On Saturday morning, March 22nd, a Canadian-Muslim Hijabi woman walked into Ajax Public Library in Ontario, and was verbally and physically attacked by a complete stranger. This incident is just one case among the approximate 50-80% (depending on the country) rise in Islamophobic and Hijabophobic attacks worldwide, just this past year.

Among the G7 nations, Canada is the leading nation in Islamophobia-related deaths in the past seven years, according to Omar Khamissa, the National Council of Canadian Muslims  (NCCM) Chief Operating Officer.  

“What happened on Saturday could’ve easily increased that number,” Khamissa said at a press conference held on Monday, March 24th. “Canadians need to know this, they need to know this especially right now as we’re in an election cycle.”

The victim of Islamophobia and Hijabophobia, pleaded with library security for intervention and they did try to help until Police arrived. The Durham Regional Police Force (DTPS) arrived at Ajax Public Library around noon, immediately questioning the victim, who remains anonymous. DTPS, then, arrested the perpetrator, 25-year-old Kaley-Ann Freieron, and charged her with two counts of assault with a weapon (a lighter) and three counts of failure to comply with a probation order. Freier is currently in custody awaiting a bail hearing.

DTPS released a statement: “The female began yelling profanities at the victim and throwing objects at her head…. The suspect fled the library but was located by officers a few hours later and taken into custody without incident…. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, investigators are required to consult with the Crown Attorney’s office to determine whether the evidence meets the legal threshold for hate to be considered a factor.”

Nevertheless, NCCM is asking DTPS to identify this incident as a “hate crime.”

The victim released a statement in which she expressed her fear for her own daughters, who also wear hijab and are growing up in an Islamophobic and Hijabophobic society. Fatema Abdalla, an advocacy officer with the NCCM, read the victim’s statement out loud at the press conference:

“Since that day, I haven’t been able to sleep properly…. Every time I close my eyes, the incident replays over and over again. I toss and turn, gripped by my fear…. I keep asking myself ‘Why, why would someone attack me for just peacefully sitting there?’ I can’t stop thinking, ‘What if the lighter had worked? What if my hijab had caught on fire?’ I never imagined that a visit to my favorite, quiet corner of the library would turn into one of the most terrifying moments of my life.”

On his X account, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (Liberal Party) said, “This type of violence is not an isolated incident. Islamophobia is real, it is dangerous, and it must stop. I offer my support and prayers to the victim of this terrible act and am relieved that the police acted quickly and made an arrest.”

Similarly, New Democratic Party leader, Jagmeet Singh, wrote on his X account: “This hate-motivated attack is a reminder that divisive rhetoric is a stain on our country and not part of our Canadian values. My heart goes out to the victim, her family, and the Muslim community. I stand with you.”

About the Author:

Rumki Chowdhury is the Editor of the World Hijab Day Organization. She holds a Masters of English Literature from the Queen Mary University of London and a Bachelors in English Writing from William Paterson University of New Jersey. She holds the honor of being an award-winning published author and poet who has experience in the worlds of publishing, media and academia. Moreover, she is married and is a blessed mother of three daughters.

The post Hijabi Attacked Inside Canadian Public Library 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.

It’s crazy how misconceptions can cloud our understanding of an entire group of people. It’s a known fact that every religion has its fair share of misconceptions and stereotypes. Unfortunately, Islam is no exception to this influx of information.

In the face of divisive headlines, Islam unwaveringly fosters peace and understanding. The very word “Islam” means peace. A fifth of the world’s population is reclaiming this peace as their chosen way of life. As we progress in the 21st century, it’s important to move past stereotypes and understand Islam. This is a faith with a rich history, a strong appreciation for diversity, and a commitment to peace.

1. MISCONCEPTION: “All muslims are terrorists.”

FACT: Islam’s teachings highlight peace, compassion, and justice. The vast majority of Muslims reject violence and extremism.

The idea that “all Muslims are terrorists,” is a harmful stereotype. Remember that most Muslims are peaceful and oppose terrorism. Though specific data is scarce, very few Muslims commit terrorist acts. At least 60 of the 2,400 U.S. terrorist attacks in the START (Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism) database from 1970 to 2012 were committed by Muslims, representing only 2.5% of the total. (Washington’s Blog)

It’s often Muslims who are most affected by acts of terrorism. Research has shown that 82% to 97% of victims of terrorism are Muslims.(BBC News)(Washington’s Blog)(Fondapol.Org) It’s important to note that these incidents are driven by a miniscule fraction of the world’s Muslims and by many other factors like population, failed governance, and weak economic development. (CSIS) These figures highlight that while terrorism is a global issue, it’s not representative of the beliefs and actions of the majority of Muslims worldwide. 

