Example on how to use the label tags
July 16, 2017
When you are writing blogposts make sure to give your posts always the right tags, so they can be found later through the navigation bar
I've set up the LinkList as well as the thumbnail pics URL addresses accordingly to your labels.
Please keep in mind that labels are case sensitive and are affected when you write labels in a different way.
If you are not sure on how to give a label, you can have a look to the LinkList in LAYOUT.
The Slider will appear once you have 5 posts all tagged with a label.
I've set up the LinkList as well as the thumbnail pics URL addresses accordingly to your labels.
Please keep in mind that labels are case sensitive and are affected when you write labels in a different way.
If you are not sure on how to give a label, you can have a look to the LinkList in LAYOUT.
The Slider will appear once you have 5 posts all tagged with a label.
NAWAL ABDIKADIR
April 12, 2017
Nawal Abdikadir is a 17-year old Muslim girl from Columbus, Ohio. She is currently a senior at Hilliard Bradley High School. Nawal is attending The Ohio State University in the fall with the goal of majoring in Public Health. Nawal's style is more laid back then the other girls I interviewed. Every time I see her, she is always very put together and carries her style with a casual vibe. Down below you'll see that I sat down with Nawal to discuss what it's like to be a Muslim women in America and what hardships she has faced while wearing it.
11.) What is one stereotype about Muslim women you want to erase?
Hijabs come in all sorts of different materials thicker ones for the winter and thinner ones for the summer. Sometimes we might wear thicker materials in the summer just for the sole purpose of our outfit. We may regret that decision 20 minutes under a hot sun, but these decisions to wear a thick or thin hijabs in the summer or winter do impact us.
1.) What does the hijab mean to you?
The hijab is a symbol of modesty, bravery, and strength. Without the hijab, I wouldn't be who I am today. The hijab has helped me be be more comfortable in being authentically and apologetically myself.
The hijab is a symbol of modesty, bravery, and strength. Without the hijab, I wouldn't be who I am today. The hijab has helped me be be more comfortable in being authentically and apologetically myself.
2.) How old were you when you started wearing the hijab and was it a personal choice?
I started wearing the hijab at the age of 13 full time by myself. As a kid I was never forced to wear the hijab my own mother started wearing it around her late 20’s.
I started wearing the hijab at the age of 13 full time by myself. As a kid I was never forced to wear the hijab my own mother started wearing it around her late 20’s.
3.) How does wearing the hijab affect your everyday life?
People look twice when I walk past them or study my every move as if I’m going to do something to harm them in some way. There are times when I get treated differently or people assume I don’t know speak or understand English.
People look twice when I walk past them or study my every move as if I’m going to do something to harm them in some way. There are times when I get treated differently or people assume I don’t know speak or understand English.
4.) Do you feel like wearing the hijab gets in the way of certain opportunities?
I do believe wearing the hijab gets in the way of opportunities like applying for a job, making new friends in a new environment, or receiving the same respect as everyone else while shopping.
I do believe wearing the hijab gets in the way of opportunities like applying for a job, making new friends in a new environment, or receiving the same respect as everyone else while shopping.
5.) Do you take into account the way you style your hijab according to your outfits or do you wear it the same everyday?
I usually change the style of my hijab when I wear different outfits. I wrap it 3 different ways: wrapped over my head once or twice, around my neck, or simply tightly wrapped around my face, with the ends draped down my back.
I usually change the style of my hijab when I wear different outfits. I wrap it 3 different ways: wrapped over my head once or twice, around my neck, or simply tightly wrapped around my face, with the ends draped down my back.
6.) When it comes to fashion industry, do you think hijabis are underrepresented?
Hijabis are extremely underrepresented in the fashion industry. Although we are slowly moving forward with the introduction of more inclusive brands, there's always room for improvement. Furthermore, we are nowhere near where we should be in representing a group of people that make up more than 1 billion of this earth's population.
Hijabis are extremely underrepresented in the fashion industry. Although we are slowly moving forward with the introduction of more inclusive brands, there's always room for improvement. Furthermore, we are nowhere near where we should be in representing a group of people that make up more than 1 billion of this earth's population.
7.) In the picture above, where is your outfit from and how does it represent your style?
My hijab is from Hijab Loft, my white shirt is from H&M, my black t-shirt is from Marshalls, and my jeans are from Abercrombie & Fitch (not pictured: black & white pointed flats from Aldo).
