In a country as large as the United States, there are always people around of different ages, backgrounds, and religions even in the workplace. Sometimes it’s less obvious as to what a person’s religion is, but other times it’s as clear as day. The most obvious is seeing a Muslim women wearing a hijab (head-covering)  or abayah (loose over-garment). A hijabi, a Muslim woman that wear the hijab, is especially obvious when she’s dressed modestly and is also surrounded by women in pencil skirts.

Hearing whispers as you walk by is often a regular occurrence for a hijab wearing girl. People often look at you different and like you don’t belong. So much research has gone into discrimination, especially that of a Muslim woman. A recent study has shown that 69% of women that wear hijab have said they face some sort of discrimination, while only 29% non-hijabis have faced discrimination. I’m not saying that 29% is a small number or insignificant, but when compared to the 69% it’s obviously a lot less. That’s over half of the hijab wearing population, which means that it is likely that about every 2 out of 3 hijabis have felt some degree of discrimination in their time of wearing the hijab. A lot of discrimination is based on the lack of education people have about Islam and what the hijab actually is. They believe terrible things they read and hear, so in the end they believe that Muslim women are the face of all of the bad things shown and said. A major place of discrimination is at the workplace. Many women face it more there because of how different they look compare to their colleagues. Being discriminated against isn’t a small thing. It can mentally break a person down from the inside, and it being in a place that one attends regularly and professionally works makes working hard.

As a woman who has worn hijab for over 7 years I can definitely say I have been on the short end of the discrimination stick. As a senior in high school I worked as an instructor at a math tutoring center in a small town in south Texas. Well, my town was filled with closeminded conservatives that didn’t take kindly to people of other religions. While I never had any problems with my colleagues, I often heard terrible remarks and received rude stares from my students’ parents. I realized there was nothing I could do to stop people from seeing me the way they did. My hijab is a part of me, so if it’s not accepted then neither am I, right? I learned to ignore negativity and focus on teaching the children the best I could. And on the other hand, my students had no problems with me or my religion. They choose to embrace our differences rather than emphasize or hate them.

Discrimination is not always rude stares or remarks; it includes actions too. While my boss was understanding and didn’t care if I wore my hijab, that is not always the case. Many hijabis are denied jobs because of their preference to don the hijab. One woman even went to court against Abercrombie & Fitch when they refused to hire her based on her hijab. Well, in the US under the freedom of religion stated in the Bill of Rights, they had no valid reason to deny her the job due to her religious preference. She, of course, went on to win her case in the Supreme Court and set precedent for future cases. During the case, Justice Scalia said, “An employer may not make an applicant’s religious practice, confirmed or otherwise, a factor in employment decisions.” While this precedent was set in US, similar things happen in other countries. For example, in the UK, studies have found that Muslim women with a college education are less likely to be chosen for a job against a non-Muslim woman with the same level of education. Additionally, Muslim women also receive less replies based on their resumes. It is important to fight for what is right. Based on name-blind recruitment, it is more likely for a person with a “white sounding name” to get a job over someone with an ethnic name. Muslim women already have a negative mark towards them just based on their names. Something as simple as a name can hold them back before an interview is even scheduled. It is great to know that the law in the US is also on our side. Every hijabi needs to know that she has rights. The laws, listed on the ACLU website, are as follows:

Some attacks go as far as physical abuse. Women are beaten up badly just because they wear a hijab. On a lesser, yet still important note, women are threated and hear verbal abuse. Some women have their hijabs ripped off of their heads just to spite them. There are news reports often showcasing the many attacks against a woman wearing a hijab. Many women endure this regularly because co-workers or bosses think less of them. Muslim women are also treated differently during job interviews. The Independent found that 1 out of every 8 Muslim women is asked illegal questions during interviews compared to 1 out of every 30 non-Muslim women. Questions about family and kids that have nothing to do with what the interview is for. They also found that 1 out of every 4 employers hesitate to hire a Muslim woman based on her religious followings. Due to the negative perception created for the hijab people try to avoid having hijabis around them.

