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.

I was 14 years old when I decided I was ready to wear the hijab. Having worn it through the summer break, I knew I wanted to start wearing it to school. I didn’t anticipate any obstacles, other than the nerves of facing my classmates and teachers in the new attire.

On the first day of term, I got my parents to write a letter to the principal, as a matter of courtesy. On my way to morning assembly, I stopped by the principal’s office to deliver that letter. It was only upon seeing the utter rage on his face, that my stomach churned with the thought that my wanting to rock my beautiful black headscarf at school might become a problem. Nevertheless, I handed over the letter and entered the assembly hall. Following the assembly, I was summoned to the vice principal’s office. A lady with a significantly gentler manner than the principal, she had been tasked with delivering his difficult message: this was a Christian school, thus any “overt symbols” relating to another religion were not allowed on school grounds. I was told to either remove my hijab or be suspended.

I was confused. This was a school in which I was free to fast during Ramadan. In fact, there was a dedicated room where Muslim students could go during lunch hour during Ramadan. Packed lunches were handed out to allow us to break our fast in class. Islam was taught in Religious Studies lessons. What was so overt about this one religious symbol that deemed it unacceptable?

Recent events as in the abaya ban in France got me thinking about this question again. Over two decades later, in a world where there is more acceptance of an individual’s life choices, in one of the biggest democracies in the world, why is this particular choice being forcibly removed from female students?

A quick look at history told me that this wasn’t the first time that women’s dress code became subject to controversy. In ancient China, for example, the practice of foot binding was imposed on women to conform to an ideal of small, delicate feet. A practice which severely restricted women’s mobility yet they continued to bear with it. During the Victorian era, corsets were worn by women to attain the fashionable hourglass figure. These tight garments not only restricted women’s physical comfort but also served as a symbol of women’s submission to societal beauty standards. Suffragettes in the early 20th century often faced ridicule and criticism for wearing clothing that was considered ‘unfeminine.’

Each of these examples has one common factor; decisions taken for women by their particular ‘society,’ i.e. men. Who gave men the authority to decide how women should dress and what the standards of beauty should be? Nobody. They probably realised that if women were kept busy in how they looked, they would have no time or brain space to question anything around them. And in the case of the Suffragettes, when women did try to stand up for important matters, men used that same criticism to distract from and delegitimize their cause.

Enter- the modern Muslim woman who chooses to wear the hijab.  Not because any man or woman has asked her to (yes, there are societies where this happens too), but because she has chosen to.  She has weighed up the need to bow to societal pressures against the requirements of her Creator, and decided that her Creator is more important. In short, she has decided to live her life by the following verse: “…Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds (Surah Al-An’am, 6:162).” It is an empowering reminder that she does not take instructions from anyone but her Lord.

She has braved hiding her beauty behind her hijab because she is satisfied with the status Islam gives women. Her role models include Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the first female Muslim, an extremely successful businesswoman, who was busy shattering glass ceilings at a time when the rest of the world thought girls should be buried alive. Another inspiration is Fatimah al-Fihri who founded the oldest university in the world (as recognized by UNESCO), when educating women wasn’t on anybody’s priority list. The world remembers these women, not for their beauty or their clothing, but for their contribution to society. This is what the hijab-wearing woman of today wants for herself.

Her beauty is now not up for discussion, in the same way it was never up for discussion for her male counterparts. Wait a minute. Perhaps it wasn’t the religious symbolism that scared them after all. Perhaps, it was the feminism.

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 Rocking my Black Headscarf at 14 appeared first on World Hijab Day.

It’s been over 20 years since I started wearing the hijab, Alhamdulillah, and I can tell you that the hijab is a highly misunderstood mode of dressing. From my parents to strangers on the streets, I have received loads of questions and comments that reflect a lack of knowledge when it comes to the hijab in particular and Muslim women in general. In this article, I’ll discuss 10 of these misconceptions, InshāAllāh.

1. “Muslim men oppress their women, making them don the hijab by coercion, whereas there’s no hijab for men.”