The media often links Islam to violence, which can perpetuate this misconception. It’s crucial to separate the actions of a few from the beliefs of many. For example, as we wouldn’t judge all Christians by the acts of a few, we shouldn’t view all Muslims through the lens of terrorists.

2. MISCONCEPTION: “Muslims are all Arabs.”

FACT: Muslims come from diverse ethnic backgrounds worldwide. Only about 20% of Muslims are Arabs.

It’s important not to mix up Muslims and Arabs. Muslims are found all over the world and come from many different cultures. Muslims learn Arabic, the language of Islam’s holy book, the Quran. It allows them to read the Quran and understand its teachings.

Out of the over one billion Muslims globally, only around 200 million are Arabs. Interestingly, about ten percent of these Arabs are not Muslims.

3. MISCONCEPTION: “Muslim women are oppressed.”

FACT: Muslim women, like all women, live varied lives. Despite hurdles some may encounter, Islam safeguards their rights and offers them protection.

This is the most prevalent stereotype in Western media. Contrary to popular belief, women in Islam do not lack agency or personal freedom. They are capable of making impactful decisions and actions. Sometimes, cultural practices can cloud these rights. The Quran stands for gender equality and denounces violence against women.

Muslim women’s experiences are multifaceted, with empowerment being a significant aspect. Just to share, while the U.S. hasn’t had a female president yet, many Muslim women have already reached the top leadership roles in their countries. This includes notable figures like Benazir Bhutto, Khaleda Zia, Tansu Çiller, Sheikh Hasina, Mame Madior Boye, Megawati Sukarnoputri, Roza Otunbayeva, Atifete Jahjaga, Cissé Mariam Kaïdama Sidibé, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Halimah Yacob, Samia Suluhu, and Vjosa Osmani.

4. MISCONCEPTION: “Islam is a backward religion and Muslims disregard education.”

FACT: Education holds a significant place in Islam, and Muslims have a rich history of contributing to human civilization.

One reason Islam grew so quickly and peacefully was because of its simple teachings, which ultimately promoted the worship of a single God. Several civilizations and educational institutions were established in a relatively short amount of time. This quest for learning led to breakthroughs in many fields. 

The Prophet (SAW) emphasized the importance of education for all Muslims, irrespective of gender. Muslim scholars made substantial contributions to various disciplines during the Islamic Golden Age. For instance, Ibn Sina (Avicenna) wrote “The Canon of Medicine,” which was a key medical resource for centuries. His interpretations of Aristotle’s works played a significant role in shaping European thought. The House of Wisdom in Baghdad was a key institution where scholars shared ideas. These contributions, among many others, were instrumental in preserving and advancing knowledge that later influenced Europe’s Renaissance.

5. MISCONCEPTION: “Muslims worship a different deity.” 

FACT: Muslims worship the same God as Christians and Jews. “Allah” is the Arabic word for God, used by Arabic-speaking followers of all three religions.

Muslims express their acknowledgment of Allah’s sovereignty through devotion and compliance with His teachings, delivered by His prophets throughout history. In Islam, God is unique, doesn’t fatigue, has no offspring or associates, and lacks human traits.

6. MISCONCEPTION: “Islam is a monolithic religion.”

FACT: Islam is a diverse faith with a wide range of views, practices, and interpretations. It encompasses various sects, traditions, and cultural expressions.

Muslims, coming from different ethnicities, cultures, and eras, exhibit a broad spectrum of perspectives and practices. Different schools of thought and regional variations contribute to the richness of Islamic tradition.

A number of Islamic sects exist, each with its own set of customs, theology, and legal traditions. This diversity highlights the value of religious liberty.

7. 7. MISCONCEPTION: “Muslims hate non-Muslims.”

FACT: Islam emphasizes the importance of peaceful coexistence and respectful interaction with people of other faiths.

Islam recognizes Jews and Christians as “People of the Book.” The Quran encourages dialogue, understanding, and fair treatment of non-Muslims, emphasizing the common humanity shared by all.

Throughout history, Muslim societies have demonstrated peaceful coexistence with different religious communities. Jews, Christians, and Muslims all lived in harmony in different Islamic regimes.

8. MISCONCEPTION: “Islam is a threat to Western values.”

FACT: Islam and Western values share common ground, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.

Islam and Western societies share common values, both aiming for a better humanity. Islam promotes freedom, justice, and democracy, which are also core Western values. Both societies are learning to adapt to each other’s values, and technology is changing how these communities interact.

9. 9. MISCONCEPTION: “Islam and Democracy are incompatible.”

FACT: Many Muslim-majority countries have democratic systems, showcasing compatibility between Islam and democratic governance.

Islam and democracy share important principles like justice, equality, and people’s welfare. Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, stands as a real-time example of how Islam and democratic governance can coexist successfully. 

