.   She is the author of an upcoming memoir titled Just One: A Journey of Perseverance and Conviction expected to be published in the Spring of 2023.  She lives with her husband and four children and enjoys swimming, biking and watching her kids on their various basketball teams.

Instagram: and Twitter: nourakhrasmd

Facebook: Nour Akhras

The post Nevertheless, We Persist With Hijab appeared first on World Hijab Day.

Here are five individuals who wore their hijabs like crowns, while inspiring all people, worldwide! These women show that their hijab did not deter them from following their dreams, thereby tackling down the stereotypical veiled woman behind bars. On the contrary, these five women have proven that their hijab kept them grounded, confident in embracing their own individual identities. Please note that these women are not listed in any particular order of significance; they are all equally significant and inspiring.

Tahera Rahman is the first full-time hijabi newscaster in the USA. Having graduated with a journalism degree from Loyola University in Chicago, she is currently a TV reporter for the KXAN News, an affiliate of NBC, in Austen, Texas. Rahman tells Loyola Magazine that she became the first Muslim woman to wear hijab on broadcast TV by never accepting “No” for an answer. After many rejections, Rahman had initially worked as a producer for WHBF-TV, the CBS affiliate, hoping that working behind-the-scenes would help her gain the experience necessary to make it in front of the camera. And she made it! When Rahman was offered her current position, she was in tears. She tells Loyola Magazine that she is grateful to her mother for encouraging her to continue applying for newscaster positions and she is to Allah, for everything. She is happily married to Sports MMJ, Reporter and Anchor, Adam Rossow and they are expecting their first-born.

Kubra Dagli is a worldwide renowned Turkish taekwondo champion in the proomsae category (freestyle). Sports runs in her blood: her father is a boxing coach and her uncle was her taekwondo coach when she was 13-years-old. Winner of the gold medal in the over-18 section in Peru in 2016, a winner of gold or silver medal at every national championship, she also won five gold medals, coming second only to South Korea. Turkey has established itself as a new force in the world of taekwondo, according to TRT World. Dagli wrote on her social media regarding the media coverage that she received: “They don’t speak of my success, but of my headscarf. I don’t want this. Our success should be discussed.” Did she ever receive prejudice because of her headscarf during competition? Once, when she was coerced to wear a bandana instead of a hijab in 2013.

Nadiya Jamir Hussain is a famous British chef, having won the sixth season of “The Great British Bake Off,” which rocketed her career toward numerous TV-appearances and about 25 book publications, including both fiction and cook books! She is happily married and a mother of two sons, and one daughter. Nadiya was a shy girl growing up and suffered panic attacks during her adulthood, but with the support of her loving husband, she pulled through. After winning “The Great British Bake Off,” Nadiya decided never again to tell herself, “I can’t do it!” As for hijab, Nadiya shared in the media that she has worn the hijab since she was 14-years-old “…not specifically because I came from a religious family, in fact I came from quite the opposite, it was something I found myself. It’s a sign of being a Muslim and practicing Islam. A sign of modesty. Hair is seen as something beautiful, you preserve that for specific people.”

Silma Ihram is known as the founder of Muslim education in Sydney, Australia. Born Anne Frances Beaumont, she found Islam in 1976 during her visit to Indonesia. In 1987, Ihram founded a primary school for 105 Muslims. As a Principal, she wanted to emphasize that Muslims can also be proud Australians. She fought hard to preserve the school against Islamophobic and racial attacks. There is even a documentary about her struggles entitled, “Silma’s School,” which was released in 2006. Noor Al Houda Islamic College was eventually taken over by the Australian International Academy from Melbourne, giving her time to focus on family and other projects. In fact, she became an active political leader, becoming one of first two Muslim female candidates running for the safe Labor seat of Auburn in the 2007 State Election. Moreover, Ihram founded The Australian Muslim Women’s Association in 2011. Not to mention, she is a published author. Winner of many accolades for contributions to the Muslim community, Ihram is married and is a mother of six. Her ambitions include eventually opening up an interfaith college.

Dr. Hawa Abdi (1947-2020), a.k.a. “Mama Hawa” to Somalis worldwide, was a humanitarian activist during times of war and famine. She grew up on a farm in Mogadishu, where she lived a simple and beautiful life until the government collapsed in 1988 and strangers came knocking on her door. Suffering from the consequences of the collapse, these people had come to her seeking refuge and a strong believer in hospitality, Dr. Hawa Abdi opened up her door. She watched children hold guns and many die due to both war and famine. Her community grew to 90,000 residents in a span of 20 years. She even built the Dr. Hawa Abdi General Hospital, providing 400 beds. Dr. Hawa Abdi’s humanitarian efforts to provide healthcare, education, sanitation and healthcare to thousands of displaced individuals earned her the nomination of the Nobel Peace Prize among other accolades. She leaves behind two children: Deqo and Amina. Her third child, Ahmed, passed away in a tragic car accident in 2005.

All five of these women have faced many battles in their lives, whether internally and/or externally. One thing was for sure: they boldly and proudly wore the hijab and their faith played a big role in their lives.