This is one of the most common misconceptions. While Muslim parents and male figures are responsible for ensuring proper dressing for everyone under their care, they don’t have the power to force it. They only encourage us to observe the proper hijab, but we wear it to obey Allah, not them. For your information, there is a “hijab” for Muslim men too! See Qur’an 24:30. According to authentic narrations, it is recommended to cover the area between men’s navel and knees as a sign of modesty and decency, and the more they cover, the better. Narrated by Bahr ibn Hakeem, from his father, from his grandfather, who said: “I said, ‘O’ Prophet of Allah, with regard to our ‘awrah (nakedness), what must we cover of it and what may we uncover?’ He said, ‘Cover your ‘awrah except for your wife and those whom your right hand possesses.’ I said, O’ Messenger of Allah, what if the people are staying close together?’ He said, ‘If you can make sure that no one sees it, then do not let anyone see it.’” [Hasan; At-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawood and Ibn Majah]

2. “Hijabis are not fashionable.”

While the hijab is not a fashion statement and hijabis are not obsessed with fashion trends, we still make a conscious effort to look good. We wear nice dresses under our hijab and use beautiful accessories according to our means. Someone once asked if I wear earrings and necklaces. Haha! I wear them, but they’re not up for public display! 

3. “The hijab is an unnecessary layer of clothing.”

As hijabi women, our dress is incomplete without our hijab. It’s not just a piece of clothing; it’s a lifestyle. We would rather stay in our rooms than go out without our hijabs!

4. “The hijab is meant for married women only.”

That’s not true! The hijab becomes obligatory as soon as a girl attains puberty. To make the transition easier, we sometimes prefer to catch them younger. So you may see a little girl wearing a cute hijab, which is perfectly acceptable! As I mentioned earlier, the hijab is a lifestyle, and we only marry men whose lifestyle aligns with ours. What if a prospective suitor wants to have a look at a lady before marriage? That’s not a problem; we can always arrange a meet-up in the presence of her guardian.

5. “The hijab limits our education and job opportunities”

You may be right to some extent, though. I mean, as hijabis, we can’t be found doing some undignified jobs, like pole dancing. We’re way too classy for that! But we can be found excelling in science, technology, medicine, art, law, education, accounting, and other prestigious fields of human endeavour that have nothing to do with one’s dressing.

6. “Hijabis keep dirty hair.”

Covering the hair does not mean we have a defect to hide. Broken, unkempt, or lice-infested hair? Nah! We honour our hair by keeping it clean and well-managed because we believe it’s a gift from Allah (SWT). Some people even ask if we shower with the hijab on. Of course we don’t. 

7. “The hijab feels uncomfortable during the summer months.”

Thankfully, there’s a thermostat in the brain, known as the hypothalamus, which helps us adapt to temperature changes. If one has been wearing the hijab for a while, the hypothalamus is reset to a higher temperature than the average person. So, we’re good! Then there’s the perk of feeling warmer during the winter. Alhamdulillah!

8. “The hijab is worn indoors too.”

We have a list of male relatives (mahram) who can see us without the hijab. You can find this list in Qur’an 24:31. When we’re among our male relatives and any other females, we can remove our hijabs. At home with our husbands, we might even wear sexy lingerie.

9. “The hijab is just a part of Arab culture.” 

Go check out the history of the Arabs. Women’s nudity used to be displayed for entertainment before the advent of Islam. Hijab is a sense of religious duty or  a spiritual calling, not just a part of cultural attire.

10. “Hijab is a choice. You may or may not wear it.”

The hijab is a divine injunction. It’s clearly stated in the Qur’an and further explained by learned scholars; see Quran 24:31 and 33:59. We wear it to seek the pleasure of Allah ALONE. It helps us to stand out, be easily identified as Muslim women, and be protected from molestation. 

Do you have any questions or doubts about the hijab? Feel free to ask us, and we’re always happy to clear up your misconceptions. 

About the Author:

Khadijah Tijani is a Nigerian medical doctor, a creative blogger and a published author. She grew up in Ibadan, Oyo State and graduated from the College of Medicine at the University of Ibadan in 2009. After five years of practice in Nigeria, she relocated to Saudi Arabia where she worked as a resident physician in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Known as “Doctor KT,” Tijani is a women’s health advocate. She provides breastfeeding support for mothers. She is currently based in Canada. Writing is her second career, and she is embracing it fully.

Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @askdoctorkt

Blog: www.askdoctorkt.com

Or, @askdoctorkt@gmail.com

The post 10 COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE HIJAB appeared first on World Hijab Day.

Even though Muslim women wear the hijab and abaya to cover themselves religiously, they are adaptable to various fashion styles. Women of diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds are adopting these styles worldwide.

Muslim women can wear any outfit uniquely as long as they remain modest in their style and outfits. Today, we will look at seven modest ways of wearing hijab this winter with jackets. The styles are suitable for casual and formal events and look good on women of all ages:

An ideal puffy jacket is a must-have for countries where winters can be bitterly cold and long. The perfect warmth and comfort it provides can help you get through cold weather.

In winter, oversized puffy jackets provide the best coverage along with hijab since they keep the body warm and cover it perfectly. Furthermore, it maintains modesty while looking utterly stylish.

Adding a puffy jacket to a basic outfit is easy. You can wear one with a long turtleneck and jeans on a windy day or with a t-shirt, pants or leggings during milder climates. Winter is the perfect time of year for this outfit, which you can wear to work, school and other events.  

Furthermore, you can complete the look with accessories like a side bag, white shoes or sunglasses.

Currently, everyone is obsessed with teddy coats. There may be no better alternative to teddy coats in terms of keeping you warm and looking stylish. There has been a trend of celebrities and influencers wearing them over the past couple of seasons. You cannot miss out on these cute, warm and fluffy coats.

A teddy coat is typically worn on top of dresses or shirts in oversized, baggy sizes, which is also an ideal solution for hijabis. White and brown teddy coats complement the jeans and t-shirt ensemble. As a central clothing item, teddy coats do the job and you will not need to put on any additional accessories.

The skirt represents modest fashion at its best. A floor-length, flowy, full-coverage garment that remains fashionable regardless of its length. The versatility of skirts makes them one of the most popular clothing items among hijab-wearing women worldwide.

Straight skirts are generally recommended for everyday wear, while flowy skirts are appropriate for prom and parties. Whether you wear it buttoned in or not, you can dress it up or down as you please. The trench coat and leather jacket are ideal choices with skirts.

One of the most popular items in a person’s wardrobe is a zipper jacket, which either men or women can wear. The oversized zipper jacket will never go out of fashion when paired with leggings or jeans.

Combining a zipper jacket with jeans and a turban hijab, it is perfect for any casual occasion such as a casual day at school, work or dinner with friends.

Remember to underestimate the power of simple clothing to create a signature look. To complete the look, wear your favorite sneakers or vans with a cute hijab. You could also wear this to the gym.

On a cold day, there’s nothing better than a long coat. You will never be able to find a more versatile clothing item than this one. There are various ways to wear a long coat, from long and short dresses to skirt outfits to straight palazzo pants.

No matter what day it is, whether it is a lazy one, a hectic one or a formal party day, a long coat will keep you warm and stylish. You can wear check pants in winter, a plain white shirt and a long black coat and a loose black hijab to conquer any long work day, school day or winter break.

You can rely on the denim jacket for every winter outfit and accessory needed. denim jackets are the most versatile, long-lasting and popular ones you could own. The dress can be matched with any number of outfits, whether a dress, a T-shirt and jeans or even a pajama set.

Denim jackets pair well with jeans, leggings, and casual T-shirts for school days. Wear your denim jacket to work with a pair of striped pants and a tank top you like and a shoulder strap or in any other style you choose.

There is no need to worry about any winter needs if you have a denim Jacket in your closet. In combination with your favorite hijab style, you will look modest and stylish as you wear it.

Recent years have seen a rise in street style fashion. The popularity of tracksuits, sweatpants, hoodies, striped jeans and hooded sweatshirts has increased over the past few years.

Whether going to the gym or school, you can throw on your favorite sneakers or vans with them. A headscarf is worn underneath the hood by hijabis to cover their hair completely, giving them the same cool look as others, or perhaps even more fantastic.

About the Author:

Dur-e-Sabih provides ghostwriting and copywriting services. Her educational background in  Accountancy helps her in tackling topics ranging from career and business productivity to web development, finance, and digital marketing.
https://muslimandquran.com/

The post 7 Modest Ways to Wear Hijab with Jackets appeared first on World Hijab Day.

