What would you do if the very symbol of your identity, faith, and dignity was stripped away in the name of “routine procedure”? For Layla Soliz, a devout Muslim woman and outspoken activist arrested during a peaceful pro-Palestinian demonstration in Knoxville, Tennessee, this wasn’t a hypothetical question – it was a painful reality.

What began as a call for justice in Palestine led to a confrontation with the very system meant to protect her rights. On May 15, 2024, Layla, a University of Tennessee graduate and staff member at Tayseer Seminary, participated in a peace vigil marking Nakba Day – an annual commemoration of the 1948 mass displacement of Palestinians during Israel’s creation, which uprooted their homes, land, and a way of life. The Nakba, or “catastrophe,” symbolizes the continuing struggle for justice, the right of return, and historical recognition faced by more than 5 million Palestinian refugees. For Layla, the Nakba is not just a history; it’s personal. As a Muslim woman from a Palestinian family directly affected by the ongoing crisis in Gaza, she stood in solidarity with those suffering in Palestine, calling for an end to genocide.

However, what followed her arrest for allegedly violating campus restrictions was far more traumatic. A direct violation of her religious rights, an experience many Muslim women in the U.S. have faced, but few have dared to challenge.

Layla was forced to remove her hijab for her mugshot at the Knox County Detention Facility. They promised that the picture would be kept private. This was not just a routine procedure; it was an act which she felt stripped her of her dignity and violated her deeply held religious beliefs. The significance of hijab is more than just some clothing for Layla. It represents her faith, modesty, and prevents men outside her family from seeing her hair. For many Muslim women, having to take off their hijab in front of strangers feels like being torn from their core.

The situation took an even more distressing turn when her booking photo – without her hijab – was published online, contrary to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) own “Religious Head Coverings” policy. The policy explicitly instructs jail staff to respect the dignity and religious rights of arrestees who wear religious head coverings. Staff are supposed to take two photographs (one with the head covering and one without), but only release the one with the covering for identification purposes. The violation of this policy left Layla feeling deeply violated, especially since her mugshot was published publicly despite reassurances it would remain private.

Despite being taken down from Knox County’s website and the official public database, the violative image is still accessible online through third parties, which continues to damage her.

“As a Muslim, that’s a stressor. Not only had my rights to freedom of speech been infringed upon but my religious freedom as well,” Soliz tells Knox News.

The breach of protocol is not an isolated case. It highlights a systemic issue in the U.S. In a landmark case, New York City paid $17.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Jamilla Clark and Arwa Aziz, who were forced to remove their hijabs during bookings in 2017 and 2018. Their case, alongside others like Gehad Elsayed and Laila Ibrahim’s 2018 lawsuit, led to policy changes allowing religious head coverings in NYPD mugshots. Similarly, in Rutherford County, Tennessee, Sophia Johnston’s lawsuit prompted a settlement and policy revisions. These cases reveal a systemic disregard for religious freedoms and underscore the emotional and psychological impact of forced hijab removal, underscoring the need for stronger protection of religious rights.

Layla’s story exemplifies the conflict between procedural failures and the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) explicitly protects individuals from government actions that impose substantial burdens on religious practices unless there is a compelling government interest pursued in the least restrictive manner. By disregarding their own policies and RLUIPA protections, Knox County officials not only violated Layla’s rights but also set a troubling precedent. Her lawsuit seeks $250,000 in damages and permanent policy reforms to prevent future violations. Her fight is not merely about legalities; it’s about ensuring that the First Amendment – guaranteeing the right to practise one’s faith freely – is not just a promise on paper but a lived reality for all Americans. Her courage echoes the sentiments of other women who have faced similar violations. Stories like Layla’s are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern where religious minorities bear the brunt of ignorance and systemic oversight.

Layla’s story is a poignant reminder that the fight for religious freedom goes beyond legal battles — it starts in hearts and minds.

