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.

Stereotypes.  We all have them no matter how enlightened we convince ourselves that we are.  I, myself, am guilty of them. I am also hyper-aware of stereotypes because I know I shatter them.  I am a hijab–wearing woman living in a post-9/11 United States.  I graduated in the top ten percent of my class from one of the most rigorous universities in the country and became a subspecialized physician.  Every day my existence pushes back against the notion that women who wear hijab are oppressed, uneducated or backwards.

Lately, I think a lot about why governments of some countries are adamantly trying to prevent women from wearing hijab, enacting laws against wearing it in public, whether while working or at leisure.  I went to a liberal arts university that drove me to become a critical thinker.  So please indulge me.  What kind of strength does it take to stand against torrential waves of culture trying to convince women that physical beauty is everything.  Women are bombarded with commercials from the beauty industry.  Women’s images are used to sell everything from cars to colas.  And the notion of physicality has only been enhanced a million-fold in the age of social media, specifically Instagram and TikTok.  Human beings have been conditioned to curate content and to curate the “best” content, we need the Instagrammable look.

The notion of hijab contradicts the idea that a woman’s worth is her physical beauty.  I am not saying that is why Muslim women wear hijab.  Nor am I pretending that I represent the opinion of all hijab-wearing women.  I wear hijab because I believe that is what God asked me to do.  I believe in an Omnipotent God who created all human beings, all living creatures and everything else.  I believe in God’s Infinite Wisdom and that God is the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.  Logic dictates that if I believe all these things about God and I believe God asked me to wear hijab, then I will wear it.  

However, doing what is logical does not mean it is easy.  It’s not easy to face discrimination or to have to prove yourself with every single encounter.  To prove that yes, I speak English.  Yes, I am a doctor.  Yes, I am qualified for this job.  And it’s certainly not easy when the President of your country posts a video of a Muslim congresswoman who covers her hair intertwined with images of 9/11 and the words “We will never forget,” thereby painting a target on women like me. Nevertheless, we persist.  Every morning, before I leave for work, as I put my hijab on, I am reminded that God is so much greater than all of it.  God is larger than my worries.  God has given me more than any other entity.  My ability to breathe, to see, to walk, to think, to love, to see beauty, to experience kindness.  It all comes from God. God would never hurt me. God wants what is best for me.  God loves me and has more mercy toward me than I could ever experience toward my own four children – that fact alone necessitates that I would devote my whole being to what has been asked of me.

Have I ever thought about what if my religion is wrong in this arena? Of course.  What critical thinker does not closely examine alternatives and contradictions? I work for a Catholic institution.  Not once have I seen a statue or image of the Virgin Mary without her hair covered.  I know Jewish women also cover their hair.  It is not a coincidence that even until today some Christian women will still cover their heads when they enter church.  And mind you, in Islam, it is not just women who cover their heads.  Men are strongly recommended to cover their heads also.

As millions of women across the globe make the same decision daily, it is easy to see why governments may feel threatened.  It is not easy to govern critical thinkers who derive incredible mental strength from a faith founded in love of an Infinite Source.  For some governments to pose as enlightened and liberal, yet turn around and try to govern how women dress in public seems a little archaic and hypocritical to say the least.  Yet here it is, the year 2023 and this is where we are.

How about we let people choose?  How about we respect, not just tolerate, religious differences? How about we ask people about their choices and educate ourselves instead of assuming from our vantage points?  How about we recognize that we have stereotypes and vow to try to abandon them, choosing to be open-minded with every human being we encounter? Because, stereotypes… we all have them.

About the Author:

Dr. Nour Akhras is a board-certified pediatric infectious diseases physician who has been working at a free-standing Women and Children’s Hospital in the suburbs of Chicago for the last decade.  She holds a BA in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Chicago and received her medical degree from Rush Medical College.    She has traveled internationally, serving victims of war on multiple medical missions.  Dr. Akhras has advocated for the rights of refugees by authoring op-eds in newspapers like USA Today and the Chicago Sun-Times and through speaking engagements including presenting at Washington DC’s National Press Club on the effects the violence of the Syrian war has had on the lives of Syrian women.   She is the author of an upcoming memoir titled Just One: A Journey of Perseverance and Conviction expected to be published in the Spring of 2023.  She lives with her husband and four children and enjoys swimming, biking and watching her kids on their various basketball teams.

Instagram: and Twitter: nourakhrasmd

Facebook: Nour Akhras

The post Nevertheless, We Persist With Hijab appeared first on World Hijab Day.

One day, we chatted with our cousins about how amazing our other cousin, Anjoo, was for wearing the hijab and niqab. How brave of her! One cousin said, “We’re talking about how good she is, why can’t we strive to be like her?”  This made me think deeper about the hijab.

