For so many Muslim women, the hijab is more than just a piece of cloth—it’s a deeply personal, multifaceted decision tied to identity, faith, and empowerment. My hijab story is marked by discovery, struggle, and conviction. Today, I want to share my journey with you in hopes that it inspires reflection, resilience, and perhaps even connection.

How It All Began
I first put on the hijab at 13 years old. Nobody in my family wore it at the time, making me the first to take the leap. My best friend had just returned from Umrah, deeply moved by the experience, and had started wearing the hijab herself. Watching her make this commitment sparked something within me.

For me, the hijab made sense. I didn’t like drawing the attention of men and felt that wearing it would make my life easier. It gave me a sense of comfort and control over how I presented myself to the world. Still, being the first in my family to wear it wasn’t always easy. Questions and awkward stares acted like small roadblocks, but they didn’t shake the deeper meaning the hijab gave me.

The Crisis
Like many journeys, though, mine wasn’t without challenges.

Growing up Muslim while facing Islamophobia exposed me to subtle and overt forms of exclusion, judgment, and fear. Over time, the weight of these encounters began to build, eventually leading me to question how I wanted to be seen in the world—how I could be seen and understood. At one point, I felt compelled to take off my hijab.

For four long months, I walked away from something that had been such a vital part of my identity. I longed for relief, for a sense of anonymity, but instead, I felt like I had lost myself. When I looked in the mirror, I didn’t recognize the person staring back. Something fundamental was missing. I didn’t realize until then just how much the hijab was intertwined with my self-perception and gratitude toward my faith.

How It Ended
Healing my discomfort with my identity wasn’t an overnight process—it required patience, reflection, and a lot of faith. But as I started addressing my anxieties and reconciling my relationship with the world around me, the hijab became a natural next step. This time, it felt entirely mine.

When I donned it again, I did so with stronger conviction. It was no longer about what anyone else thought—it was my choice, reinforced by a love and gratitude for my Creator. Now, the hijab feels empowering. It’s not just something I wear; it’s an extension of my faith and an expression of my love for Allah.

My Advice
To anyone considering wearing the hijab, whether you’re young or older, here’s what I’d like to share:

• • Wear it for the right reason. The hijab isn’t just about covering your head; it’s an act of devotion. Wear it to please Allah, not for societal expectations.
  • Focus on the spiritual beauty. Rather than thinking of the hijab as a restriction, see it as an opportunity to strengthen your bond with your Creator.
  • Make it your decision. The hijab is a personal choice—one that should feel empowering, not forced. Take your time to introspect and decide what feels right for you.

For me, the hijab is a reflection of my deep gratitude and love toward Allah. It helps me walk through the world in alignment with my values of modesty, faith, and authenticity.
Final Thoughts

The hijab symbolizes so much more than an outward expression of modesty. It’s a profound reminder of who I am, where I’ve been, and the principles guiding my life. Every person’s hijab story is unique, and our collective experience strengthens the beautiful tapestry of our Muslim community.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Asma is a leadership expert and renowned professional coach, who integrates Islamic spirituality and strategic coaching to empower leaders in personal and professional growth.

The post Embracing Identity: The Story of My Hijab 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.

There are three major events which have caused the current rise in Islamophobia across the globe as well as a high alert on terrorism activities: firstly, Hamas’ attack on Israel and vise versa; secondly, the attack on a six-year-old Palestinian boy in the USA and thirdly, the terrorist attack on two Swedes in Brussels. 

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” is the most common chant in all of the pro-Palestine demonstrations. Regardless of some governments like that of the UK and France, who have attempted preventing the raising of the Palestinian flag, there have been waves of pro-Palestine protests around the world, sending a surge of thousands and at times, millions, down the streets of their country, raising the Palestinian flags, instilling hope for humanity within themselves, the people around them and the Palestinian people. At least 22 countries have urged Israel to stop bombing the Gaza strip. 

However, such bold actions, whereby the masses are protesting against their government’s decision to continue funding the Israeli occupation and destruction (ethnic cleansing) of the Palestinian people, come with detrimental consequences. As a result, much like the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Muslims and Arabs across America are experiencing yet again, a rise in discrimination due to their support of Palestine. 