“We have to challenge every single infringement on our rights,” Layla says, “small or large, and every moment that these attacks happen. This is all very connected to what we see happening in Palestine. The entire reason we were there to begin with during our arrest is to call for an end to genocide. All these systems of oppression are very closely connected.” For Layla, her fight for religious freedom and her advocacy for Palestine are intertwined. Her hijab symbolizes the broader struggle for dignity and justice, whether in the streets of Gaza or the confines of an American detention facility.

As we stand for Palestine, we must fight for dignity at home, ensuring that every person lives without fear, with rights respected and humanity intact. Only then we can truly claim to honor the principles of freedom and quality that define a nation.

About the Author:

Famidah Dirampaten is the Assistant Editor for the World Hijab Day Organization (WHDO). She took up MA in Religious Studies with concentrations in Interfaith Peacebuilding and Nonprofit Leadership at the HJ International Graduate School for Peace & Public Leadership (formerly Unifications Theological Seminary) in New York. Instagram@famidz

The post The Fight for Religious Freedom in Detention appeared first on World Hijab Day.

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.

One day, I was on my way home from the middle school I attended when I was harassed by a group of girls. This was after 9/11 and it was unexpected as I attended a middle school in Hamtramck, Michigan, with about an 80 percent Muslim student population. So, I thought I blended in until that dreaded day and suddenly, I found myself on the guard.

Still, my shock and understanding of what was happening came about gradually. I had yet to fully grasp what had happened and what was happening all around me. For example, I heard news about elderly men being attacked on their way to the masjid.

When I turned 15, I had applied for an admin job in Taylor, Michigan that was owned by two Muslim doctors. The one who took my interview said, “You will have to remove your scarf if you want to work here.” I politely said, “Okay,” and left. When I got into the car, I felt the pangs of hurt that even our ummah couldn’t stand up for Muslim women. I didn’t take that job.

By 2006, while attending Wayne State College and participating in various organizations including the Muslim Students’ Association and halaqas (Arabic for “Islamic studies”), I took the time to reflect. I was also going through my first identity crisis at the time and wanted to further understand my purpose as a human being, as a Muslimah, all the while pursuing my dreams of becoming a journalist. Therefore, through my MSA circle, I learned how to be unapologetically Muslim in all areas of my life. We prayed together in library corners and empty classrooms; we volunteered at various charities and attended lectures. At internships I had, I asked for accommodations to pray, oftentimes explaining why it was important to me and gaining the opportunity to practice my religion. I remember sitting in an editorial meeting where I overheard a reporter talking, in disdain, about Muslims passing out Qurans. Later on, as we ate together, that same reporter asked me questions about Islam and Muslims.

Those experiences helped me discover the beauty behind hijab, behind being visibly Muslim.

Sometimes, it got exhausting, feeling like I was the only one or that I was being asked because I was being judged. However, I grew to accept that people are just curious. And as a journalist, I also ask a lot of questions.

In 2012, I began working for CAIR Michigan, where I learned first-hand about the harassment, hate incidents, bias, Muslims being put on watchlists and Muslims being harassed by the FBI. That job took what I had already experienced and showed me the extent of it. That knowledge equipped me with the tools, language and understanding of what was at stake when we didn’t speak up. A decade later, I am seeing women and men all over the world, via various notable occupations, from Media all the way to the Olympics, being unapologetically Muslim.

Two decades after 9/11, as a journalist, when I interview people, some get shocked, surprised, but oftentimes happy, to see someone like me on the other side of the screen or microphone. In many ways, we are all only beginning to heal from the aftermath of one of the greatest tragedies that ever happened.

About author 

Nargis Hakim Rahman is an award-winning Bangladeshi American Muslim journalist and writer. She is a graduate of Wayne State University with a BA in Journalism and a Psychology Minor. She grew up in Michigan, Detroit, USA, where she is passionate about community journalism. Nargis hopes to give American Muslims and minorities a voice in the press. In fact, she is a reporter and producer for WDET 101.9 FM. Moreover, her written work has appeared in various media including The Huffington Post, NPR, YES Magazine!, Haute Hijab, Tostada Magazine, Eater, Model D, Detroiter Magazine, The Muslim Observer, Brown Girl Magazine and Metro Detroit Mommy.