One day, we chatted with our cousins about how amazing our other cousin, Anjoo, was for wearing the hijab and niqab. How brave of her! One cousin said, “We’re talking about how good she is, why can’t we strive to be like her?”  This made me think deeper about the hijab.

My baba always said that if I wanted something to become a habit, I needed to do it consecutively for 40 days and if I missed a day, I needed to restart for another 40 days until it became a daily routine. So, I wanted to wear the hijab, but I knew I had to ensure I was praying 5 times a day before I put my hijab on permanently.  Moreover, I started tallying… day, 1, day 2, day 3… I tallied up to day 23 and the dreaded time of the month arrived (my period had started). I knew this was going to be a test because having a break from prayer for seven days could have possibly meant my needing to restart the 5 daily prayers routine for another 40 days.  However, I prayed directly after my period was over so praying five times a day had officially become a habit!  

Now I had to fulfil the promise I made to myself and to Allah, and put on the hijab, full-time. My fifth sister’s (I have 7, say mash’Allah) wedding was approaching and I desperately wanted to show off my hair and wear a sari for the first time, but I didn’t. In the summer of year 11, I stayed at my 2ndsister’s house to help with babysitting.  I finished praying and came down the stairs; her brother-in-law said, “Oh, are you wearing it full-time now?” and I replied “Yes.”  And the rest was history!

17-year-old me made the decision to permanently wear the hijab and at college/sixth form, I met one of the greatest men in my life.  One that I did not think would make such an impact on me and my future.  His name was Shaykh Aliyy Fichet; he was a French teacher at the sixth form I was studying at.  He used to do the after-school Islamic studies classes for a very small group of people and I decided to join.  There, I learned the obligations of the hijab, in front of whom I should wear it for ex. men that are not related to me.  This was about to bring a storm to my very traditional Bengali family!  

We grew up with extended family living together where cousins and uncles are like brothers, and there, my 5th sister, my non-identical twin and I were wearing hijab in front of cousins that practically raised us.  17-year-old Hafizah, her twin and her sister were now outcasts, no one took it as a positive, many got offended as we would run and put towels or anything we could find on our heads when a non-mahram would enter the room.  Bizarre, I know, but we were young!  There was a lot of hostility and broken relationships because of this and I would cry on the bus regularly, heart-broken. We persevered and here we are, 18 years on with our nieces wearing hijab, living with extended family, sleeping with hijab in case someone walked in. We did it! It wasn’t easy but we did it!

Did it get easier when I got married? No! I moved to Wiltshire, a predominantly-white area, there were fears around me getting a job as no one had seen a hijabi before.  Judgmental looks, can I speak English? Did I just arrive from a foreign country?   The jaws dropped when I would speak fluent English with a Birmingham accent, (they say I have a Birmingham twang when I get angry).  In school, I spent months mentioning “In my degree, I grew up in…” to fight or prevent any potential stereotypical comments or looks. However, with persistence, I got my job, got my promotion and did not take my hijab off or change the way I dressed to fit in. My eldest daughter is 12 now, is it going to be easier for her, probably not,  but we endure and insh’Allah, we will triumph in maintaining our Muslim identities in the face of hostility.    

About the Author

Hafizah Choudhury was born and raised in Birmingham, UK. She is married with two beautiful daughters and another baby is on the way, due January 2023, insh’Allah.  She is a secondary school science teacher in Calne, Wiltshire, UK.  In her spare time, Hafizah tutors science, including Chemistry A level as she has a passion for teaching and learning Islamic studies.  She really enjoys singing and was part of a nasheed band back in Birmingham and is looking to start a nasheed band in Wiltshire. Connect with her on Instagram @hufayzah

The post My Journey Toward Hijab and Challenges As a Result 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.

Hijab is hard!

While wanting to present a peaceful, gentle face of solidarity with my hijabi sisters on World Hijab Day (WHD), I walked around the store, smiling and nodding at everyone from behind my COVID mask and headscarf. I wanted to present a dignified face, worthy of the honor assigned to the headscarf: humility, obedience and chastity. 