Even law enforcement officers are randomly visiting mosques just as they have surveillanced Muslim and Arab communities following the fall of the World Trade Center. While some Palestinian people are also being detained and pro-Palestine protests continue in the USA, there are pro-Israel protests. There is a difference though: while pro-Palestine demonstrators chanted, “Jews, yes. Zionism, no!” one pro-Israel woman yelled, “You are sick people, you are animals, you don’t deserve to be here.” Such incidents caused a high alert on a rise for hate crimes, including a precaution whereby Columbia University is currently shut down to the public. 

Countries all over Europe and America seem to be on high alert for a possible outbreak of hate crimes. I heard on the Swedish radio news, how Sweden is taking preventative measures against hate crimes by opening up forums for Jewish and Muslim youth to sit down and hear each other’s perspectives on the crisis. May Allah free Palestine and help the world rediscover its human emotions against desensitization, Ameen. 

Furthermore, a six-year-old Palestinian American boy, Wadea al-Fayoume, fell fatally victim to a stabbing attack. The murderer was Wadea’s landlord, 71-year-old Joseph M. Czuba, who yelled, “You Muslims must die ” before stabbing him and his mother, 32-year-old Hanaan Shahin, who is currently in critical condition at the hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Czuba was charged and is currently in trial for his hate crime. Meanwhile, Hanaan is expected to survive. The incident between Joseph and Hanaan escalated when they began talking about Hamas and Israel, after which Hanaan suggested to Joseph that the two “pray for peace.” May Wadea be in Jannatul-Firdous right now, Ameen. May Allah give his mother the comfort in knowing that she did everything she could to protect her son and that he is in a better place now, Ameen. 

Two days following the brutal attack of Wadea, Brussels experienced a “terror” attack. Abdesalem Lassoued, a Tunisian claiming to be part of the Islamic State (IS), killed two Swedish nationals before escaping via his scooter. He was later found and shot dead by authorities. Sweden has been on high alert for a possible terrorist attack since August, following the intensified Quran burning incidents.  However, quran burnings have been happening throughout Sweden these past few years, first instated by Danish-Swedish Politician Stram Kurs Paludan. Debates whether or not to consider this “hate speech” or “freedom of speech” continue. May Allah diminish hate in the world and instill love in its place, Ameen. 

Here are the protection verses from the Quran which you should recite before sleeping, before leaving your location to go to the next one, if you feel fear and for your children. Stay alert. Stay safe. Do not let your hope and courage waver. Our duas are with you at these trying times. 

About the Author:

Rumki Chowdhury is Editor of World Hijab Day Organization. Moreover, she is a professional editor and 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

The post Islamophobia at an all time high appeared first on World Hijab Day.

On Sunday, July 9th, 2023, thousands of demonstrators gathered in protest against the previous and most recent Quran burning incidents in Stockholm, Sweden. It all began at the central mosque in Medborgarplatsen, Stockholm, where Swedish Muslims, with their non-Muslim supportive brothers and sisters, walked side-by-side as they chorused words in the Swedish language (I will translate here): “Enough with the hate! Enough with the horror! Enough with the discrimination!”

Together, they even recited Quranic verses to show that the Quran will forever be within the Muslims’ hearts, physically burnt or not. Majority of Muslims have many Quranic verses memorized, which keep them completely in sync with one another, showing their perseverance despite the prejudice they experience on a daily basis, not just in Sweden, but also worldwide. Some held up signs, while others held up their personal copies of the Quran.

Mahmoud Khalfi, Imam and Director of Stockholm’s Central Mosque, said to Swedish media in Swedish (I translate here), “About 4000 people have gathered here today to show their solidarity and to show how one can react peacefully and democratically.” Together with the Islamic Association/Federation of Sweden, they arranged the proper paperwork and attained written permission from the police to hold this peaceful demonstration.

Those who are unfamiliar with or are in need of reminding as towards why Swedish Muslims felt this protest was necessary, it all began when Police gave permission to a far right Danish-Swedish politician, Rasmus Paludan, to hold a Quran burning demonstration. “Sweden believes in free speech” is the most common response roaring through Swedish media when the Police are confronted with the question as towards why they would allow anti-Quran protests to occur. Since then, there have been many debates across the nation about whether or not such an act can be considered free speech or hate speech (which is illegal in Sweden): (Swedish Penal Code 16 § 8) and unlawful discrimination (Swedish Penal Code 16 § 9) because the hate motive is embedded in the nature of the crimes. The hate crime legislation also applies on the internet. In other words, hate speech includes publicly making statements that threaten or disrespect a specific person or group of people based on their ethnicity, race, skin color, faith or sexual orientation.