10. MISCONCEPTION: “Sharia law is barbaric and inflexible.”

FACT: Sharia is a comprehensive moral and ethical system based on Islamic teachings. It encompasses various interpretations and can be adapted to modern contexts.

While some parts of Sharia law related to faith, worship, and character are fixed, other parts that govern relationships between individuals can change based on circumstances, customs, and location. This flexibility is a key feature of Islamic law. Through a process called ijtihad, Muslim jurists have developed new rules from Islamic principles to suit their times and contexts.

These misconceptions have the potential not only to fuel the perpetuation of ignorance but contribute to foster prejudices. There are a lot of opinions, and reality is often twisted to fit personal agendas and biases. The harmful spread of these misconceptions needs to be addressed. It’s about shedding our preconceived ideas and welcoming the truth into our hearts and minds that exists beyond the veil of misconceptions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Famidah Dirampaten is the Assistant Editor for World HIjab Day Organization. She is also a candidate for the Master of Arts in Religious Studies with concentrations in Interfaith Peace Building and Nonprofit Leadership at the Unification Theological Seminary in New York. She is currently based in Doha, Qatar. Instagram@famidz

The post 10 Misconceptions You Need to Stop Falling For, Seriously! appeared first on World Hijab Day.

Residing in Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim country attracting tourists from various Muslim nations, I frequently observe a recurring trend within devout families. On public transportation like the light rapid transit (LRT) trains in Kuala Lumpur, it’s quite common to come across Muslim couples—likely tourists—exhibiting a peculiar contrast in attire: the wife is modestly veiled, while the husband dons shorts. It’s important to remember that in the Quran the value of modesty was first stressed for men’s decency before being addressed for women. Despite this sequence, the attention often leans heavily towards discussing the hijab for Muslim women, inadvertently sidelining, or disregarding the significance of modest clothing for Muslim men.

It’s expected for men to dress with a certain level of decorum in their clothing, just as it’s required for women. In order to preserve modesty, it’s not just about being careful with their clothing choices, but also about being aware of their conduct.

Such a good example is the need to lower one’s gaze and a well-known hadith emphasizes this:

Narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “O Ali, do not follow a glance with another, for you will be forgiven for the first, but not for the second.” (Tirmidhi)

In this hadith, Prophet Muhammad صلى الله علیھ وسلم advises Ali رضي الله عنھ to be mindful not to let a single glance at a woman turn into a prolonged gaze. The underlying message encourages modesty and self-control, emphasizing the significance of guarding one’s gaze to maintain a respectful and honourable interaction with others.

It’s more common to use the word “hijab” to describe the modest clothing rule followed by Muslim women. That means wearing loose clothing that covers the body and hair. While the same standards aren’t usually imposed on Muslim men. They are still encouraged to dress in a modest way. However, the specific rules for their clothing are different from those for women.

For both Muslim men and women, the concept of hijab primarily emphasizes the premise of covering their “awrah.” The concept of “awrah” refers to the parts of the body that are considered private and should be covered for reasons of modesty. In the context of men, although the Quran does not explicitly outline specific rules for awrah as it does for women, there are general principles within Islamic tradition that provide guidance on modesty and proper dress for men. A verse often referred to in this light is Quran 24:30-31: “Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do….”

The general rule for men is to wear clothes that cover from the belly button to the knees. This usually means wearing clothes that are loose and don’t show the body’s shape.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whatever is below the ankles of the lower garment is in the Fire.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

This hadith highlights the importance of wearing attire that isn’t overly showy and doesn’t sweep the ground, as a way to humility and steer clear of arrogance. While this hadith focuses on the length of the lower garment (such as pants), it’s part of the broader context of Islamic modesty for men.

While focusing on ensuring that women dress modestly, Muslim men often overlook the importance of adhering to their own modest dress code.

Men and women are encouraged to uphold modesty in the Quran.

About The Author:

Sumaiya Rabeya is a researcher and content writer. She is the co-founder of a Malaysia-based media production company. Sumaiya is also a community volunteer, actively working on various projects related to Islamic dawah, social engagement and women. Born in 1989, she graduated with a degree in Politics and International Relations and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Gender Studies. Moreover, she has been working as a media content writer for over a decade. As a Bengali. young mother, she feels responsible in creatively contributing to society.

The post Balancing Modesty: The Overlooked Practice for Muslim Men appeared first on World Hijab Day.

Year after year, I never fail to mention Ramadan as hands down my favorite month of the year, and I cannot reiterate it enough. It brings me a sense of peace and calmness that no other month can provide. But this year was different; my nafs (Arabic for soul) yearned for Ramadan more than ever before.