Well, for one thing, putting on a COVID mask while wearing the hijab is very difficult. You practically must undress from the scarf to put the mask on. So, if you want to do it right and not expose your head in the parking lot, you must put on the mask before you leave the house. As an inexperienced hijabi, I struggled in the parking lot and a nice elderly man asked if I was okay. I nodded and gave him a bright thumbs up.

Having completed my shopping experience, thinking it went rather successfully, I realized that my headband had shifted backward and the front of my hair had been exposed for I do not know how long. Not a humble portrait at all! I was so disappointed with myself. 

Then, I made grocery runs throughout the day until I felt I got the hijab right. As much as I would like to paint a fully accurate picture, I feel I do not need to relate the problematic experience, for example, at my monthly facial and eye-waxing appointment. Hijab is hard!

The idea seemed so simple: Don a headscarf for one day to raise awareness while showing solidarity with my hijabi sisters. Simple, yes, but as all brilliant, God-given ideas are, WHD turned out not to be simple for me. Still, it was inspiring, moving and thoughtful…a joyous occasion! 

Aside from some of the difficulties I have already described, the hijab is also warm. WHD 2022 fell on a very crisp day in February. In order to be completely fair to the immersion experience of trying on a hijab, I vow to don it again in July!

WHD is inspiring because it’s so hopeful and refreshing to realize that such a simple gesture, multiplied by hundreds of thousands of similar gestures, can create the ripples needed to change the world! Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” Participants of WHD, by their silent and gentle actions, create such ripples that raise awareness, spread hope and impact hijab-banning laws!

WHD is moving because I got to witness the happy tears of hijabi sisters virtually, particularly those in India, who realized they were not alone. For one day, they were heard, seen and loved. For one great day, they were given hope they can be accepted and understood.

WHD is thoughtful. I attempted to wear the hijab and present myself in a quiet, humble manner, to reflect on the positive merits of covering. I prayed for humility and reverence. Unexpectedly, the hijab gave me a sense of confidence and inner peace.

Moreover, I was filled with the kind of joy that comes from knowing I’m part of something good and worthy. God was with me and He was encouraging me; not simply to cover my head for one day, but also to advocate for my persecuted sisters. I donated money in support of their raising awareness all year round.

Hijab is hard, but I remain joyful because there never has been a better time to support women’s rights. Hijabis are discriminated against by many, including misogynistic Muslim communities and my fellow Christian American citizens. We can do so much better than this! We can be a part of something good, beautiful, true and filled with love.

About the author 

Diana Toupss is a former educator inspired by, “all the Mother Teresa’s” out there: ordinary women changing the world with everyday actions, one person at a time. She’s a promoter of peace by way of justice, and the founder of Bridges For Bethlehem, a US based 501 C3 dedicated to all in need, regardless of race or religion, in Bethlehem, Palestine, and surrounding villages, because: we are all connected by the same powers of truth, beauty and goodness.

The post Christian woman’s hijab experience appeared first on World Hijab Day.

My family is conservative and dare I say, somewhat religious, but they never forced me to wear a hijab nor is it something that I have done blindly. It is a journey of faith, where I ultimately accepted and integrated into my life.

While I was a teenager, putting on my hijab allowed me to fully embrace my Muslim identity. Dressing modestly in general or wearing the hijab in particular, provided me with tremendous pride and courage in who I was. Since then, I have worn the hijab for several different reasons throughout the years. In the process, I delved deeper into my faith, I began to understand vividly how significant the hijab is for Muslims. It has now dawned on me that the hijab is an outer manifestation of my inner obedience to God; I wear the hijab as a form of worship.

The reason many people are intimidated by my hijab is often that they don’t know who I am or understand what I stand for. Through hijab, Islam has taught me that what matters most is what lies within. In other words, I have learned to look deeper than the surface of one’s skin and I can only hope others treat me the same way.

Moreover, when I choose to cover this way, it’s because I am fighting against the systematic oppression of women in which women’s bodies are being sexualized and objectified. There may be a different perspective and a different form of empowerment in that, but when I am in public, wearing the hijab allows me to be in control of my sexuality. In other words, people have to judge me based on my personality and level of intellectuality rather than judge me based on my physical appearance. That, to me, is liberating with a hijab. I am dressed, not oppressed.