Since Paludan had begun burning the Quran in 2020, he had been banned from entering Sweden again from Denmark. However, the ban was lifted when he was given Swedish citizenship through his father. Most recently, a 37-year-old Iraqi-Swede named, Salwan Momika, who was given permission by the Police to demonstrate against the Quran, burned a Quran outside of Stockholm’s largest and most central mosque. Now, he is being charged with hate speech and burning a Quran when campfires and barbecue/grill parties are banned in public spaces due to recent wildfires in Sweden.

Quran-burning incidents have severed ties between Sweden and Muslim nations such as Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt and Yemen. These Muslim nations have also held anti-Quran burning protests.

According to the Quran, Muslims believe in tolerating other religions and never disrespecting them because there is no compulsion in Islam. So Swedish Muslims are peacefully demanding, “Enough with the hate! Enough with the horror! Enough with the discrimination!”

About the Author:

Rumki Chowdhury is Editor of World Hijab Day Organization. Moreover, she is a professional editor and 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

The post Anti-Quran Burning Protest in Stockholm appeared first on World Hijab Day.

On World Hijab Day, the monumental piece of clothing we wear on our heads is acknowledged and celebrated not only for its cultural and religious significance but also the notion of sisterhood and femininity it embodies, both among Muslim women and between Muslim and non-Muslim women. The simple exchange of a smile with Muslim, Hijabi women, even with those they have never met before, can create a profound sense of connection and solidarity. The warmth of such a gesture touches the deep layers of our soul and makes our worries heard, our pains empathized, and gives us a burst of empowerment to keep walking with our heads held high.

As a society, we stand at a crossroads, with the power to either build or weaken our sense of community. By coming together and taking part in a shared experience, we have the opportunity to strengthen our unity and this is how we shall always remain connected. Not divided by race, political thoughts, or religious sects, but united by embracing the broader element that binds us all . . . sisterhood.

Sisterhood calls for an unconditional level of love, mutual understanding, and empathy. This requires steadfast support for women, by women. Despite our progress, we still have a long way to go in achieving this ideal, but it starts with each of us having the courage to show compassion, even when others don’t. A sisterhood that is strong and inclusive, where every individual feels a sense of belonging, every voice is heard and every heart is lifted, is a movement of immense power rippling out like cascading waves. It creates a welcoming environment where the sharing of warmth and vulnerability is encouraged and embraced with bravery.

So often, we become divided and fall into the traps of the murky waters of competition, leading us to mistakenly believe we must outrun others. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how far you run if you are doing it by slowing others down. Unity is the key to true strength. When we come together as a united front, our voices become a powerful force advocating for justice, peace, and equality. And above all, we become unbreakable when we hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together (Quran 3:103) . . . as a unified whole.

The World Hijab Day celebration invites us to reflect on the value of understanding the essence of being a Muslim woman. What, then, does it mean to embody this identity? Being a Muslim woman is a profound and meaningful experience that needs a strong heart, a firm mind, and unwavering trust in the All-Knowing. These qualities combine to form the bedrock of a Muslim woman’s character and allow her to lead a life grounded in faith and strength. Being a Muslim woman is a timeless legacy, a glorious inheritance that unites one with the divine representation of womanhood. Muslim women can become inspired by Khadijah (RA), a businesswoman. And Fatimah (RA), one with great patience and piety. And Nusaybah bint Kaab (RA), who was a female warrior during the Battle of Uhud. These diverse women stand as shining beacons of the undaunted spirit and resolute nature of Muslim women, inspiring all to strive for excellence and serve as a testament to the power of faith and the glory of femininity. And on this day, we not only honor the successes, barrier-breaking, and change-making contemporary Muslim women worldwide, but also the legacies of the women who had put their sweat and tears into creating a better world for the Ummah and society at large.

