Indire Muja is the police officer who was fired from her job at the Kosovo Police because of her hijab. She is a woman who, for five years straight, never gave up fighting for her rights.

After she filed a suit twice seeking for justice by respecting and implementing the laws of Kosovo Police, the Basic Court of Prishtina finally took the well-deserved decision in favour of Indira.

Thus, the Court obliges the Kosovo Police to take the steps below:

︎ To bring back Indira at the workplace or a similar one with all the rights and obligations according to her last work contract.

︎To compensate her all her wages from the moment her contract was cancelled (2015) until the date when she returns to work.

This ruling with a very clear, concise, and detailed explanation will be an invaluable precedent for the treatment of similar cases which deal with the freedom of people working in public institutions to practice religion.

So, should the wearing of hijab be restricted according to directives or regulations?

The Court said: NO

Indira’s unconquerable effort for justice will be the source of motivation for all the girls and women who do not stop seeking their rights, in this way, challenging discriminatory practices in their family, society, or even their own country.

Congratulations to us all!

The post The triumph of rights over the misuse of power appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I started wearing the hijab in 1999 but there were times when I would take it off and flaunt my trendy hair. I was not born a Muslim but  converted out of love and marriage which now I believe is the turning point of my life. Allah wanted me to find peace through faith and it has guided me on my every day life.

Allah paved the way for me and since coming home from the Hajj (pilgrimage) last October, I do not leave the house without my hijab on. It made me understand that I am a woman in this dunya (world) and I serve only Allah and I have to heed Prophet Muhammad’s teachings – A woman needs to cover up and be modest for her own good.

Yes, people stare at someone with revealing clothing and styled hair. But when you die, woman, will that bring you closer to God? That was in my head ever since my stay in Madinah and Makkah for the Hajj. Will Allah be pleased with me? Will my husband love me more? Will my Christian family like the new me?

In my heart, there is only one thing that I value. What will become of me on the day of judgment? I fear therefore I obey, I submit, and I surrender myself.

My hijab and my abaya (long over garment) is keeping me on the right track. My prayers, so far, has been answered. My stresses has been relieved. I feel beautiful in my own special way.

Discrimination? Oh yes plenty! I was belittled for wearing the hijab but it did not stop me. Taxi drivers refuse to take me to where I want to go. Security guards at malls stop me and take a long time searching my things. Some people even raise their eyebrows and talk to me as if I am uneducated! I fought, sab’r (stay patient), I struggled. As long as it is not Allah who will discriminate but only people in this dunya for my choices, then, I am ready…

My simple explanation to those who ask me why I cover up?: I WANT TO BE LIKE MARY (Mother of Jesus (PBUH)) WHO WEARS THE ABAYA AND HIJAB AS WELL. You can see her in the Christian pictures wearing such, right? And then, I stop and smile.

The post Discrimination? Oh yes plenty! appeared first on World Hijab Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post My transformation was a real shock! appeared first on World Hijab Day.

It has been approximately 7 years since I started covering my hair. I never thought I would embrace this practice as at that time I barely saw any young girl covering their hair. The abrupt change showed up from a shocking realization about the truth of life….

One day I heard after coming home from school that a uncle in my neighborhood died. The news of anyone`s death always terrified and deeply saddened me. But I don`t know why I couldn`t get that particular death out of my head. It surprised me how the person whom I met just a few days back passed away suddenly. He wasn`t a very aged person or had any remarkable health issues.

I realized how uncertain and temporary life is. We have been sent here for a reason; to abide by the laws of our creator. We die, all that remains is our deeds; whether we remembered our creator and His directions or were too engrossed into the worldly activities. I started praying regularly and tried to dress as directed by Islam. The practice of Islam truly brought meaning to my life although I know I have not been able to be an ideal Muslim yet, I try to get better everyday.

The post Uncertainty of life appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I am me
This hijab shall always be a part of my identity
whether you like it or would rather rip it off my head
I’ll wear it anyway whenever I want even at night in bed

I have difficulties in life
just as any other person man, daughter, son or wife
My hijab isn’t a problem hon
I got 99 names to call Him upon
It is an opportunity to come closer to Him, my God
It is a way of expressing my love I don’t find that odd
if you been send out on a quest be patient and do your very best
and put your trust in Him whenever you get a test
This is the way I hope to free my soul of ego
I cover up to let the vanity of ‘me’ go

I wear them in all patterns, colors, and fabrics
I wear them in all styles
Whether going out for dinner or sporting at aerobics

If you think I’m being dumb, oppressed and thinking l don’t have confidence
It tells more about your insecurity and your intelligence
I know I’m being smart
I know what to do because I’m following my heart

Happy world hijab day to all you ladies whether you wear it or not
I’m not discriminating because you first should wear it in your heart
Don’t forget it is a lifestyle and attitude
live your own life just as you would
like in times of low and altitude
Wear it classy and chique
Your covering so don’t reveal too much and stay mystique
but don’t forget you are always unique.

Lots of love,

Faylasoufia S.
Sanae Ben Abdelouahab
[Actress in the Theaterplay ‘The Hijabi monologues’ in the Netherlands, it is a play which blows away all the stereotypes aspects of being an Europian born Hijabi (which is very rare for a hijabi to be an actress)]

The post 50 shades of hijab appeared first on World Hijab Day.

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.