About the Author:

Rumki Chowdhury is Editor of World Hijab Day Organization. Moreover, she has her own editing services. She is an award-winning published author and poet. 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.

Instagram and Facebook @rumkitheauthor

Twitter @rumkichowdhury

www.rumki.com

The post Five Inspirational Hijabi Personalities appeared first on World Hijab Day.

The image of the hijabi Muslim woman created by the West after 9/11 has been consistent: she is constantly depicted as oppressed, submissive to men, forced to cover up and unable to make her own decisions. Even in many Muslim countries, still under the cultural influence of colonization, women wearing the hijab or headscarf are often discriminated against, ridiculed and they are unable to find job opportunities.

How is it possible that hundreds of years of Islamic history were so easily forgotten, even in those lands where Islam was born? Islam changed history forever by bringing new values for the whole of humanity. Allah SWT explicitly stated in the Quran that men and women are equal. Islam forbade female infanticide, instructed Muslims to educate daughters as well as sons, insisted that women have the right to choose their husbands and gave women the right to divorce. In the Quran, both women and men are advised to lower their gaze.

If we just look at the years of the Islamic revelation, we see endless examples of women who weren’t afraid of defying the patriarchal laws of Quraysh. I’m not talking only about the wives of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. In fact, more than 1200 women were listed as companions of the Prophet صلىالله عليه وسلم, or sahabiyyat.

The first believer of Islam was a woman, Khadijah. The first martyr of Islam was also a woman, Sumayyah. In addition, oneof the first Muslim women to participate in battles wasNusaybah, who fought in the Battle of Uhud to defend ourProphet صلى الله عليه وسلم. Let’s not forget Asma, the daughter ofAbu Bakrعليه السلام, who secretly organized the escape ofProphet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم from Mecca to Medinaduring Muslim persecution. Let’s remember Aisha, one of the “Mothers of the Believers,” who led an entire army against Ali, the fourth caliph! Moreover, she was a true jurist, a faqiha, as she transmitted hundreds of hadith (Islamic teachings or sayings of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم). 

In the Quran, we are given further examples of strong and piouswomen including Bilquis, the queen of Saba, (Queen of Sheebain English), who was a wise political leader. Then, there’sMaryam, mother of Jesus عليه وسلم, who has an entire chapter ofthe Quran named after her. In addition, there are many otherinspirational women from our Islamic history, mentioned in theQuran, including Asiya, the adopted mother of Moses  عليه وسلم , and Sarah and Hajar, the wives of Abraham عليه وسلم.

Evidently, these Muslim women from Islamic history, were brave and wanted to, alongside the men, contribute to the new Muslim society. I look at them as universal examples of female identity: courage, humility, determination, strength, and perseverance.

Yet, the hijab continues to be considered by certain societies as an example of oppression.  Take the most recent hijab ban in Karnataka, India, as one example where hijabi women have lost their right to education. Even in Europe, as a whole, any employer can legally fire an employee if she refuses to take off her hijab when asked to do so! Therefore, the hijab does not, in any way, prevent women from pursuing their dreams, but such laws forbidding women to wear the hijab, do! Our Islamic history is a testament to that.

Reminder: 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.

About the Author

Lucia Rallo is a Kindergarten teacher at Maarif School USA. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Venice. She also speaks four different languages fluently and studied many more. She is passionate about female-related topics in Islam. She loves traveling, reading, writing, arts and crafts, modest fashion and having fun with her children, too. She currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and three children. You can find her on Instagram @lucia_aurelia

The post Change the Depiction of Hijabi Women appeared first on World Hijab Day.

To begin, let me state unequivocally that Muslim women should have the freedom to decide whether or not to wear the hijab. It should be entirely in their hands to make this decision. Any intellectual discussion of the veil’s use in educational facilities or other public spaces should be founded on and centered on this fundamental point.

Since the declaration of a “war on terror” two decades ago, Muslim women have been the victims of institutionalized Islamophobia in Europe and other parts of the world. Their freedom of expression and religion have been systematically hampered with and violated by European states and other parts of the world through discriminatory legislation and policies, as well as racist rhetoric.

Under the guise of ‘neutrality’ and ‘protection,’ these countries are slipping into pre-Renaissance religious intolerance by enacting discriminatory laws. Many Muslim women have faced gendered Islamophobia and discrimination as a result of these state-led actions. Headscarf bans have had a significant impact on Muslim women, both those who choose to wear them and those who do not.

In today’s world, Islamophobic attacks are on the verge of escalating. Muslims are accused of women’s oppression, terrorism, ignorance and hostility toward civilization. Many Muslim communities are being persecuted around the world. Some Muslims are caught in the middle of a battle in which they are subjected to military fire. Others are embroiled in a battle of ideas, conflicted by propaganda and insults. Oftentimes, psychological warfare is more damaging than military warfare, as its effects can linger for generations. And Muslim women who wear the hijab, which is the most visible representation of Islam, are caught in the middle of heated hate.