My baba always said that if I wanted something to become a habit, I needed to do it consecutively for 40 days and if I missed a day, I needed to restart for another 40 days until it became a daily routine. So, I wanted to wear the hijab, but I knew I had to ensure I was praying 5 times a day before I put my hijab on permanently.  Moreover, I started tallying… day, 1, day 2, day 3… I tallied up to day 23 and the dreaded time of the month arrived (my period had started). I knew this was going to be a test because having a break from prayer for seven days could have possibly meant my needing to restart the 5 daily prayers routine for another 40 days.  However, I prayed directly after my period was over so praying five times a day had officially become a habit!  

Now I had to fulfil the promise I made to myself and to Allah, and put on the hijab, full-time. My fifth sister’s (I have 7, say mash’Allah) wedding was approaching and I desperately wanted to show off my hair and wear a sari for the first time, but I didn’t. In the summer of year 11, I stayed at my 2ndsister’s house to help with babysitting.  I finished praying and came down the stairs; her brother-in-law said, “Oh, are you wearing it full-time now?” and I replied “Yes.”  And the rest was history!

17-year-old me made the decision to permanently wear the hijab and at college/sixth form, I met one of the greatest men in my life.  One that I did not think would make such an impact on me and my future.  His name was Shaykh Aliyy Fichet; he was a French teacher at the sixth form I was studying at.  He used to do the after-school Islamic studies classes for a very small group of people and I decided to join.  There, I learned the obligations of the hijab, in front of whom I should wear it for ex. men that are not related to me.  This was about to bring a storm to my very traditional Bengali family!  

We grew up with extended family living together where cousins and uncles are like brothers, and there, my 5th sister, my non-identical twin and I were wearing hijab in front of cousins that practically raised us.  17-year-old Hafizah, her twin and her sister were now outcasts, no one took it as a positive, many got offended as we would run and put towels or anything we could find on our heads when a non-mahram would enter the room.  Bizarre, I know, but we were young!  There was a lot of hostility and broken relationships because of this and I would cry on the bus regularly, heart-broken. We persevered and here we are, 18 years on with our nieces wearing hijab, living with extended family, sleeping with hijab in case someone walked in. We did it! It wasn’t easy but we did it!

Did it get easier when I got married? No! I moved to Wiltshire, a predominantly-white area, there were fears around me getting a job as no one had seen a hijabi before.  Judgmental looks, can I speak English? Did I just arrive from a foreign country?   The jaws dropped when I would speak fluent English with a Birmingham accent, (they say I have a Birmingham twang when I get angry).  In school, I spent months mentioning “In my degree, I grew up in…” to fight or prevent any potential stereotypical comments or looks. However, with persistence, I got my job, got my promotion and did not take my hijab off or change the way I dressed to fit in. My eldest daughter is 12 now, is it going to be easier for her, probably not,  but we endure and insh’Allah, we will triumph in maintaining our Muslim identities in the face of hostility.    

About the Author

Hafizah Choudhury was born and raised in Birmingham, UK. She is married with two beautiful daughters and another baby is on the way, due January 2023, insh’Allah.  She is a secondary school science teacher in Calne, Wiltshire, UK.  In her spare time, Hafizah tutors science, including Chemistry A level as she has a passion for teaching and learning Islamic studies.  She really enjoys singing and was part of a nasheed band back in Birmingham and is looking to start a nasheed band in Wiltshire. Connect with her on Instagram @hufayzah

The post My Journey Toward Hijab and Challenges As a Result 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.

On February 12th, 2021, I completed five years of wearing the hijab. It feels good. I remember the time when I would yearn to wear a head scarf, but didn’t have the courage to start it in the middle of my ongoing lifestyle.

It was in 2016 and I was moving to another city when my friend suggested that would be the best time for me to transition. It would be a new place with new people and fewer questions. I decided on following this plan. The day when I had to wear it, I was so worried. If I would be able to do it, continue wearing it or if I should even start now or wait until I get married (LOL common reason), if I would be able to wear it in my office, will I be able to carry on working in a corporate environment- if I, would I, will I be – I had so many questions in my mind.

One day, I prayed to Allah (swt) before wrapping my dupatta (Indian scarf) and told Him that I was doing it for Him because He had commanded it and asked for the courage to be able to face my fears. And here I am five years later, still struggling, but alhumdulilah happy and content that I took the decision, and I am still able to stick to it.

Hijab has brought so much patience and calm to my life. It is not limited to putting on a head scarf, but it encourages me to ponder over modesty and decency in not just my clothes, but character and actions, too.

I always knew that it was never a limitation, but the fact that now I have experienced it myself, I am vocal about it even more. I want to raise as much awareness as I can. Education, job, sports, travel, learning new skills- hijab doesn’t stop one from doing anything. Hijab does not restrict anyone.

I want to raise awareness on the fact that hijab wearers are not meek and shy girls. We are fierce, goofy, lovable, nerdy and all that one can be!