Website: https://nargisthewriter.com/

Twitter, Instagram, Facebook: @nargisthewriter

The post “Unapologetically,” Visibly Muslim appeared first on World Hijab Day.

After a decade of planning to take this step, three months ago, I very spontaneously took the leap! It seemed like I was always waiting for a milestone to occur and used it as an excuse to delay taking this step. It started with “let me finish high school and do it when I have a fresh start,” and said the same thing again in university, and then I had to have my hair out for my wedding, and then I said I will wait until I am a mother.

At the end of 2019, I said I can’t wait anymore! I wrote down three target “first day” dates to make myself feel more accountable and said New Years will be the latest I can push this. And with a bit of fear and nervousness (which was so short lived) – I did it! I am blessed to have a husband and family who support my decision. I acknowledge that many people don’t have this freedom of choice. My husband treated me to a little hijab shopping spree, and  is constantly taking my photos and filling me with compliments.

When choosing to marry Ahmad, I had to make sure this was something he’d support eventually. It was definitely something we were on the same page about. And the most exciting news – my best friend and mother began her hijab journey to support me during this transition – which I am so beyond proud of!

My biggest hesitation throughout my life was sadly, that it would impact my ability to build a career. But I am grateful to be working apart of an organization who actually stand by their values of diversity and inclusion, making me feel so comfortable walking in with an entirely different and unapologetic identity. KPMG has a culture that I can’t say my previous employers had, where they encourage you to bring your whole self to work and nothing but; truly championing an inclusive workforce.

After such a short period of time, hijab has become a part of me. Truthfully, I was mentally prepared for much more struggles and triumphs, but I was wrong. The only difficult part about it was starting. I feel the most comfortable and confident than I’ve ever felt.

Before putting on the hijab, people wondered why my Muslim last name didn’t match my appearance. Now, I can proudly be a flag bearer of my faith, causing no confusion that I AM MUSLIM.

The post Take that first step to wear hijab appeared first on World Hijab Day.

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.

In 2017,  I became a Muslim. To be honest,  prior to coming to Islam, I pretty much tried every belief underneath the sun except for Islam.  I was missing something deep inside and none of the beliefs I had tried prior, could fill in the space. I was originally raised as a Christian Evangelical by my own father. My mom’s side of the family were Orthodox Jews and wanted me to believe in that as well.

So in a sense, while growing up, I felt this tug of war vibe between both sides of my family to get me to follow their beliefs.  Finally,  at the age of eighteen, I decided to become a Catholic.  I went with it for awhile, but it didn’t do much for the empty space;  moved on to atheism and then spirituality, which is where I settled for a while.  I wasn’t happy but it was better than me feeling miserable.  FINALLY! I came across Islam due to all of the coverage from the Muslim ban.  I am a  justice warrior for Equality and Equity for ALL.

Initially, I was hesitant because people kept telling me lies about Islam and Islamophobic propaganda, which intimidated me.  I didn’t feel I could be a Muslim and be safe from their hatred. However, when I met other Muslims and saw that they were just like me-loving, kind humans just living for and loving Allah- it made me feel more excited and brave enough to love and follow Allah as well.

So, in January 2017, I became Muslim and celebrated my 1st World Hijab Day.  Every since then, I’ve been trying my best to learn and grow as a Muslimah (Muslim woman). When I first fasted during Ramadan, it was LIFE to me.  I’ve never felt so cleansed and close to Allah.  Finally,  for the first time, my empty space was no longer hollow. Instead, I felt WHOLE with a purpose and love for Allah.

As for wearing my hijab goes: I absolutely love it!  It gives me strength and  makes me  feel FREE.  I feel like Allah is so proud of me for obeying His command and that makes me feel even more whole and complete.