Therefore, a hijab should be protected as a right. Many Muslim women adopt a postfeminist repertoire of choice, power, beauty and consumption to represent themselves. I believe, they might, perhaps unwittingly, gravitate toward postfeminism because it provides an alternative discourse that debunks victimhood and stereotypes of Muslim women as powerless, oppressed, radical or unfashionable. Unfortunately, the politicization of feminism and empowerment is common in postfeminism. Instead of focusing on basic human rights, a discourse of ‘choice’ has emerged. Thus, an uprising against Islamophobia or hijabophobia, defends the rights of a woman in secular countries to wear a hijab as a choice. However, it is her basic human right.

Muslim women should be allowed to take their rightful place in society. However, there is much to be done for peace and to reach a more open, inclusive and tolerant society. After all, it is our humanity that binds us together. The hijab is a crown of faith and mutual respect.

From Qatar, I stand in solidarity with my intrepid Muslim sisters across the globe who show exceptional courage and resilience as they engage in challenging systemic bigotry, discrimination and prejudice in which they are threatened and persecuted for practicing their faith by wearing their crowns. Stay firm in your convictions. I am honored to join you in your efforts.

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 To Wear Hijab is Her Basic Human Right appeared first on World Hijab Day.

One thing I’ve noticed us clever hijabi sisters do, is find creative uses for the hijab aside from the obvious! Here are some of my best uses for the handy hijab. Let’s see how many you can relate to:

Who hasn’t taken full advantage of the benefits of hijab on a bad hair day? Running late for work? Alarm didn’t go off?  Didn’t get to wash your hair as planned? Hijab to the rescue! Knowing I didn’t need to worry about any side-eye glances at my extra mattegreasy hair, was something I began to appreciate once I started wearing hijab. It also means I can get on with my work day without feeling self-conscious.

Okay, so this one only really came to me after I had my first child. I travelled a lot with her during the first two years of her life (pre-pandemic, of course). After noticing other hijabis tucking their phones into the side of their hijab to attend to a phone call, whilst pushing a pram/baby stroller or carrying their baby, I had to get onboard. It didn’t stop there; nope! I have gone HHF, (hijab hands-free) whilst cooking, dressing my child, changing nappies/diapers or pushing a shopping trolley/cart.

For those that can relate, you’ll know the pesky regrowth time in between treatments can be really awkward. But if you are a hijabi, it acts as the perfect cover up leaving everyone none the wiser. Just pull the hijab forward over the sides of your face and tuck it closer to the edge of your chin. Okay, it may not look exactly the best, but I’d rather that, than anyone spotting my version of a five o’clock shadow!

I have lost count of the number of times the loose folds of my hijab have perfectly saved a morsel of yummy food from dropping to the ground. And not one to waste, I have happily scooped it up from my hijab and eaten it!

In preparation for my first child, I bought a nursing cover. It had a sturdy ring large enough to pass over my head and was attached to a piece of thick material. The idea being that you could nurse my child anywhere with modesty. Well, what a faff (waste)! My daughter would get red–faced and sweaty, and then become agitated and fussy. I very quickly realized it was much easier to use one of my larger sized hijabs and simply pull the edges lower over my child whilst breastfeeding her. It also meant I wasn’t having to carry an extra baby item along with the gazillion other things in that overflowing baby bag!

There’s a lot to be said for a good weekly hair oil massage. Even better if you can still get your mom/grandma/anyone else really, to do it. The issue is having to keep the oil in overnight or for several hours at least. Unless you’re braver than I was, you will not want to be leaving the house during this period. But the hijabi need not fear! Just grab that special hijab you keep for such occasions, wrap that greasy head up and you’re good–to–go!

This works better with longer flowy hijabs, where you’ve got a longer panel to play around with. Ever been caught out with nowhere to put some loose change/ a lip balm / random earring/ you get the idea right? Well, I used to see older female relatives do this often with their shawls, but it can easily be adapted to the hijab. Grab the corner of your hijab, place said item on it and wrap it up and use the edge to tie a knot to secure the item. Perfect short term solution so you don’t have to worry about misplacing it!

The hijab is perfect for keeping your ears warm during the colder months, keeping your hair dry when it suddenly rains and protecting your head from the sun in the warmer months. I hadn’t appreciated the last one until I was living in the UAE and had suffered my first heat headache during my pre–hijab days.

