World Hijab Day: What it means for Muslim women

For years the hijab has been used as headline fodder for media outlets who are both fascinated and revolted by it. The concept of hijab has been widely discussed for decades, by Muslim women, feminist groups and xenophobes who refuse to understand why a woman would want to cover her head.

With discrimination towards the hijab escalating, Nazma Khan decided something needed to be done to bring a more positive narrative forward, hence the conception of World Hijab Day.

"Our future goal is to tackle Islamophobia in corporate settings and educational institutions by providing diversity and inclusion workshops on Muslim culture"

“I founded World Hijab Day back in 2013 after realising that I wasn’t the only one who was facing discrimination for wearing the hijab,” explains Nazma.

“But my sisters in different parts of the world were also subjected to abuse and discrimination for wearing it. Therefore, I wanted to help them to ease their situation by bringing greater awareness of the hijab and promoting personal freedom of religious expression. So, I asked women from every background and faith to wear a headscarf on February 1 every year in solidarity with Muslim women around the world.” 

Nazma, a Bangladeshi immigrant who came to America at a young age, recalls the prejudices she faced being a minority. “Growing up in New York, I faced a lot of discrimination, both verbally and physically for wearing the hijab in school and university. At school, students used to mock and insult me by calling me names such as ‘batman’, ‘ninja’, and ‘Mother Teresa’.”

However, it was the aftermath of the 9/11 attack, that led to an escalation of abuse as Nazma explains: “I was chased down the streets and labelled as a terrorist and Osama bin Laden for being a visibly Muslim woman.” 

Despite the challenges, Nazma attributes the plethora of strong women within her family, as her inspiration and strength. “Growing up, I saw my mother, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters wear these beautiful long overgarments known as the abaya. They would also cover their heads with the hijab.

“When they would pass by me, I would be in total awe. I felt as if queens were passing by me. To me, they looked beautiful, honourable, and feminine. I always wanted to look beautiful like them, So I decided to wear the hijab as well.

“And I try my best to carry myself honourably and gracefully, just like the beautiful women in my family.” 

Today, World Hijab Day is celebrated worldwide by Muslim and non-Muslim women alike. Nazma, looking to the future explains where she sees it going: “Our future goal is to tackle Islamophobia in corporate settings and educational institutions by providing diversity and inclusion workshops on Muslim culture.

“When you do something worthwhile, you will face opposition. That’s the beauty of doing something meaningful. We can’t let hate break our spirit and divert us from making this world a better place.”

Hafsa Issa-Salwe, co-founder of the naturopathic health and skin clinic Botanical Mission discusses her own hijab journey:

"I wore the hijab that whole month, praying at the mosque for Taraweeh and connecting with my loved ones. It was also the year I began to pray consistently and I was hungry to learn more. It was the next step in practising my faith, and it's just felt natural since.

“My friends were a massive influence. They gave me that sense of community so I didn't feel alone, odd or like I stood out. They knew which shops to go to, what to wear and they hooked me up with all of their tips and tricks.”

Sami Rahman is a freelance lifestyle writer based in London. 

Follow her on Twitter: @bysamirahman