Lastly,  THANK YOU for allowing us, Muslim women, to be heard and represented.  Hopefully,  Insha’Allah, this will help shed beautiful truth on Islam and Muslims everywhere.

The post Muslim ban led me to Islam appeared first on World Hijab Day.

The hardest part about wearing a hijab, for me, is knowing that if I take it off, almost everyone would applaud me for being strong and courageous. No one would see that my willpower and pride had been broken. People would clap when I would actually need them to mourn with me and realize that the causes of that happening need to be eradicated.

I wear this scarf because when I was a child I was socialized to be embarrassed, even ashamed, of my religion and my culture. I was told that to be a Muslim was to be a terrorist and that to be outwardly Muslim was to endorse violence and oppression. I was told that I had more in common with the violent men on tv than with the other children in my second grade class. I understood that I would be unwelcome as long as I wore symbols of my heritage and chose to, in however modern a way, embrace my ancestors. I was told that to manifest my faith in this way, to dress like my mother as many young girls want to do, was to spit in the faces of “real Americans.” The day I walk out of my house without this scarf would not be a day to be celebrated. It would be the day that I decide that to be proud of myself is too much of a liability and that shame of my faith, my family and my heritage are easier to swallow than the dirty stares, abuse, misunderstanding and sense of alienation from those around me who do not and will not care enough about me or women who look like me to help alleviate it.

I wear this scarf because I could not see beauty in myself for 19 out of my 20 years of life. I idealized the white skin and colored eyes of my peers. I think I probably still do. I thought I looked like less of a child than my friends in old photographs- believing that my tan skin and dark eyes meant I looked less cute, less innocent, less lovable. It was made evident early on that women are valued almost solely based on their appearance in many societies— and unfortunately my merchandise was cheap. I devalued myself because I looked different. Other Muslims, Arabs or people of color only corroborated this price scale with their colonized beauty ideals— celebrating the beauty of their colonizers as opposed to their own features. Fighting this internalized self-hate took too much time and only recently have I come to appreciate the way I look. I safeguard this precious self-love, 19 years in the making, by rejecting any notion that my being can be reduced to what anyone, orientalist or not, perverted or not, racist or not, can see on the street. The day I leave my house without a scarf is the day my conviction that I am more than my appearance is finally crushed under the almost overwhelming desire to be appreciated and deemed worthy by this superficial society. It would not be a day to be celebrated– it would be a day to question when or why our obsession with appearances overtook our individual cultivated and nuanced moralities.

On this World Hijab Day, I wanted to make it clear, for my own situation, that if a day comes that I decide to take off my hijab, it will not be a day when I am “freed”- it will be a day I will have exhaustedly stopped fighting for my rights, my personal morals, and my individual convictions. I won’t have decided to take it off. Rather, I will have been deprived of my ability to keep it on.

The post The day I walk out of my house without this scarf would not be a day to be celebrated appeared first on World Hijab Day.

If you think hijab holds you from exploring the world, think again. My hijab is the most empowering garment I ever had. The hijab speaks for me, it tells the world that I’m a Muslim woman, that I believe in Allah (SWT) and I try to follow the prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) teachings. It’s also a reminder of the sunnah (my ethics code) and acts sometimes quicker than my own conscience. It makes me feel connected with this world because as a Muslim woman, I have a moral duty in society.  At the same time, it tells me to keep working my way to Jannah (Paradise).

It’s sometimes an icebreaker and makes me closer to some curious minds and sometimes protects me from the noise in the crowd. It’s my crown, my helmet, my most valuable jewel and at the same time, reminds me to be most  humble. Hijab is not what I wear, it is WHAT I AM.

The post My Hijab is the most empowering garment appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I was raised as a Sunni Muslim all of my life, but living in the states after 9/11, I was very afraid to wear my hijab because I didn’t want people to dislike me or think I supported terrorism. For 12 years I hadn’t worn a hijab in public. And then Ramadan of 2014 came, and ALLAH placed confidence, modesty, and a love for humility in my heart. I put my hijab back on July 7,2014. And I’ve never looked back. I have never felt more beautiful and confident.

