World Hijab Day: #Say No to Hijabophobia

By Lateefah Shuaib

While sitting down alone, brainstorming on some things and thinking about life, the thought of this Muslimah ID always baffled me. Sometimes I would just smile a little and walk away when I see most of Muslimah wearing the ID.

The thought about the ID of ours that dignifies us from every other being, the apparel of beauty and the sign of dignity. It’s the Hijab, our pride, our identity. As a Muslimah, it’s an honour.

As beautiful as the Hijab is, while then will there be problems for those that are wearing it, why??. During my first year in school, I experienced some challenges although it’s minimal compared to what others do experience. Being an Hijabite and a Muslimah, shaking hands with the opposite sex is forbidden and in no ramification must we oblige to doing it but seeing some Muslimah doing this gives many of my coursemates the courage to tell me that, it’s only you, na only you, nawa for you, just to shake hands. But deep down in me I will just shake my head and walk away.

There is this erroneous belief that Muslims are dullard. Is that true? I always try to change that mindset everywhere I am and till date, I’ve been able to do so and many Muslimah are doing the same. Let’s keep being the best! The baseline is that being a Muslimah doesn’t stop you from having the best results and doesn’t prevent you from achieving what others are aiming for (Success, recognition, and others) no matter the challenges that come our way, we will and we shall with the help of our Lord (Allah).

Hijab is not a camouflage, in no circumstances must you use it for any bad acts. It’s a general identity and it should be protected, anywhere, anytime, anyday. It’s a pity seeing some Muslimah going to clubs leaving behind their ID, they often go out with big boys to flex , what’s this for, it’s forbidden, stop doing it now. Once you lost your Identity, you are nothing to compare to others that are not wearing it.

The cases of harassment, denial, discrimination have become the order of the day. Muslimah are being harassed, the likes of Fridaus Amasa were able to scale through. Believe me you can as well, let’s raise our voices and let them be heard in every part of the world that we are not masquerades nor are we monsters. Stop harassing us, stop the discrimination!

My advice to all Muslimah as we celebrate the World Hijab Day is that, never compromise with your Hijab, you are a damsel and a rare gem, don’t shatter yourself in the name of sociality. The world is large and Allah’s mercy and blessing are endless. You are a unique being so you should always try to be You-nique everywhere you find yourself. Don’t forget, Hijab is your pride, it’s your right.

#Say No to Hijabophobia

Happy World Hijab Day