Three years ago, when I was told I had breast cancer, my whole world turned upside down. At such a young age, it was a devastating blow that shook me to my core. But looking back on that time now, I realize that my diagnosis was truly what I call a miracle from Allah, the Giver of Peace. It may sound strange to call a cancer diagnosis a miracle, but for me, الحمدلل it was exactly what I needed to fully embrace His love and become closer to HIM than I ever had before.

Cancer wasn’t a punishment, but a gift from Allah (SWT) that changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. It taught me the true meaning of patience and trust in Allah’s plan, and it brought me closer to my family and community. Through cancer, I have met the most incredible people. They’ve helped me feel better, given me hope, and shown me the beauty of the human spirit.

In addition, Ramadan has become a deeply spiritual time for me, a time when I reflect on the blessings in my life and give thanks for all that Allah (SWT) has given me. Over the past three years, my health has progressively worsened. At the beginning of 2022, it transitioned from breast cancer to metastatic breast cancer in my brain. I’ve become quite immobile, in a constant wheelchair, and can only manage a few steps at a time. Recently, I’ve noticed my decline has accelerated. This is where this year’s Ramadan has touched me emotionally in a beautiful way. In all honesty, I did not believe I would witness the mercy of this month with the intense decline I see in myself. Then, however, this ayah from the Qur’an came to my mind, and I prayed for guidance: “My Lord! I am truly in desperate need of whatever provision You may have in store for me” (Quran 28:24), and the Most Loving answered my dua.

This year, I have been mainly focused on Islamic and Ramadan-inspired knowledge, and I have been doing a lot of administrative work in terms of Ramadan and cancer-related articles. Although I am not much help around the house, I have been writing posts, blogs, and stories for my personal and breast cancer Instagram accounts. I started by increasing my ibadah and watching YouTube videos by scholars, who have been incredibly helpful in increasing my knowledge. One of the 30-Day Lecture Ramadan series from 2022 that I watched was about Maryam. I haven’t been able to fast for the previous three years, but I still have the niyyah or intention to do so. I have faith that The Most Forgiving will forgive me إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ for being unable to fast. I must take medication at regular intervals, which I cannot delay. I also have chemotherapy infusions. To boost my immunity, I need to stay hydrated and well-fed. I’ve tried fasting in the past while ill, but it didn’t go very well. Allah (SWT) is The Healer to those that are sick انشاءالله. I am thus eligible to make a donation to those in need; it is called Fidya. Other than myself, my illness has also affected my family. Even though I have my medical degree, I still rely entirely on my father for support, particularly financially. My mother is the one who takes the brunt of my burden, especially during Ramadan. She has Ramadan preparations on top of the daily tasks of bathing me, taking me to the bathroom, and taking me to my every appointment. I often feel guilty, but my parents and sister have reiterated that this is their test from Allah. They believe they will be rewarded, and we will be reunited in the hereafter, Insh’Allah.

The last 10 days of Ramadan are the most significant, and this is when our duas, sacrifices, and prayers should significantly increase. One of the last 10 nights, most likely an odd night, is Laylatul Qadr, also known as the ‘Night of Power.’ The virtue of this blessed night is when Allah bestowed the Quran upon humankind as a gift and a source of guidance. The best dua for this night, according to Prophet Muhammed (ﷺ), is “O Allah! You are the One who forgives greatly and loves to forgive, so forgive me.” The Night of Power holds immense reward for those who seek forgiveness and sabr, including for those on a cancer journey like mine.

Ramadan has been my oasis of calm and peace in these challenging times. While my cancer journey has been tough, it has also drawn me closer to Allah (SWT) and taught me the true meaning of patience, faith, and love.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Noshin Saloojee is a medical doctor who graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the Medical University of Bahrain. She joined the General Medical Council in the UK but gave up her registration as she has been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in her brain. She has been living in Saudi Arabia for the past 25 years, except for the years she studied in Bahrain and the first 6 years of her life. She is a proud South African. Her parents still live in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, where she resides with them for treatment. Her dear sister lives in South Africa, but for now, she is staying in Saudi Arabia to spend as much time as possible with Noshin.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nosh09

Instagram: @pinkribbonmountains

Instagram: @nosh09

Twitter: @nosh09

The post A Cancer Patient’s Journey During Ramadan appeared first on World Hijab Day.

As we get closer to the end of the Islamic month of Sha’ban, my heart is already thumping and my excitement for Ramadan is rising faster than the price of Bitcoin. I can almost hear the whispered prayers, the hum of eager hearts, and the rustling of hands reaching out to grasp the divine. It’s like a homecoming for my soul, a reunion with a beloved friend whose absence has left a void that even a lifetime of Netflix binging couldn’t fill. The preparations leading up to it are a cherished tradition in my family, and I know that many other Muslim households feel the same way, like we’re all part of a secret society of Ramadan fanatics.