Discrimination against hijabis is obviously not only in the United States. Basically where there are hijabis in the world there is discrimination against them. There are cases all over like in the UK, Germany and France. In some countries there are even laws forbidding the hijab or other modest coverings. According to a study on multiple European countries, it was found that Muslim women face a “triple penalty” of discrimination. They not only face what all women face against men, but also on the basis of race and religion. In 2016 in France a reporter was disrespected because she wore a hijab and reported about terrorist activity. Other news sources questioned as to why she was allowed to report because of her hijab. Cases come up all over European countries often. TRTWorld reported six cases in detail, and went on to say that the majority of cases go unreported. Many women keep their experiences to themselves so they aren’t harassed by others or are embarrassed of their encounters. In a changing world, people are more and more diverse, so some people don’t know how to react or what to make about it. Some Americans believe that people of other races and religions don’t belong among them. They dislike that Muslims are working amongst them at work, and are at the same professional level as them.

Discrimination of Muslim woman is a phenomenon that has unfortunately happened for a long time. People see us differently because we choose to wear hijab and cover modestly. The best way to handle the situation is to be the bigger person, and ignore the negativity around you. If you end up in the position where you are being discriminated against in the workplace make sure to report it and know what your rights are. People always say, “I wish I could help.” Well now you can! World Hijab Day wants to set up job training programs for Muslim women to help them conquer the professional world while wearing the hijab. We need your support to help hijabis all over the world get jobs and progress in their professional careers. The time to help is now. As a fellow hijabi, I’m personally asking for your contribution to this amazing cause.

Please donate here: http://www.launchgood.com/worldhijabday

Sources:

“American Muslim Poll.” ISPU. N.p., 15 Mar. 2016. Web. 10 Feb. 2017.

Bhatti, Maqsood, and Abed Ahmed. Trtworld.com. TRTWORLD, 26 July 2016. Web. 9 Feb. 2017.

“Discrimination Against Muslim Women – Fact Sheet.” American Civil Liberties Union. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Feb. 2017.

Easton, Mark. “Muslim Women Most Disadvantaged, Say MPs.” BBC News. BBC, 11 Aug. 2016. Web. 12 Feb. 2017.

Fenton, Siobhan. “British Muslim Women Face ‘double Bind’ of Gender and Religious Discrimination, Report Warns.” The Independent. Independent Digital News and Media, n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2017.

Liptak, Adam. “Muslim Woman Denied Job Over Head Scarf Wins in Supreme Court.” Nytimes.com. The New York Times, 1 June 2015. Web. 9 Feb. 2017.

“Muslim Women‪ Are the First to Pay the Price for Islamophobia in Europe.” Muslim Women‪ Are the First to Pay the Price for Islamophobia in Europe. FEMYSO, 30 May 2016. Web. 09 Feb. 2017.

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I am a Muslim revert from the Philippines. I was almost 17 when I reverted to Islam last year during the last day of Ramadan, alhamdullilah. Before I became a Muslim, I had faith issues. I stopped believing in Christianity due to many questions that popped up in my head that nobody could answer. I eventually gave up the idea of religion. I was almost at the edge of being an atheist until I found Islam, Alhamdullilah.

My family is devout Christian. I can say that my father is really against Islam, so I really have to hide it from them or else something might happen. Eventually, my family (except for my father) confronted me if I became a Muslim because they caught me praying at some occasions while wearing the hijab. I told them that I became a Muslim. They were so upset and told me so many bad things. They threatened me that they will tell my father if I don’t leave Islam. I was very afraid of that time so I told them that I will stop practicing Islam, but it is only to avoid any danger inshaAllah. Alhamdullilah, after what had happened, Allah has helped me to get through it. I only pray secretly as much as I can so they wouldn’t find out that I’m still a Muslim.

I’ve never been this happy and complete during my jahaliyyah (days of ignorance). Alhamdullilah Islam answered all of my questions. Knowing Allah is such a great honor to me and I couldn’t be more grateful to be one of His servants.

I am planning to wear the hijab in my university, insha’Allah. I know that this won’t be easy for me as it is my first time to wear it in front of everyone. I will be removing it when I go home, so my family won’t know it. Please keep me in your dua’a (prayer) that I can do it for Allah’s sake.

May Allah guide my family and the other non-Muslims as well to Islam, Ameen.

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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.

The post 5 things I learned after wearing hijab for 365 days appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I am a teacher and I live in a predominantly Christian country where Muslims are a minority. This reality did not hinder me to practice my faith. I confess that I have gone through many struggles just to wear the hijab. I started wearing it way back in 2009 when I was still in college. At first, I was so hesitant to wear the hijab because I was not used to it and I was studying in a Catholic university. Just imagine the struggle that a hijabi could experience in a Catholic community because she is differently and uniquely dressed. Imagine the stares she would get from donning the hijab. But Alhamdulillah (God-Graciously) my college days went meaningfully and peacefully.