My hijab is from Hijab Loft, my white shirt is from H&M, my black t-shirt is from Marshalls, and my jeans are from Abercrombie & Fitch (not pictured: black & white pointed flats from Aldo).
8.) What hardships have you faced wearing the hijab and what have you learned from it?
I've lost friends many friends of different ethnicities because of who their parents say they can or cannot hang around. It took me a long time to realize that not everyone is going to like you and that's okay! I came to the realization that I don't want to be friends with people who see me less than solely based on the religious I practice and that I am a visible representation of that religion.
I've lost friends many friends of different ethnicities because of who their parents say they can or cannot hang around. It took me a long time to realize that not everyone is going to like you and that's okay! I came to the realization that I don't want to be friends with people who see me less than solely based on the religious I practice and that I am a visible representation of that religion.
9.) What advice would you give to someone who just started wearing hijab?
Take it easy. The hijab isn’t an overnight process you can rush. If you ever feel like you rushed it, remove the hijab and start from the beginning. Who cares what anyone else says or how long it takes. This is between you and God (SWT) only!
Take it easy. The hijab isn’t an overnight process you can rush. If you ever feel like you rushed it, remove the hijab and start from the beginning. Who cares what anyone else says or how long it takes. This is between you and God (SWT) only!
10.) If you could tell everyone one thing about hijab, what would it be?
If you're having a bad hair day no one knows unless you tell them.
If you're having a bad hair day no one knows unless you tell them.
11.) What is one stereotype about Muslim women you want to erase?
Hijabs come in all sorts of different materials thicker ones for the winter and thinner ones for the summer. Sometimes we might wear thicker materials in the summer just for the sole purpose of our outfit. We may regret that decision 20 minutes under a hot sun, but these decisions to wear a thick or thin hijabs in the summer or winter do impact us.
Qorsho Hassan is a 27-year old Muslim woman living in Columbus, Ohio. I had the privilege of having Qorsho be my on-site advisor throughout this project. Qorsho graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Sociology and a minor in Biology. She decided to further her education and get a masters in education from The Ohio State University, making her a two-time Buckeye. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and raised in Columbus. Qorsho is currently a third grade math and science teacher for Columbus city schools. She has a passion for photography which is why I chose her to be my advisor. Furthermore, Qorsho is a first generation Somali-American. Down below, Qorsho is pictured wearing traditional Somali clothing called hido iyo dhaqan, which is a brightly colored red, orange, and yellow traditional Somali scarf. I sat down with Qorsho and asked her questions about the hijab and what it's like being a visibly Muslim woman in America.
Y: What does the hijab mean to you?
Q: The hijab is a commandment from my Lord and it means that I am respected and dignified for my thoughts, ideas and attitudes instead of being seen as a sexual object first. I do it, first and foremost, for my Lord. Keeping that in mind always humbles me. It’s not for culture, or a fad and it’s most certainly not because some man forced it upon me. Sometimes it can be perceived as a tool to control the male gaze, but that’s not the main purpose of the hijab. It transcends patriarchy or any other form of sexism that exists because it’s sole purpose is to empower women.
Y: How old were you when you started wearing the hijab? Was it a personal choice?
Q: I think I was around 9 or 10 years old. I don’t quite remember how I began wearing it, but I do know that during that time, my mother was wearing it. She was very proud of representing her religion. Since she is my role model, I wanted to mimic everything she did and that included wearing the hijab. Unfortunately, around that age, 9/11 occurred and it completely shifted the attitudes and perspectives I had of the world around me. Even though I experienced racism, until that point, I hadn’t really experienced Islamophobia. It was during the post-9/11 era when I realized how cruel and hurtful people could be. It was sobering and it made me question not only wearing the hijab, but my identity as a Somali, black, Muslim woman.
Y: How does wearing the hijab affect your everyday life?
Q: I often call hijabis (women who adorn the hijab), “beacons of Islam” because everything we do, say, feel, etc., represents the religion, whether we intend to or not. This can be both good and bad. I think personally, wearing the hijab makes me more conscious of my decisions and how I treat others. It’s a constant reminder to be dutiful to God, merciful to humankind, the environment and animals and more aware of the world around me. I’m constantly thinking of how to assist others and thinking beyond my little bubble. All of those thought processes are because of the hijab and I am thankful for that.
Y: Do you feel like wearing the hijab gets in the way of certain opportunities?