Society can often present us with barriers that try to hold us back. They may tell us that we are incapable and don’t belong, but their words stem from fear. They fear the power we hold and the light within us yearning to illuminate. They may try to silence us and keep us in the shadows, but it’s important to remember that their words are just that – words. They may try to make us believe that we are weak and worthless, but the reality is that they are afraid of what we can achieve and the potential we have. So, let’s not let these fear-filled lies stand in our way to keep moving forward. And, yes, walking ahead is never easy when so many people are counting on our failure. But, it’s important to push past these challenges and let our inner strength guide us toward success. Moreover, only Allah (SWT) is in control of our lives. No one else has the power or influence over our lives unless we allow them to do so. Hence, let’s begin by showing ourselves the dignity and respect we truly deserve. Let’s build the courage to do what society tells us we can’t. Let’s turn “can’t” into “can” and make the impossible possible. And most of all, let’s shift our focus from “I” to “us”.

On this special day, let’s reach out our hearts and hands to all our Muslim sisters, of all ages, of all races, and worldwide. 

To my Muslim sisters worldwide facing systemic Islamophobia and prejudice, we hear you, see you, and support you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Safa Rahman is an American-Muslim girl who loves to express herself through pen and paper and uses her voice to inspire the voices in others. She is currently a high schooler who hopes to make an impact in the world one word at a time.

Instagram: @safa__t__rahman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rahman.t.safa

The post Sisterhood: A Reflection on World Hijab Day appeared first on World Hijab Day.

Many were injured and continue to be injured as violent riots break out across Sweden following “Quran-burning” demonstrations.

The police were criticized for issuing a permit to notorious Danish-Swedish politician and racist, Stram Kurs Paludan, who led the protests. Authorities claimed that it was Paludan’s right to express his opinions, which is not illegal in Sweden. Although, as Sweden is known for abolishing censorship and allows freedom of speech, child pornography, hate speech and libel are still prohibited under Swedish law. Therefore, Muslims across Sweden are petitioning for Paludan’s act of burning the quran to be considered a “hate crime.”

Paludan is part of a far-right group and has been burning qurans during racist demonstrations in Sweden, since 2020. Paludan has a history of racist offences that have earned him jail-time in Denmark, in the past. He plans on running for government, but is still short on the votes necessary to become a candidate in the elections.

His “Quran-burning” protests have taken place in the past week, during Easter holidays, Passover and Ramadan, across the Swedish cities of Malmö, Norrköping and Linköping. The outrage against all police has even reached Stockholm. As the violence continues, authorities and experts are debating whether or not Paludan should be allowed to demonstrate at all, whether or not this is considered a “hate crime” and whether or not he should be charged for burning anything in the first place, leading to hazardous fire spreading across neighborhoods and destroying vicinities.

In the process of these protests, not only have there been violence, but also, the burning of the Quran has led to the fire spreading across vehicles and nearby buildings including the Rosengård School, also known as the childhood school that world-famous Swedish footballer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, attended.

Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq are just a few of the Muslim countries asking Sweden to condemn the “Quran burnings.”

According to the Swedish Radio and SVT News, Paludan’s main goal is to provoke Muslims into reacting in a violent manner. It is unfortunate that he has succeeded in doing so especially during Ramadan, which is meant to be a peaceful holiday. However, it is also unfortunate that while Denmark put Paludan in jail for his racist remarks, we have Sweden allowing him to continue with his hate speech. That is not to justify the actions of those inciting or getting involved in violent clashes against the police. That is simply stating the facts!

I urge Muslims to practice sabr, the Arabic word for “patience” and respond to provocation with prayer and petition.

Trust in God’s plan. After all, it is stated in the Quran, 49:10, “Humanity is but a single brotherhood: So make peace with your brethren.”

My fellow Swedish Muslims, if you have gotten the petition to sign which dubs Paludan’s action as a “hate crime,” then sign it. If you have not gotten it yet, DM me. I will send it to you إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ (God Willing).

Help us raise awareness:

1. Donate to the World Hijab Day Organization this coming Ramadan. Your contributions will help our efforts to end hijab discrimination globally! One who gives alms during the month Ramadan will be multiplied in rewards to 10 until 700 folds. Don’t miss this opportunity! Donate here.

2. #FastForUnity: Fast for a day, two, ten or all 30 with Muslims to experience how Muslims fast and go on a spiritual journey of self-reflection and self-discipline.