And finally, let’s not forget the trusted hijab pin. Hands up if you’ve had to, or someone else has asked to use your hijab pin to access the sim/memory card tray thingy on a phone? A hijab pin is the perfect substitute and extra points for helping someone else out too!

What other ways has your hijab come in handy other than the obvious? I would love to hear them so feel free to comment below.

About the Author

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Samina H-Bakhsh is a UK based teacher with over 18 years’ of experience, including having taught in the UAE and Brunei. An avid reader and writer, Samina is set to release her hijab-themed children’s picture book in early 2022. Her creativity also includes recently becoming a Guinness World Record henna artist, based on speed and is currently in the process of setting up henna workshops. Connect with Samina on Instagram @thehennateacher

The post Nine Ways the Hijab Saves the Day appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I was travelling from the UK to Nigeria with a layover in Paris, France, that year. As a “Black” Muslim woman who wears the niqab, I was highly apprehensive to say the least. I remember making a post on my Facebook wall a few days before my departure, asking if anyone had felt just as apprehensive as I, considering the strict Muslim bans in France, including that of the niqab. It was reassuring to know that their international airports made exceptions.

I don’t usually travel without my husband and/or children but, unfortunately, I had to go solo due to the circumstances at the time. To be honest, I, low-key, enjoyed the “me-time” in the sky. Travelling together with the kids is always a big hassle. My loquacious 6-year-old son doesn’t stop fighting with his 2-year-old brother, and I have to keep an eye on their 10-year-old sister to make sure she doesn’t watch unwholesome content on in-flight entertainment.

As I was travelling on a low budget, a business or first class ticket was totally out of the question. Even the economy class was expensive at the time because it was the peak of the summer holidays. However unpleasant I had expected my travel to be, it got worse before it got better.

D-day came when the flight was fully booked with not a single person wearing the hijab except I. I couldn’t even find any “Muslim-ish” guy around. Unperturbed by the glances from people of different colours and perhaps, different faiths or non-faiths, I moved straight to the window seat I had secured earlier. I fastened my seat belt and faced the window in readiness to see a clear view of the skies, سبحان الله.

However, I missed my husband. If I could have hired someone to stay with the kids for that period, I would have loved my husband to travel with me. Besides, that’s the sunnah. So, there I was, wishing that the person coming to sit next to me would either be my husband or a female.

A few seconds later, a tall, dark man, without uttering a word, plopped right down next to me. I wasn’t sure why he kept mute, but I am no fan of small talk either. So I kept quiet, too. He fastened his seat belt as instructed, blocked his ears with the headphones provided and tucked his neck in a travel pillow. We took off smoothly and the air hostesses started serving our meals.

I was served before my neighbour and as I was already famished, I started eating immediately. The hostess, a middle-aged, “white” lady, came back to serve the man beside me, but something unexpected happened.

The air hostess politely asked the man to follow her to an empty seat, elsewhere, so that I could feel free to eat my food. The man smiled at me for the first time and followed the lady.

I thanked him for being considerate and thanked the lady for being kind. I finished my food and stretched my legs across the two seats to have a nice sleep, because the man never came back!

We often hear stories of hijabis who were treated badly in public spaces. We get furious and take to social media to rant about it. However, it is refreshing to know that there are still people in the world who understand our preferences and treat us with the right dose of respect, or even a little more!

About author 

Khadijah Tijani is a Nigerian medical doctor, a creative blogger and a published author. She grew up in Ibadan, Oyo State and graduated from the College of Medicine at the University of Ibadan in 2009. After five years of practice in Nigeria, she relocated to Saudi Arabia where she worked as a resident physician in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Known as “Doctor KT,” Tijani is a women’s health advocate and a prolific health blogger for her own blog, www.askdoctorkt.com. She also runs an online platform, known as “Breastfeeding Support Lounge,” where she supports mothers towards achieving their breastfeeding goals. Tijani is the published author of “Wholesome Motherhood,” “Nature’s Superfood,” and “The Stampede: Tales of Love, Trials and Faith.”

Twitter @askdoctorkt

Instagram @askdoctorkt

The post One Airplane Experience appeared first on World Hijab Day.