February 1 is World Hijab Day. According to the website worldhijabday.com, “February 1st, 2013, marked the first annual World Hijab Day (WHD) in recognition of millions of Muslim women who …
‘Hijab Is Our Crown, Not a Crime’
How often does a simple hashtag launch a movement? Sometimes, with the mention of just one article of clothing. In the fall of 2013, the hashtag #IStandForHijab did just that, …
World Hijab Day: Honoring Our Hijabi Sisters
Hijab… some see it as a symbol of oppression. I see it as a powerful part of my identity. When I put one of my favorite chiffon hijabs on every …
World Hijab Day: Modesty Is Not the Opposite of Freedom
Non-Muslims often use the word “oppressed” to describe Muslim women. It is such a ubiquitous term that you will find right-wing Islamophobes, left-wing social justice warriors, and average people applying …
World Hijab Day and the Rights of Women in Islam
So often, women’s rights in Islam are misconstrued. From the ignorant shouts of “Islam oppresses women!” to the never-ending spiral of questions like, “Are you forced to wear that?” — …
The Burqa Ban: Déjà Vu from the Dark Ages
During the Dark and Medieval Ages of Europe, religious intolerance was encouraged by the Catholic Church as well as the various European kingdoms scattered across the continent. They would often …
The Lesson Buried in the Sting
Smiling in pleasant anticipation, I entered the tiny hair salon on the bustling street corner in Fez. The sign above the door proclaimed “For women only” in Arabic and French. …
A Piece of Cloth on Your Head
The new Muslim woman, during her conversion process, goes through a transformation involving her core beliefs and worldview; this affects both her physical appearance and her mannerisms. This change is …
HijabFest Event in New Brunswick, NJ
On September 13, a warm and lovely Sunday morning in New Brunswick, New Jersey, an ambitious group of young women were busy preparing for an annual event, HijabFest,held at the …