3. #Hijab30: Wear the hijab for 30 days in Ramadan to take a stand to end discrimination against women in hijab and respect individual choices.

4. #HearOurHistory: 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.

Tag us @worldhijabday

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. 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. Follow her journey on Instagram @rumkitheauthor

The post FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION OR “HATE CRIME” IN SWEDEN? appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I want the world to know about the struggles of a typical Nigerian hijabi such as myself.

Nigeria is the most populated country in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a population of about 211 million people. The population of Muslims, however, is around 99 million, making us the world’s 5th largest Muslim population in the world. We have a long history of Islamic heritage, from the Sokoto caliphate to the Ilorin emirates.

But, these numbers are not as strong as they seem. There is a huge problem of Islamophobia, attributed to the Boko Haram terrorist group in the Northern part of the country. Their incessant killings, kidnappings and banditry in the North have sent a message of fear to other geopolitical zones.

The Southwestern region, where I come from, is heavily dominated by Christians with a multibillion-naira evangelical business. These Christians and some liberal Muslims do not hide their hatred for practicing Muslims. It doesn’t matter which part of the country one is from; once he or she is visibly Muslim, he or she will be profiled as a Boko Haram member or an “Apologist.”

Therefore, the discrimination against Muslims, particularly hijabis, is far-reaching, has gone on for too long and is pervasive. Families have disowned their daughters for attempting to wear the hijab. School teachers and college professors have harassed hijabi students and denied them access to classes and exam halls. Companies will not hire a woman with a hijab or a man with a beard that is longer than a certain length…the list goes on and on.

There’s a subset of Islamophobes who have perfected the art of making jest of hijab wearers. They might not ask one to remove the hijab. They might not send one out of the classroom or office for wearing the hijab. However, they will humiliate her.

In fact, during my University days, I had a Christian lecturer who used to call hijabis olubori, a Yoruba expression which means: “someone who covers her hair.” Then, he would go further and mockingly call us different names based on our level of “hijabness.” For example, if one covered her head, but not her feet, she was dubbed  Abori-mab’ẹsẹ̀. If she covered her feet with socks, he called her Abori-b’ẹsẹ̀.

I can’t imagine what he would have called anyone wearing the niqab amongst us. Based on my observation, none of us were brave enough to take on the niqab at that time.

If a hijabi raised her hand, this lecturer would check her out from head-to-toe, give her a humiliating name and laugh mischievously.

The psychological effects of such comments and sneers can neither be explained nor forgotten in a lifetime. The mistake some of us made is that we stayed too quiet for too long. Perhaps, if we had been more assertive, things would have changed by now.

Sometimes, we complained. We reported. We protested. We sued. The humiliation subsided a little and then it arose again. Then, when all was quiet, the cycle continued.

Just last week, a lecturer in a college of nursing, who claimed to be a Muslim, was seen harassing a niqabi sister in front of a large auditorium. The video went viral within hours and, thankfully, a panel of inquiry was set up by the school management as well as the Muslim community. Other Muslim students testified to his overt hatred of the sunnah and the hijab, in particular. He later apologized for his conduct and promised to turn a new leaf.

Currently, in most nursing schools, only a shoulder-length hijab is permitted. All the Muslim ladies have to remove their jilbaab or niqab to comply with this “rule.”

The hijab is an inseparable part of our faith.

The hijab is not just a lifestyle. It is life, itself.

We, hijabis in Nigeria, want to let everyone know that the hijab is not a threat to anyone or any institution. It is a connection between the person wearing it and her Creator.

About author 

Dr. 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 HIJABOPHOBIA IN NIGERIA appeared first on World Hijab Day.

Defining freedom, a lecturer once told my class a short story: a man was walking on the street with both his hands outstretched on his sides. As he walked, his right hand accidentally hit a passer-by. This passer-by became  enraged and asked him why he was walking with his hands outstretched. The man replied, “I’m exercising my freedom.” The passer-by said, “Your freedom stops where my nose starts!”

This is a practical example of how all of us really want to co-exist. But, what do we tell the world? The people, who are so concerned about the rights of certain groups of society, usually forget to acknowledge the other half of the story. In other words, they would like to give unlimited freedom to one, while deliberately ignoring the rightful freedom of the other.