People say that hijaab comes when the ideology of a person changes or because he becomes devoted to his religion, but in my case, it was bit different. I started wearing hijab when one of my best friends challenged me to do so. This piece of cloth on my head turned out to be a very shocking news for the people around! I still remember the way everyone stared at me at parties, weddings, etc.

Although I felt awkward, the changing attitude of people towards me made me realize that I am different. And then, I, as a hijabi felt that it was my duty to become a better person anyway. As a hijabi, I represent Islam and I can’t have a bad image of Islam. I had to change. Although I tried my best to ward off every bad aspect of my personality, there are still some aspects I am bad at.

Being humans, we cannot be perfect but in a siege of trying to be BETTER, can make us a good person, is what I believe! Yes, I am not perfect… but hijab brought a good change in my life. It brought me something I had never thought of! As hijabis, we women face a lot of criticism in every part of world, however, this criticism is what makes us strong!

And now I have started taking this criticism as a compliment.

The post Turn criticism into compliment appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I don’t wear hijab. I practice hijab. My hijab reflects in my attire, behavior, and speech. It’s important to practice hijab, rather than make it a part of everyday apparel. It’s common to simply think of a headscarf when a woman states that she wears hijab. The reality is, men and women are under Islamic measure to practice hijab- which translates to “modesty.” It’s belittling to the beauty and grace of Islam to refer to hijab as only the head covering for women. Hijab, for men and women alike, is a blessing from our Creator. He has ordained the most effective way to protect ourselves from the haraam (forbidden things) that this dunya  (world) holds.

Appreciation of the context of hijab in its entirety will bring back the full beauty hijab gives to Muslim women and men. Alhamdulilah, I began to understand the concept of hijab about a year ago. InshaAllah, I hope to stay strong in my imaan (faith) and pray for nothing but sincere piety and faith for my brothers and sisters in deen (religion of Islam) around the globe.

The post Hijab is not only to be worn but practice it appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I am a born Muslim who never practiced Islam before even though I still loved Allah more than anything! I always had an urge to wear the hijab but was never strong enough to go with it. Alhamdulillah, I started reading the Quran and  started to question my life style 24/7. It came to a point where I was listening to a lecture and this Sheikh (scholar of Islam) said if you were to die today and face Allah, what  you got to present in front of Him saying here I did this for you? I took a moment to think what I had to offer and honestly, I couldn’t think of one thing.

Yes, I’m a loving, caring, helpful person with a huge heart but I felt like this question had a deeper meaning. So I said if I didn’t have anything ’till today to offer Allah, I’ll start by this, and I wore my hijab  on January 26, 2015. And I have  never been happier in my life. My life makes sense now. I don’t feel lost anymore. I have a purpose now. I see how different I get treated by the brothers -with so much more respect, even from strangers. If someone offered me 50 million dollars to remove my hijab, I would never in a million years take it off. My hijab, my pride! Salam (peace) to every sister who is on the right path! May Allah be pleased with us. Ameen.

The post I don’t feel lost anymore appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I am a born Muslim to a religious Muslim society of Saudi Arabia that commands specific dress codes. Thus I started wearing Abaya (Long-length dress specific to Muslim women) pretty much earlier without realizing its substance. However, with growing maturity and understanding of the doctrine of Islam, I have embraced Hijab from within the depths of my heart with profound sagacity and multifaceted import to it rather than wearing it senselessly just because the law demands for it (which should not be the case anyway).

On this World Hijab Day, I would like all the readers out there to question their purpose. The question needed to be asked is: What is Hijab for you? Is not it much extensive with numerous suggestions that is definitely much more than dress. Having said that, when we talk about the dress aspect of Hijab; the scarf along with a garb, it is not just a textile thing but much beyond that. For me, this attire is the brooch of identity, the reflection of my ideology, assertion of my customs, resistance to cultural imperialism, a fight to break fixated racist image, a mark of solidarity for victims, a mandate for dignity of women against objectification, and an aesthetic appeal to fashion.

In religious terms, it is the representative expression of the intrinsic connection to God (‘abd) and an appendage to the ummah’s (Muslim nation’s) essence (huwiyya). It is an elaboration of an abstract bond between an individual believer and a transcendent power. But is it all? No. Besides being the religious emblem, Hijab has served as multi-dimensional symbol of identity and political resistance throughout history. Hijab is used as a political symbol as much as religious one- it is a cultural way to make a declaration and take a stand.

For me, Hijab with its roots in Islamic theology, branches off outside the realm of religion to multiple tracks: a visual reminder of anti-colonialism, to protest against cultural imperialism, a struggle for recognition, and a resistance against Islamophobia. It is a symbol of Islam that is designed into a symbolic resistance to Western policy of assimilation, to protest the cultural imperialism and to stand in solidarity against stereotyped profiling that comes along being Muslim. Considering the growing violence against Muslims on one hand and on the other hand the upsurge of terrorism in our names, I, through my hijab, stand with the victims. I tell the narrative of a Muslim who is not an alien or a social exile but much like other humans who are social animals. I tell the story of frustrations, of humiliation,  and of struggle. My hijab tells the stories of hate crimes, propaganda, and war against my community.

My hijab speaks of my religion, my solidarity, and my identity. My hijab is a narrative of resistance. My hijab is an assertion of my belief. My hijab is mine.

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