The sacredness of Ramadan was brought up in a conversation I had with a non-Muslim friend a few years ago, during which I also bared the depth of my emotions.

“The emotional effect Ramadan has had on me is hard to describe.” I said, “I almost feel as though I’m going through a deeply spiritual process when I clean, declutter, and organize my home just before Ramadan starts—almost like I’m a spiritual Marie Kondo, tidying up my soul. Giving away my things to people in need feels like letting the good vibes flow through me.”

Ramadan is like hitting the reset button on your soul. It’s a time to grow, to reflect, and to remember that no matter how hopeless or shattered we may feel, Allah (SWT)’s mercy and bounty provide us with hope for a better tomorrow.

I went on to tell my friend, “Ramadan is a celebration of life itself. And I can’t wait to be immersed in its cozy goodness again. Regardless of what our present circumstances may be, Ramadan is always there, giving us a reason to remain hopeful and a chance for a fresh beginning each year.”

The fervor in my voice moved my friend. “That’s interesting. You make Ramadan sound so intense and inspiring. It makes me wonder if I might have to experience it for myself.”

And that’s the thing about Ramadan—it’s not simply a month; it’s an experience that can transform hearts and minds faster than a TikTok trend and inspire us to be better, kinder, more compassionate human beings.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a holy month for Muslims. It is a time of spiritual renewal and rejuvenation, where we focus on strengthening our relationship with Allah (SWT) and purifying our hearts and minds.

The Quran says, “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” (2:183). This verse highlights the significance of fasting as a means of attaining righteousness and closeness to Allah (SWT). Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Fasting is a shield with which a servant protects himself from the Fire” (Ahmad).

Ramadan teaches us self-discipline and it is like a month-long marathon of self-control. It’s a time when we willingly subject ourselves to hunger, thirst, caffeine withdrawal, and all other needs of the body from dawn till dusk in observance of a fast. By resisting the temptation to indulge in these basic human needs, Muslims become more aware of the struggles of those who are deprived of these necessities of life. It helps us to appreciate the blessings of Allah (SWT) and empathize with those who are less fortunate. We are reminded of our duty to help those in need and to be generous with our time and resources. Ramadan is a powerful reminder that spiritual growth and compassion are very important in Islam.

As the sun goes down, Muslims break their fast with a meal called iftar. Traditionally, people invite friends and family to share this meal with them, and it is also common to feed the poor and needy during iftar. This practice is based on the Hadith in which the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Whoever gives food to a fasting person with which to break his fast will have a reward like his, without it detracting from the reward of the fasting person in the slightest” (Tirmidhi).

But it’s not just a physical challenge, let’s not forget about the spiritual workouts we do during Ramadan. We spend hours in prayer and reflection, reciting the Qur’an and pondering its teachings. It’s like a spiritual gym, where we strengthen our souls and our moral compass. For Muslims, it’s a time of intense spiritual focus and self-reflection.

Devotion to Allah is heightened throughout Ramadan. Muslims are encouraged to read the Quran daily and to spend more time in prayer and reflection. The Qur’an says, “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion” (2:185). Muslims believe that the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) during the month of Ramadan, and therefore, we feel a particularly close connection to this holy book at this time of year.

Yet there are times when we can lighten up a little. It’s common for people to get together and have a good time throughout the month of Ramadan. Around this time, the streets become alive with festive decorations and food vendors as people assemble with friends and family to break their fast together. We aid people who are less fortunate by eating together and donating to charity. This is the moment for us to rally behind one another as a community. It’s like one big spiritual party, where we celebrate our faith and our commitment to spiritual growth.

So, let’s embrace this month-long challenge and see it as an opportunity to grow spiritually and cultivate empathy for those less fortunate. And let’s not forget to enjoy the spiritual party too!

About the Author 

Famidah Dirampaten is a candidate for the Master of Arts in Religious Studies with concentrations in Interfaith Peace Building and Nonprofit Leadership at the Unification Theological Seminary in New York. She is currently based in Doha, Qatar. Instagram@famidz

The post Ramadan: A Month of Spiritual Renewal and Soulful Cleansing appeared first on World Hijab Day.

How often are childless women considered to be bombarding burdens?

According to gender research (cited below), women are more prone to social pressure and forcibly dictated life decisions than men are. It is as if it’s a crime she is committing when not able to become a mother. I wonder how it is often the woman put into moral custody for something she has no control over when a man is not?!

For a lot of women, it is a natural progression to dream of motherhood. Only someone who has gone through the struggle of conceiving can understand how agonizing and self-depleting the journey is.  In addition, if one hears about a child’s nonexistence repeatedly, the suffering intensifies. Unfortunately, the majority of our Muslim ummah has long forgotten the etiquettes of social interactions and feel free to inappropriately meddle in someone’s very private struggles.

Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ explicitly reminded the ummah: “I am not authorized to split people’s heart and become aware of their hidden and internal thoughts,” while in the Quran 49:12, it is stated, “Believers… do not spy.”

Moreover, being a mother is not the singular identity of a woman.  We all have limitations in our lives. Even if one has children, there will be some shortcomings in other aspects of the woman’s life. We need to remember, for example, Ayesha رضي الله عنه who had no children of her own, yet is regarded as one of the most respected and notable Muslims of all time. She is considered the second highest narrator of hadith or Islamic teachings after Abu Hurairah  رضي الله عنه. She dedicated her entire life to preserving and serving the knowledge of Islam after the demise of Prophet Muhammad

صَلَّى ٱللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ. She is one of the core Faiqih for whom we have had the chance to know the Sunnah of our Prophet distinctively, after thousands of years. Great sahabas (companions of the Prophet صَلَّىٱللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ) of that time, male and female, took lessons from her and leaders consulted  her regarding grave ministerial decisions.

What’s more, Ayesha رضي الله عنه was eighteen years old when the Prophet صَلَّى ٱللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ passed away. Even after the death of the Prophet صَلَّى ٱللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ, she lived for about 47 years. Yet, there is not a single narration in Islamic hadith reporting where she prayed for a child to Allah or lamented to the Prophet صَلَّى ٱللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ.

 Allah says in the Quran, “Wealth and children are the adornments of this worldly life” (18:46) and, “Your wealth and your children are but a trial” ( 64:15). Testing is a part of life on earth. There is no way to live here without taking the exam. Therefore, having children or not, are tests from Allah. Motherhood is only one phase of a woman’s life if Allah wills it; It is not the sole measurement of failure or success in life. She is a person with her own dreams, desires and talents. She will have to answer to Allah for all her blessings, children or not.

Most often, maybe a childless woman wants to be satisfied with Allah’s decision by counting other blessings around her, but the people in her community keep her from doing it. According to hadith, the community is supposed to hold their tongue or avoid excessive talk unless in remembrance of Allah. They are supposed to be the barren woman’s source of mental peace and reassure her of her  worth as a Muslim, first. Childlessness is not a crime, but it can be a blessing in disguise. Allah knows best.

Sources (aside from Quran and Hadith):

Elizalde, J. (2021). “How Gender Roles, Social Expectations Affect Female First-Generation Students.” Texas A&M University College of Education & Human Development.

https://today.tamu.edu/2021/09/24/how-gender-roles-social-expectations-affect-female-fi

rst-generation-students/

 Flores, L. Y., Settles, I., McGillen, G. G., & M.Davis, T. “Critical Contributions to Scholarship on Women and Work: Celebrating 50 Years of Progress and Looking Ahead to a New Decade.” Journal of Vocational Behavior, 2021.

Hakim, C. “Women, Careers, and Work-Life Preferences.” British Journal of Guidance and Counseling, 2006.

Rahim, N. A., Mohamed, Z. B., Amrin, A., & Mohammad, R. “Women’s Dual Roles and Career Growth: A Preliminary Study of Malaysian Female Talents in Science, Engineering and Technology.” Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2019.

About the Author:

Sumaiya Rabeya is a researcher and content writer. She is the co-founder of a Malaysia-based media-production company. Sumaiya is also a community volunteer, actively working on various projects related to Islamic dawah, social engagement and women. Born in 1989, she graduated with a degree in Politics and International Relations and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Gender Studies. Moreover, she has been working as a media content writer for over a decade. As a Bengali young mother, she feels responsible in creatively contributing to society.

The post Childlessness is Not a Crime appeared first on World Hijab Day.

The image of the hijabi Muslim woman created by the West after 9/11 has been consistent: she is constantly depicted as oppressed, submissive to men, forced to cover up and unable to make her own decisions. Even in many Muslim countries, still under the cultural influence of colonization, women wearing the hijab or headscarf are often discriminated against, ridiculed and they are unable to find job opportunities.

How is it possible that hundreds of years of Islamic history were so easily forgotten, even in those lands where Islam was born? Islam changed history forever by bringing new values for the whole of humanity. Allah SWT explicitly stated in the Quran that men and women are equal. Islam forbade female infanticide, instructed Muslims to educate daughters as well as sons, insisted that women have the right to choose their husbands and gave women the right to divorce. In the Quran, both women and men are advised to lower their gaze.

If we just look at the years of the Islamic revelation, we see endless examples of women who weren’t afraid of defying the patriarchal laws of Quraysh. I’m not talking only about the wives of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. In fact, more than 1200 women were listed as companions of the Prophet صلىالله عليه وسلم, or sahabiyyat.