I was able to find wonderful people who accepted me for who I am. I was even granted a scholarship (I came from a poor family) by the university. My professors did not treat me differently. I became friends with many students even though I had different beliefs than them.  I occasionally got annoying and wondering stares from several students which I simply ignored. I did not tell them that I am a Muslim, I just showed them that I was one by returning sweet smiles.

Then came the turning point of my life. After graduation, I started to look for a job. But unfortunately, I was not able to find even one for the various applications I had submitted. There was one school that openly disregarded me because of my religion. But this did not stop me from hoping that I would eventually land a job. Unfortunately nothing changed. So I decided to remove my hijab. It was not an easy decision for me. I asked my parents and we talked about it seriously. I even asked Allah’s forgiveness for doing so. And Alhamdulillah (God-Graciously) I landed a job. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thanking Allah not because I became free of the hijab but because despite of my shortcomings He did not forsake me. He still granted me the blessing to have this job that provides for my family.

Then on the day of Eid’l Adha (Eid of Sacrifice) in 2014, I came to realize that it had been one year since I gave up my hijab and how I felt incomplete without it. So I started wearing it again and I don’t want to remove it anymore. I promised never to make the same mistake again. Subhanallah (All Praise be to Allah), my students and colleagues wholeheartedly accepted this transformation. And I feel proud whenever I discuss about Islam and hijab during class. I feel complete with my hijab. It’s like the soul of my biological body. I feel so much respected and take pride in it. Thus, I feel empowered as a hijabi teacher.

I would be happy to read your comments about my story. Thank you all.

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The decision to wear the hijab came at a very young age for me. I had always admired the way my mother and her friends looked while donning the beautiful fabric. I had grown up in a Muslim family, but my situation was far from traditional. At the time of my decision, my father (also a Muslim) was serving in the U.S Military. He was stationed at an Air Force base in Germany. This meant that my family lived on the base, and that my siblings and I attended school there as well. On the morning of my first day of fifth grade, I decided that I was not going to school without the hijab on. My parents were extremely supportive, but asked me if I was one hundred percent sure that I could handle the responsibility that came with wearing it. My voice never wavered as I responded “yes, inshallah.”

The first day of school was one of the hardest days of my entire life. I endured constant ridicule from my classmates and became the target of every person’s taunting. When I arrived home, I went straight to my room and asked Allah to give me the strength and faith that I needed. Weeks turned to months, and soon enough I was addressed as “Nadia” and not “the bald girl,” or the one that looked funny. I carried that same strength with me, as I entered into my Middle and High School years. At that age, the taunting became intensely worse, and the insults stung because of the word “terrorist” becoming so popular among my peers.

Living on a Military air base made the ridicule so much worse, because now I was suddenly the one who was responsible for the deaths of everyone’s friends and family serving in Afghanistan. The bus rides home were hard, because I was stuck in a metal container with some of the worst people in the entire school until I arrived home. Throughout this whole experience, I never once thought about removing the hijab. I knew the only way to change these people’s opinion of me, was to show them nothing but extreme kindness, and to answer any questions they had about the religion with patience and knowledge. I joined in on as many activities in the community as I could, and talked to anyone who would let me. It was a very slow process, but I noticed that some of my classmates who had previously taunted me, now greeted me in the mornings.

The biggest turning point was when a girl who had been the center of most of the hate towards me, approached me and apologized for judging me before getting to know me. From then on, life at school definitely became much easier now that others understood where it was that I was coming from. High School graduation was a year ago, and I proudly walked across that stage in Germany with my hijab on, and my head held high. It was an extremely long journey for peace and tolerance, but I know that I’ve made a positive impact on that community. Since then, I’ve endured harsh discrimination when trying to find a job, or simply when walking through a grocery store, but it doesn’t change the way that I feel about my religion. I am now entering my Sophomore year of College, and still wearing the hijab on my head. There are definitely days when people yell “terrorist” or some other expletive at me, but those many years of intolerance have prepared me for anything that may come my way. I am so thankful for Allah’s guidance that has always had a presence in my life. Alhamdoliallah for the ability of harsh words to become motivators for strength and wanting to make a change.

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