Instead of zeroing in on the issue of people’s prejudices against Muslims, the argument is predicated on the assumption that the hijab is the problem. Is it that important what people are wearing? If real progress is to be made, it must begin and end with the removal of bigotry, not with the removal of head coverings.

Can individual rights be protected while maintaining society’s secularist values without being overly restrictive of individual rights or being overly liberal in preserving a culture of foreign norms? Legislation and judicial review are used to negotiate the specific balancing points between the will of the majority and the freedom of the individual.

While secularism may prevent people from making laws based on religious scriptures, it cannot prevent fascists from oppressing religious minorities as “threats” to national identity. Currently, this is what we are seeing in India with the Hindutva Movement against Muslims, and it happens in France and Austria, and it is gradually spreading throughout Europe. The fight over the hijab isn’t just an Indian or European issue; it’s a global phenomenon with a long history. The challenge for these countries lies in shifting away from a state-controlled public sphere toward a pluralistic society that can accommodate people of diverse ethnicities and religious beliefs.

Moreover, liberal democracies are built on the principle of giving individuals the latitude and freedom to express themselves, including their religious convictions. That is, the individual is shielded from the state’s ability to dictate their choices.

Democracies are legitimate when their general will is shaped by free people. Individual liberty is threatened when the democratic will is undermined, so individual rights are protected to keep democracy from crumbling. This has been the consensus since at least the time of John Locke.

Individual rights would be violated if the hijab were to be prohibited. It is yet another method of controlling women, and taking it to the government level and legislating how women dress is a violation of human rights and undermines the entire foundation of democracy. Moreover, some see the hijab as a symbol of ethnic identity and self-affirmation in a society where Muslim communities constitute a significant number of those marginalized. It is not the right policy to try to outlaw religious symbols in educational facilities and other public spaces. This blanket ban is the embodiment of the very fundamentalist ideology that it seeks to combat.

Secularism should enshrine the idea that all religions are welcome as long as no one is discriminated against, religious or non-religious, and as long as everyone is treated equally in terms of rights and responsibilities in front of the law.

About the Author

Famidah Dirampaten is a candidate for the Master of Arts in Religious Studies with concentrations in Interfaith Peace Building and Nonprofit Leadership at the Unification Theological Seminary in New York. She is currently based in Doha, Qatar. Instagram@famidz

The post THE GUISE OF SECULARISM: HIJAB BANS appeared first on World Hijab Day.

“You’re very well spoken,” she said, as she handed me my cheddar croissant “for…” Her voice trailing off before she could say the words.

But sometimes, words don’t need to be said to see what someone’s thinking, her eyes screening my attire, and somehow it not making sense to her that someone who looks like me could speak so well, could in one moment articulate that I wanted a croissant, that I’m from Florida, about the politics there, and a whole series of different things in the five minutes we spoke.

The truth of the matter is society today puts a lot of thought into what we look like and what we should look like. Appearances, first impressions, that profile pic on this app and the latest fashion etc. There’s nothing wrong with that ofcourse, except when everything is flipped to the other way when the superficial becomes the precedent, and then everyone is clamoring to be part of the chase. Lest we reflect.

Thus, the hijab, the veil, the covering, one of the many aspects of the layers of hijab, is seen as a political tool, or even as a demonized entity downplayed or overplayed by the media to a point where a woman who looks like me, asking for a cheddar croissant in English is surprising.

So you see, it is not our hijab that is the problem. It is the eyes that are broken to have perceived a most beautiful thing in our lives, that gives women like me utmost freedom to be ourselves, to be unimportant, so much so that they tend to speak for us.

Please don’t speak for us. We do that very well ourselves.

About Author

Zainab Merchant is a journalist, author and entrepreneur. She is author of the books “To Be a Muslim” and “Princess Siyana’s Pen”, with a third title underway. Zainab is more commonly known by her blog name ZainabRights where she speaks about social justice issues, current affairs and God centric activism. She is in the final semester of her master’s program at Harvard University in Journalism and International Security, as well as co-founder of the independent media outlet The Muslim Journalists. Originally from Florida, USA, she currently resides in Canada with her husband and three children. (IG/@zainabrights)

The post Please don’t speak for us appeared first on World Hijab Day.

It’s been 3 great years since I started wearing God’s gracious gift to women that is a headscarf, tudung or hijab etc. as we call it. When I began wearing hijab, I was asked whether it is going to last? I’m proud of it although, in the beginning I had moments of self-conflict like any other normal person and I thought of the consequences of continuing it for life. But I told myself that I am trying my best to stand tall and defend my dignity and pride to represent who and what I am today.

I know people are surprised, both positively and negatively. But as I remind myself everyday that I am so lucky that Allah SWT (All Praise to Him) chose me like the rest of you to be closer to Him so better now than never. I was not born an angel but thank God I experienced everything early through years of curiosity and the learning continues. It’s been overwhelming but oh well, I take it with a pinch of salt. Life is not as sweet all the time. A little bit of bitter and sour moments only make life more complete.

Little would you know that many women cover by CHOICE.

The post Personal struggles of a hijabi appeared first on World Hijab Day.