The first believer of Islam was a woman, Khadijah. The first martyr of Islam was also a woman, Sumayyah. In addition, oneof the first Muslim women to participate in battles wasNusaybah, who fought in the Battle of Uhud to defend ourProphet صلى الله عليه وسلم. Let’s not forget Asma, the daughter ofAbu Bakrعليه السلام, who secretly organized the escape ofProphet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم from Mecca to Medinaduring Muslim persecution. Let’s remember Aisha, one of the “Mothers of the Believers,” who led an entire army against Ali, the fourth caliph! Moreover, she was a true jurist, a faqiha, as she transmitted hundreds of hadith (Islamic teachings or sayings of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم). 

In the Quran, we are given further examples of strong and piouswomen including Bilquis, the queen of Saba, (Queen of Sheebain English), who was a wise political leader. Then, there’sMaryam, mother of Jesus عليه وسلم, who has an entire chapter ofthe Quran named after her. In addition, there are many otherinspirational women from our Islamic history, mentioned in theQuran, including Asiya, the adopted mother of Moses  عليه وسلم , and Sarah and Hajar, the wives of Abraham عليه وسلم.

Evidently, these Muslim women from Islamic history, were brave and wanted to, alongside the men, contribute to the new Muslim society. I look at them as universal examples of female identity: courage, humility, determination, strength, and perseverance.

Yet, the hijab continues to be considered by certain societies as an example of oppression.  Take the most recent hijab ban in Karnataka, India, as one example where hijabi women have lost their right to education. Even in Europe, as a whole, any employer can legally fire an employee if she refuses to take off her hijab when asked to do so! Therefore, the hijab does not, in any way, prevent women from pursuing their dreams, but such laws forbidding women to wear the hijab, do! Our Islamic history is a testament to that.

Reminder: May is “International Muslim History Month.” Take this opportunity to learn more about Muslim men and women from the Golden Age up until now, who have shaped humanity as we know it.

About the Author

Lucia Rallo is a Kindergarten teacher at Maarif School USA. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Venice. She also speaks four different languages fluently and studied many more. She is passionate about female-related topics in Islam. She loves traveling, reading, writing, arts and crafts, modest fashion and having fun with her children, too. She currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and three children. You can find her on Instagram @lucia_aurelia

The post Change the Depiction of Hijabi Women appeared first on World Hijab Day.

“You’re very well spoken,” she said, as she handed me my cheddar croissant “for…” Her voice trailing off before she could say the words.

But sometimes, words don’t need to be said to see what someone’s thinking, her eyes screening my attire, and somehow it not making sense to her that someone who looks like me could speak so well, could in one moment articulate that I wanted a croissant, that I’m from Florida, about the politics there, and a whole series of different things in the five minutes we spoke.

The truth of the matter is society today puts a lot of thought into what we look like and what we should look like. Appearances, first impressions, that profile pic on this app and the latest fashion etc. There’s nothing wrong with that ofcourse, except when everything is flipped to the other way when the superficial becomes the precedent, and then everyone is clamoring to be part of the chase. Lest we reflect.

Thus, the hijab, the veil, the covering, one of the many aspects of the layers of hijab, is seen as a political tool, or even as a demonized entity downplayed or overplayed by the media to a point where a woman who looks like me, asking for a cheddar croissant in English is surprising.

So you see, it is not our hijab that is the problem. It is the eyes that are broken to have perceived a most beautiful thing in our lives, that gives women like me utmost freedom to be ourselves, to be unimportant, so much so that they tend to speak for us.

Please don’t speak for us. We do that very well ourselves.

About Author

Zainab Merchant is a journalist, author and entrepreneur. She is author of the books “To Be a Muslim” and “Princess Siyana’s Pen”, with a third title underway. Zainab is more commonly known by her blog name ZainabRights where she speaks about social justice issues, current affairs and God centric activism. She is in the final semester of her master’s program at Harvard University in Journalism and International Security, as well as co-founder of the independent media outlet The Muslim Journalists. Originally from Florida, USA, she currently resides in Canada with her husband and three children. (IG/@zainabrights)

The post Please don’t speak for us appeared first on World Hijab Day.

World Hijab Day Organization (WHD) launched a new global initiative on April 21, 2021 called ‘International Muslim History Month’, commemorating May 2021 as the first International Muslim History Month. The mission of this initiative is to dismantle Islamophobia globally by celebrating Muslim history.

Worldwide, Islamophobia is at an all-time high from the public sector to the private sector and systematically apparent in the government sector.

