poetry Archives - World Hijab Day

Ode to the West

World Hijab Day — Sun, 30 May 2021 02:03:47 +0000

By Lezzeik Fatima

I am a woman of color,
Although my skin is white as yours,
I make my own decisions
And I’m sick of your terror wars,

I am a woman, who gets stared at daily,
All eyes are always on me,
I can’t seem to walk freely
In your country of Liberty!

I was raised to make my own decisions,
No man tells me what to do,
So listen, O’ West!
I have some things to say to you:

I am a woman of faith
Please tell me what’s wrong with that?
What’s wrong with having something to believe in?
Please tell me, let’s sit and have a chat

I am a woman of rich history and culture,
A woman of the Arabian Nights and the Mediterranean Sea,
“If you hate it here so badly”, you say,
“Then go back to your own country”

“Go back to your land!
The one we keep invading,
The one we “peacefully” visited
To lend our “friendly” hand,

Go back to your land!
The one we drained from oil, gold, and jewels
The one we bomb daily,
And make sure the world never sees the news;

Go back to your country!
The one we left completely broken,
The country we came to set “free”
But instead left dead bodies as token”

I can go on and on, but leave that for another day
Now, I’m here because I’m sick of you judging me
For dressing in a certain way!

I’m sick of your rumors and ugly misconceptions,
I’m sick of your disgusted stares,
Yes, I can see it in your reflections

I’m sick of you telling me how I should dress and how I should look,
Oh wait, I’m confused!
Aren’t you the one that claims women are free?
O’ dear West, excuse me,
For thinking this also applied to me!

My body, my choice!
Isn’t that what you say?
So why is it you get angry when I dress in a certain way?

My body, my choice!
Isn’t that what people hear?
So why is it when I choose to cover MY BODY and MY HAIR,
You get uncomfortable and always stare?

My body, my choice!
Isn’t that supposed to be true?
So why do you keep banning my Burkini
And want me to strip down to look like you?!

Are you afraid because I’m different?
Is this what it’s all about?
Are you intimidated by my restraint?
My decision to cover, and keep my body to myself?
Is this what it’s all about?

Are you afraid of what women could do
If they can’t be controlled by people like you?
Are you that threatened by a woman who covers her hair?
Are you so insecure? So afraid of what I wear?!

Is this why you keep spreading false information?
Why you tell the world I’m oppressed and need liberation?
Is this why you’re banning me from attending your universities?
Are you afraid of what the world would do
If they realize that the one oppressing me is you?

Let me explain it to you O’ West
In a language that you can understand
Hopefully you won’t be afraid anymore
And won’t see my veil as a crime so grand:

That piece of clothing on my head,
It’s called a “Hijab”.
It covers my hair not my brain;
It’s part of who I am and has nothing to do with you.

No one forced me to wear it.
No one forced me to cover.
My father treats me like a princess,
And I’m so spoiled by my brothers

Oh and as for my husband,
No, He doesn’t treat me like a slave.
He loves me so dearly,
And encourages me to be strong and brave

He treats me like his equal,
And doesn’t think of me as less,
But guess what O’ West?
He doesn’t ask to split the bill in two!
I guess this one of the many differences between me and you.

I am a woman of color,
With hopes and dreams like you,
A woman who struggles daily
To get equal job opportunities

I am a woman of color,
Who is also a proud woman of faith,
I am a woman, a human being
Who happens to be born in a different part of the world than you,
so can you try, O’ West, for just a moment
To switch places between me and you?

Can you try to understand where I come from?
Try to walk a day in my shoes?
Would you be okay with people looking down on you?
Like the way you look down on me?

Would you be okay with people calling you names?
Always staring at you as you pass by?
Would you be okay with being labeled?
And if you’re not, then tell me why?

Why do you do it?!
Why do you think you have a say in what I should wear?
Why do you think I should even care?
Why do you keep limiting my freedom?
Why do you keep harassing me?
Why can’t you just let me be!

If you still haven’t changed your mind after all that’s been said,
Still intimidated and disgusted of what I wear on my head,
If you still think I’m a victim, still think I’m oppressed,
Then you should know, O’ West
That yes, I am oppressed!
And yes, it’s all true!
But the one oppressing me, is not them,
It’s YOU!

About Author

Lezzeik Fatima

Canadian/Lebanese living in Germany. English Literature scholar. Graphic Designer. Sharing my thoughts with the world

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50 shades of hijab

World Hijab Day — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 14:03:43 +0000

This, this is still my choice
I stick with it because it loudens my voice
It is a part of my faith but moslty
it is a part of my liberty
It doesn’t fill up any of my ethnicity
I wear them in all the colours of the world
Showing off my opinion how I see this earth
Don’t you dare to question my reasons
But rather accept them just like seasons
I can hear you all loud and clearly I’m not deaf only to negative reactions
because I refuse to listen to those distractions

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

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

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

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

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

Lots of love,

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

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‘Concealed Pearl!’

World Hijab Day — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 22:11:22 +0000

Two Muslim girls in a classroom – one wearing a hijab; the other one without.
The girl with no scarf – eager to have a laugh began to gossip and shout…

“Take off your headscarf – lets see the length of your hair…
Go on just this once – it’s only a dare!”
The girl with the Hijab looked back and proudly replied…
“There is no chance that I’ll let 14 devils float by my side”

The other girl scoffed still wanting to have fun…
“So you’re prepared to roast under the burning sun??”
“Yes – because the heat right now means nothing to me;
It is the hell fire which is extremely scary”

Girl with no scarf – still wanting to say more…
“Why are you wearing it? What is the purpose for?”
“Allah will keep evil and punishment away from me….
This Hijab is there in my life for security…
I love and value my faith – which is why I cover my head”
Smiling the girl in the Hijab had said.

The other girl tensed – but not showing she’s feeling bad….
“Why not show everyone your beauty – once you have, you’ll feel ever so glad!”
“The beauty is inside me – where Islam is growing in my heart…
…appreciating Allah is the way for a happy start!”

At this point, the girl with no Hijab had nothing else left to say…
She knew that the other girl was always joyful and confident each and every day.
She realized that this Sister in Hijab will always remain pure and never will walk in shame….
The girl with no scarf knew she wanted to be exactly the same.

This is why, when she went home – she made a very big decision.
She realized that loving Allah can put you in such a wonderful position.
In the classroom, the next day – this girl was wearing her Hijab for the first ever time – feeling so proud…
Looked at the other girl whom she had made fun of before had said out loud…

“Oh sister of Islam – forgive me for the things I have said….
Seeing the love you hold for our religion has today made me cover my head…
Your sweet and caring words that you so dearly expressed…
Made me see how Islam has given you so much respect
I know that Allah will gift those who follow Islam….
Wearing my Hijab – I know that I will be safe from any harm.

Thank you My Sister – for you who I now admire and congratulate
Together as Muslims, we should aim to reach Jannat’s Gates.”

The first girl – amazed, had happiness all over her face
Smiled with love and gave the Sister a lot of praise.
“Mashallah Sister – Indeed Allah will purify your heart and your deen…
Continue love for our faith and in Heaven we will be seen…
Wearing the Hijab – we will always stay as the ‘Respected Girl’….
And to Allah we will be known as the ‘Concealed Pearl!’

Author: Unknown

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