Yes, people at work, especially my boss began to look at and treat me differently but I did not care.

The beautiful part of this entire story is there was a guy who came into my job all the time, but never spoke a word to me. The day I decided to wear my hijab he approached my desk and asked me “why are you covering your hair today? Did you become a Muslim?” I was afraid to answer at first, but then I decided to answer confidently. I explained to him that I had always been Muslim and that it was my religious holy month of Ramadan and I decided to return to my tradition and wear my hijab. I turned out that this guy was also a Muslim, from Alexandria Egypt, and was so inspired by my bravery and decision to wear my hijab even though people had become islamophobic. On July 28,2014, after eid prayer the guy met my Abi (father) and the rest of my family, and in unbeknownst to me exchanged numbers with my father. On October 28,2014 he asked my Abi for my hand. On January 10,2015 he and I had our Nikkah (wedding) and have been inseparable since!

I’d like to testify that my hijab is my strength and pride, and without I would have my wonderful husband and beautiful family!

The post I have never felt more beautiful and confident appeared first on World Hijab Day.

I wasn’t a born Muslim.  I was raised as a Christian, Seventh- Day Adventist to be exact. And some things in Christianity that I found to be very similar to Islam were: We preferred eating halal/kosher, valued modesty and stayed away from alcohol, unclean meats (pork, etc.) and these were very relevant to me.

So, as a practicing Christian, I had no intentions other than to please God. I abided by all of those morals.  One Sabbath morning, I came to Church with an ankle length dark purple dress accompanied with a simple tan colored scarf covering my hair which was my personal idea of what modesty was but to others, it seemed  way too extreme and offensive for Church.

Throughout the day, I endured comments from Church goers including children and adults; “ISIS has arrived”, “You know you look like that lady, I think she was Mahatma Gandhi’s wife”, “Hey! Salam alaikum – aaaah! just kidding with you”, all followed by playful laughs.  That day, my grandmother received several complaints from sisters in the Church. I even got into a huge verbal feud with one of the sisters in my Church on my views on modesty. I always made sure to tell people that I was only doing this because the Bible said so:

According to 1 Corinthians 11:  “that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you… Every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same if her head was shaved…For this reason a woman ought to have the symbol of authority on their head, because of the angels.”

After that encounter with my Church, my confidence in following what the Holy Bible had taught me eventually ended up diminishing.  Often, people said things like: “Because times have changed we don’t participate in things like that”, “Jesus died for our sins so we don’t have to do that anymore”, “That was the old ways of Babylon so we no longer do that”, “Wrap it another way and not like a Muslim”, “It’s not good to wear it like that. People will think you worship Allah instead of God.”, “There are others ways to be modest. Why do you have to dress like that?”, “You are beautiful just the way you are. Just take that scarf off already.” Their comments didn’t really affect me much, but it did make me wonder, as Christians, why are we not modeling what the Bible taught us when the Muslims and even Jews were doing it and they don’t even claim the Bible as their Holy Book?

Eventually months later, on October 25, 2016, I started wearing the hijab consistently. However, before leading up to that moment, a couple of people played a major role in my life, when deciding if I should even look into Islam or not.  They were the ones who often cleared up most of my misconceptions of Islam, exchanged phone numbers with me, got to know me over milkshakes, a quick sit-down in the park or even dinner and referred me to so many of the resources to learn about Islam which still currently exist in my life today.

But I was convinced that I wanted to wear the hijab by mid- August but I just wasn’t sure how I could actually go about doing it. I confided in my mother, but I feared the rest of my family wouldn’t approve of me adapting to these new concepts of modesty and almost a foreign lifestyle to them. Transitioning into wearing the Hijab while in high school, was a bit difficult for me but it wasn’t anything that I couldn’t handle. By the first month, my family, school, and Church buddies all got used to it but the remarks remained.

The post Kiara’s veil experience at her Church appeared first on World Hijab Day.