While women’s rights activists emphasize the freedom of today’s women, do they also give a yardstick of the “limits” of their freedom? I don’t think so. And while doing this, they prove to the world the limited scope of human intellect. Because on one hand, there are people who’d like to oppress the weaker groups, snatching away basic rights. On the other hand, in their call for freedom, these activists forget anything and everything beyond “rights.”

Many people fail to recognize these two extremes. This is perhaps because they’re not aware of a middle path, which has existed for centuries. It’s not so much about being unaware as much as it’s about choosing to be ignorant despite seeing it happen all the time.

There is a moderate way, which respects the rights and freedom of everyone. That way is called, Islam. Islam acknowledges the rights of men and women, while protecting them. Islam doesn’t let one group be more dominant than the other. It is about balancing the rights of all to create harmony in coexisting, the concept of a cohesive, cooperative Ummah. To create this balance, everyone has been assigned duties, which in turn, become the other’s rights and thus, a chain is formed.

In Surah Noor, Ayah 30-31 of the Qur’an, Allah has decreed laws for men and women: “Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do. And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their head covers over their chests….”

These laws are duties of one, resulting in rights for the other, and vice versa. For example, the duty of men is to lower their gaze and that, in itself, is a right for women. In other words, the right for women is not to be looked at as commodities. While women lower their gaze and observe hijab, that is their duty. In Surah Ahzab, Ayah 59 of the Qur’an, Allah decrees, “O’ Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” Women’s obedience to Allah makes it easier for the men to avoid the temptation to gaze, thereby avoiding dirty thoughts.

Moreover, wearing a hijab liberates women from the fear of being judged based solely on their looks. Meanwhile, non-hijab women are forced to pay the utmost attention to their outer appearance rather than their intellect. However, hijabi women are sure that their brain and heart (conduct) speak and show even when their body remains hidden. The importance of inner beauty in Islam is evident by the du’a for looking in the mirror: “O Allah, just as you have made my external features beautiful, make my character beautiful.”

The change we’re expecting from the men’s side, that of giving us respect as women, will have to start from within us. We have to elevate ourselves first. Stop being a commodity and you won’t be treated as one. Stop beautifying the outside for outsiders and your inside will beautify you, the real you: “Be the change you want to see in the world,” said Gandhi.

In other words, liberate yourself internally, in the real sense of the word. Give it a try, give yourself the right to be respected.

The post Hijab: Freedom or Oppression? appeared first on World Hijab Day.

The French government might as well say that we can’t wear socks with sandals anymore.

French hijabis are being forced to supplement their hijabs with hats because their choice of clothing, their choice of wearing the headscarf, goes against what the French government stands for…which is, what? I thought Paris was the fashion capital of the world?! Unfortunately for them, the French are moving backwards when even Queen Elizabeth, Michelle Obama, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, Audrey Hepburn and Liz Tailer, just to name a few, rocked the headscarf at one point in their lives!

After all, Nobel Prize Winner Tawwakul Karmen said, “Man in the early times was almost naked and as his intellect evolved he started wearing clothes.” How intellectual is it of the French government to ban hijab, then? It’s okay to ask questions about my choice of clothing, but to question my choice of clothing is just…not nice.

On March, 2021, the French government decided that no woman under the age of 18-years-old can wear the hijab in public spaces, mothers wearing hijab cannot accompany their children on school field trips, Muslim shops must sell alcohol and slaughter of halal meat is forbidden, Muslim patients cannot request a doctor based on their gender: there is a “prohibition in the public space of any conspicuous religious sign by minors and of any dress or clothing which would signify interiorization of women over men.”

Interiorization is “The process of making things such as skills, attitudes, thoughts and knowledge a part of one’s own being.” So, no self expression whatsoever or does this only pertain to Muslims, particularly Muslim women? Interesting choice of words, French government!

This is a result of a gradual change in laws due to the growing Islamophobia in the country although I am not sure how telling someone what they can and cannot wear is going to affect the country in any way. Muslims, with or without headscarves, will still be Muslims and Islamophobia is most likely not going to end, which is sad and to think of the possibilities of the outcome, the possible bullying and attacks, is just, plain, scary for us. Of course, it is blatantly obvious that what they really want to completely ban Islam and Muslims from France.