Below are some data on Islamophobia from different parts of the world: 

•  According to the American Muslim Poll 2020, 60 to 62 percent of Muslims face discrimination in the United States of America. This number has been consistent for the last five years.
• 2020 Annual Report of Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) revealed that 61% of Muslim students have experienced religious-based bullying. 33% of Muslim students have altered their appearance, behavior, or names to hide the fact that they are Muslims.
•  A EU Minorities and Discrimination Survey found that on average one in three Muslim respondents faced discrimination and prejudice in 2017 and 27 percent experienced a racist crime.
• Recent research by the European Network Against Racism shows that Islamophobia can especially impact women. It may impact women in the job market for example.
• In 2019, a widespread mistrust towards Muslims across Europe was found when the Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Religion Monitor conducted research. Countries such as Germany and Switzerland reported that Islam was perceived as a threat by every second respondent. Meanwhile, in the UK, two in five share this perception.  Islam is often stated to be incompatible with the “west”, and 60 percent of both Spain and France agree. In Austria, one in three doesn’t want to have Muslim neighbors.
• Anti-Muslim prejudice and racism in Germany occurs particularly frequently. A surveyed showed that 52 percent of those asked, found Islam as a threat. That 2019 survey confirmed that the negative perception Muslims remained stable at a high level for 10 years. The number of crimes classified as Islamophobia rose by 4.4% to 950 offences in 2019 according to German police statistics.
• In a 2020 poll, Poland was found to have a strong dislike for not only Muslims in general, but Arabs (usually identified as Muslims), Fifty-five percent of Polish respondents show dislike towards Arabs and have for more than 10 years.

WHD Organization holds the opinion that education and awareness are the source to dismantling hate.

Here’s 37 unique ways to commemorate International Muslim History Month:

1. Post this message on your social media: In honor of International #MuslimHistoryMonth, I would like to recognize the contributions made by Muslims to the world which enriched society. I want Muslims to know that they are safe and welcome in our community. Together, we can dismantle islamophobia by accepting & respecting our differences. WorldHijabDay.com/MuslimHistoryMonth (*Share this message on your social media so others can get involved.)
2. Reach out to government officials to pass resolutions recognizing the month of May as Muslim History Month.
3. Teach Muslim history in depth in history courses.
4. Take a selfie in support of International Muslim History Month holding a sign with the following writing: May is International #MuslimHistoryMonth (name of your country). [Share the selfie on social media with the hashtag #MuslimHistoryMonth & tag @MuslimHistoryMonth.] 5. Students and parents are encouraged to inform educational institutions about International Muslim History Month and request them to acknowledge and commemorate it.
6. Assign students projects relating to Muslim History.
7. Say hello to your Muslim neighbor.
8. Stand against Islamophobia through out the month.
9. Post a selfie with Muslim friend with the hashtag #MuslimHistoryMonth.
10. Show appreciation to a Muslim friend.
11. Organizations can recognize the month by building Muslim history into their programming during the month of May.
12. Support a Muslim business.
13. Donate to a Muslim organization.
14. Spend time with a Muslim elder in your community.
15. Read a book by a Muslim author.
16. Sign up to mentor a Muslim youth in your community or younger co-worker.
17. Call out Muslim discrimination and prejudice in your community.
18. Implement International Muslim History Month in educational syllabus.
19. Contribute an essay or blog about an influential Muslim figure.
20. Ask your local news media to highlight positive stories on Muslims.
21. Request film industry and streaming entertainment service companies like Netflix to produce positive materials on Muslims.
22. Engage in healthy conversations about Muslim history on social media.
23. Read a biography of an influential Muslim figure.
24. Learn about Muslim influencers in your community.
25. Accommodate Muslim employees daily prayer space.
26. Smile at a woman in hijab and make her feel safe.
27. Have a meal with a neighbor.
28. Visit a museum where Muslim History is displayed.
29. Have play dates with your Muslim neighbor’s children.
30. Write about a Muslim family, friend, or neighbor and what they mean to you on social media with the hashtag #MuslimHistoryMonth.
31. Visit a mosque.
32. Volunteer at a Muslim soup kitchen or cause.
33. Write a blog post or a newspaper column in support of Muslims.
34. Offer your seat to a woman in hijab in public transportation.
35. Sit next to a woman in hijab in public transportation.
36. Ask a Muslim questions relating to Islam in order to clear misconceptions.
37. Request museums to display a showroom on Muslim history in May.

Those who are interested in taking part in International Muslim History Month are asked to register here: https://worldhijabday.com/store/imhm-registration/

Promotional materials can be downloaded here: https://worldhijabday.com/store/imhm-promotional-materials/

For more information, visit https://worldhijabday.com/store

For media inquiries, please contact us at info@WorldHijabDay.com

The post Press Release appeared first on World Hijab Day.