I believe it has matured me in its own way. And I pray for sisters who struggle every day to practice hijab, be it the cloth, the environment, or the niyat (intention)- we all have our weak points.

I pray that you get supportive friends and family and Allah (swt) makes it easy for everyone to practice!! Ameen!

The post The calm to my storm 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.

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.

World Hijab Day (WHD) is an annual event in its sixth year. On February 1st of every year, World Hijab Day Organization asks global citizens of all faiths to wear the Hijab (head-covering) for a day in solidarity with Muslim women worldwide.
The overall mission of WHD is to create a more peaceful world where global citizens respect each other. Particularly, WHD focuses on fighting bigotry, discrimination, and prejudice against Muslim women. This is most crucial in these times where Hijab is being banned in some countries while in other countries, Muslim women are being targeted and harassed verbally and physically.

Below are some of the shocking but true headlines:

Muslim Women Have Been Attacked at Multiple Colleges Since Trump Won (Vice)
Queens Muslim Woman 19: Pair Yelled Remove Hijab (NY Daily News)
Muslim High School Teacher Told Hang Yourself With Hijab (NY Daily News)
Muslim Girl’s Hijab Ripped Off in Front of Students (Times of India)
UW Bothwell Investigating Possible Hate Crime Against Muslim Women (Seattle Times)
California Woman Robbed Called Hijab-Wearing B* (NY Daily News)

New York State Senator, Roxanne J. Persaud, issued an endorsement of World Hijab Day stating, “It is said that “knowledge is power”: World Hijab Day presents an opportunity for us to learn about this religious custom, thus leading to less discrimination for the women who wear Hijab. I call everyone to demonstrate religious freedom by exercising tolerance and embracing the richness that diversity brings. When we show tolerance we recognize universal human rights and the fundamental freedoms of others. Our commitment to religious freedom must be congruent with our actions: We need to stand together to counter religious intolerance and hate.”

Nazma Khan, a New York native, initiated this global movement with the intent of bringing awareness on a subject that’s very dear to her and millions of Muslim women across the globe. While growing up in NYC, she was harassed both physically and emotionally on numerous occasions. The presence of such discrimination heightened around 9/11 because of her human right to wear the hijab. Her purpose was to introduce her pain to others in hopes that no one will ever have to go through the emotional trauma simply because of the love they have for their faith. Consequently, on February 1st, 2013, she asked her fellow sisters of all faiths across the globe to don the hijab for one day.  Within eight days, she got responses from women residing in 67 different countries that represented a conglomerate of religious backgrounds, to include Christians, Jewish, Pagans, Wiccans, Rastafarians, Buddhists, Atheists etc. WHD gave an opportunity to citizens worldwide who were not familiar with the Islamic faith to open up dialogues with their Muslim neighbors, co-workers, and friends.  Additionally, WHD presented an opportunity for teachers to understand why their Muslim students wear the hijab. It also provided non-Muslim mothers a chance to better understand their daughter’s faith and the decision to wear hijab. The negative perception on hijab allowed people to act upon their fears and hurt innocent women without a real and existing threat.  WHD simply presented an opportunity for everyone to learn about hijab and its importance in the Islamic faith without perpetuating the negative generalizations in today’s society.

WHD has thousands of volunteers worldwide and 70+ WHD Ambassadors from over 45 countries. WHD Ambassadors come from all walks of life from a high school student to a Congresswoman in the Philippines. Last year alone, 150 countries partook in WHD. In addition to that, WHD has been endorsed by many world renowned individuals including scholars, politicians, and celebrities worldwide. WHD was covered in mainstream news media including New York Times, BBC, CNN, Al-Jazeera, Huffington Post, etc to name a few. Last year, Time Magazine listed World Hijab Day in their world calendar, The Year Ahead 2017.  In addition, New York State Senate proclaimed February 1st, 2017 as Hijab Day in the State of New York. It is estimated 190+ countries will take part in WHD’18.

“I participated in World Hijab Day and it was a good experience that I will repeat. I live in a very small, very Christian town.  There were some strange looks and people were staring at me – and then looking away quickly when they realized I saw them looking. A few people seemed surprised that I spoke English. The fact that I was wearing hijab gave me the opportunity to talk to my step children about respect, difference, and peace.” (Talya Leodari -Jewish, USA)

We must STAND for Muslim women’s right to cover. There are many ways to show your solidarity.

*Update your Facebook profile picture with World Hijab Day 2018 campaign frame using this link: https://goo.gl/Kh1Qiv

*Join and invite your friends to Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1755651491120522/

*Wear Hijab (headscarf) on Feb. 1st, 2018

*Use the hashtags: #StrongInHijab and #WorldHijabDay

*Organize a WHD event in your community.

*Send emails or letters to local Mosques/religious congregations showing your support.

*Write letters to local officials about protecting Muslim women’s right to cover.

For more information or to support our campaign, go to https://worldhijabday.com/store

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

The post Press Release 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sources:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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