World Hijab Day 2017

World Hijab Day, founded by Nazma Khan in 2013, serves to foster religious tolerance, harmony, peace and understanding by inviting women of all faiths to experience the hijab for one day.

Western media often portray the hijab as a sign of oppression. Muslim women wear hijab because Islam has strongly emphasized the concept of decency and modesty in the interaction between members of the opposite sex. This means that the Islamic dress code for women does not only consist of a scarf that covers the head, neck and the bosom it also prescribes that the overall dress should be long and loose. This modest dressing compels others to focus on the real personality of the woman and de-emphasizes her physical beauty. Therefore, hijab is not a symbol of forced silence or radical, unconscionable militancy. It is simply a woman’s assertion that judgment of her physical beauty does not play a role in social interactions.

With hate crimes against Muslim-Americans increasing sharply, it is crucial that we take out a moment to stand together with our fellow American Muslims on World Hijab Day. Religious freedom, liberty and justice for all is rooted deep in the American traditions, and the World Hijab Day campaign pursues to end the discrimination and judgment that comes with wearing a head scarf. Americans regardless of their faiths should have the opportunity to follow their religious practices without the fear of discrimination, hatred, and violence.