As of 2011, the French government banned Muslim women from wearing burqas, a loose long dress and the niqab, the face-covering that only reveals the eyes. That means that women cannot wear niqabs in the place of face masks due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They must wear masks. Any breach of these laws then the woman can be fined up to €150, and/or participation in citizenship education.

As of 2016, the burqini, a full-body swimsuit, was banned in certain municipalities in France.

While the USA has Ilhan Omar, a hijabi, as a member of their House of Representatives, France is way behind in Politics too!

However, France is not the only country to ban Muslim head coverings, face coverings or clothing. In fact, such laws are too close to home where parts of Sweden have already banned hijab under a certain age and where the government is constantly debating a possible ban on hijab. The EU, as a whole, permits employers to ban hijab at their workplace. In 2019, Quebec passed Bill 21 whereby public servants including teachers and police officers were no longer allowed to wear their hijab with their uniform.

But, that’s the thing. Why employ a hijabi, in the first place, if you didn’t trust she could do the job, right? Why entrust a woman whose choice of clothing you fear so much? No logical answers appear. We pay our taxes, we send children to your schools, we work alongside you and as a teacher, what kind of example would I be setting if I took off the one thing that I chose to wear to define my individuality, my identity? Should I tell my students, “You can no longer be individuals? You cannot be yourself, anymore? You need to change who you are to become someone you are not!”

Hijab, for me, is a visual representation of Islam and I wear it proudly. If you go out in uniform, whether you are a soldier, a police officer or a student, you are representing something much bigger than yourself; in wearing a specific garment, you are exposing your identity to the world and proudly so! That is what hijab is, a proud representation of a minority within minorities in non-Muslim countries.

Social media is a beautiful platform that connects people from all over the world; the amount of solidarity with the sisters in France is evident. We have Muslims and non-Muslims, males and females, posting up photographs with #handsoffmyhijab #handsoffherhijab #handsofftheirhijab. We even have people fasting with us or wearing hijab for 30 days during this blessed month of Ramadan #fastforunity #hijab30. Join the movement.

About Author

Rumki Chowdhury is a published author, poet, journalist and English teacher. She writes for Hayati Magazine, the Parenting section of Brown Girl Magazine, Bengalis of New York, and Auliya Women Magazine. Her published books are “Her Feet Chime,” “So Complicated,” and “Unveiled.” She is an active blogger on writing advice and is currently working on her fourth novel. Not to mention, she is a mother of three little blessings. Rumki was born in Bangladesh, raised in the Bronx, New York and Paterson, New Jersey. She studied and worked in London, UK and now resides in Stockholm, Sweden.

The post Hijabophobia in France takes them backward appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I want to take this opportunity to share the real people that will be effected by this ban and the impact it will have on Muslim Women. I refuse to let this pass down without speaking up, it is the very least we can do for ourselves and each other. We are not alone. Please share your stories!

I strongly believe the only antidote of hate crime is activism. Many governments have been on the wrong side of liberation and equality before. It is our duty as the people stand up and fight for each other´s rights. The Hijab ban is hateful rhetoric coming from the highest level of government and will go down as an enormous failure of religious values and equality.

When I was 8 years old I was called into a meeting with my teachers. They were discussing ways to end the bullying I was subjected to by my classmates. Their solution was that I shouldn´t wear the hijab to school. Sitting in a room full of adults discussing my body and what I could and couldn´t wear as a young girl left more scarring than the bullying itself. I have never felt so stripped off my rights, I’ve never felt so belittled. They reduced me to nothing. The bullying intensified and went from being verbal to physical. They would assault me and take off my hijab so often that I had to bring an extra hijab for the times the boys would take it and refuse to give it back. Another time my teacher confiscated my hijab because it disturbed the lesson. The boys kept taking if off of me and throwing it between themselves like a ball around the class. I had to pay the price for their mischievous behavior. (don´t worry I pretended to cry and went out the hallway to set off the fire alarm, who´s disturbing the class now?).

I have lost count of the many times I was rejected for a job because of my hijab and not because of my lack of skill. The many times French clients share their worries about booking someone who looks like me while assuring me they are support of me and their love me. it is bittersweet as I very much love French fashion and what it has contributed to my life. The clients who are not at fault for their hostile society against Muslim Women. We all lose.

The post Hands off my hijab appeared first on World Hijab Day.