Q: Absolutely. It certainly can hinder opportunities but spiritually speaking, I think of it as a blessing. Perhaps I wasn’t meant to be given that opportunity because God has something better in store for me. I used to get bitter about it and even blame myself for any shortcomings but I soon realized that I could change the circumstances if I altered my reactions to them. I know that being visibly Muslim and Black in America is unfavorable, especially in the current political climate. Nonetheless, I will continue to be vocal about injustices and lack of resources until concrete change occur.
Y: Do you take into account the way you style your hijab according to your outfits or do you wear it the same everyday?
Q: Sometimes. As a teacher, I know I am in a pretty conservative field so I take care of my image/dress and how I wear my hjiab. I think, overall, I keep my hijab pretty simple and consistent. It’s less of a hassle that way. Occasionally, for special events I will wear a turban or a more complex hijab style.
Y: When it comes to the fashion industry, do you think hijabis are underrepresented?
Q: Yes, we are grossly underrepresented. I have only seen a few hjiabi models in magazines or TV ads. When I do see them, I become extremely happy because that means a little hijabi girl somewhere in the world sees a representation of herself in media. It’s a way to challenge stereotypes of Muslim women since we are, at times, seen as submissive, voiceless and unable to express ourselves. I would like to see more trailblazers like Halima Aden in the fashion industry. When she walked the runway for Yeezy’s fashion line, there was a whirl wind of excitement and joy from the Somali community and the wider Muslim community. It was beautiful to see a Somali hijabi gracing the runway and doing her thing all the while, maintaining her modesty and roots. She also wears braces yet still smiles to show the world you can be anything you want to be.
Y: In the picture above, where is your outfit from and how does it represent your style?
The black dress is from a Somali clothing line called Kabayare Fashion. The hijab is a basic black scarf from a Somali flea market. The hido iyo dhaqan scarf is a traditional Somali fabric that has been passed down matriarchally in my family. It holds a lot of value and meaning. All the items I am wearing represent my style, which is ever-evolving but constantly tied to my roots as a Muslim and Somali. I make an effort to buy clothing from Somali stores, especially those run by women, as a way to give back and support my community.
Y: What hardships have you faced wearing the hijab and what have you learned from it?
Q: I have faced a lot of discrimination and hatred. Often times, I am faced with ugly words and unkindness from people who don’t know me at all. They just assume I am what they imagine: their worst nightmare. I think if they took a few minutes to talk with me, they would soon realize that their fears have no basis and are unwarranted.
Y: What advice would you give to someone who just started wearing hijab?
Q: I would say that it’s important to have agency and in Islam, there is no compulsion. It should be a personal choice but it should also be an educated one. If the hijab doesn’t come from within, it won’t feel right. It’s also really important to note that the term hijab is meant for women AND men, a fact rarely mentioned both within the Muslim community and the media. It’s a commandment that requires humility, grace, power and modesty (in all sense of the word). Most people assume the hijab is just a headscarf or niqab, but it’s actually more than that. It’s a set of values and without those values, the hijab is meaningless.
Y: If you could tell everyone one thing about hijab, what would it be?
Q: It’s found across all religions and cultures. Many would be surprised that if they just took the time to research the hijab and modesty in Islam, they would find a lot of parallels with world religions and customs. It’s a common practice that has unfortunately been criminalized due to Islamophobia and ignorance.
Y: What is one stereotype about Muslim women you want to erase?
Q: The stereotype I’d erase is the misbelief that we are voiceless, docile creatures who need others to speak for them. I absolutely detest that people, mostly white women, believe that feminism is the cure for the hijab. The reality is, that Islam is one of the first religions that created feminism, which allowed women to vote, hold property, have the same rights to education, etc. I am an intersectional feminist who is aware of that, and is trying to educate the larger spectrum of feminism. I don’t need anyone to speak for me or take away my agency.
FATIMA DAHIR
April 11, 2017
Fatima Dahir is a 16-year old Muslim girl from Hilliard, Ohio. She is also a first generation Somali-American. Fatima is currently a high school senior at Hilliard Bradley High School. She plans on attending The Ohio State University in the fall with the goal of majoring in Psychology and minoring in Neuroscience. Fatima's style is more laid back in the sense that she looks good in everything she wears. She usually gravitates towards plain colored blouses and printed hijabs. Down below, I interviewed Fatima and asked her questions about it what it's like being Muslim in America and what hardships she has faced.
Y: What does the hijab mean to you?
F: The hijab, for me, is a constant symbol of my faith and beliefs. I wear this garment because of my connection with a power much higher than myself that I put my faith into. It connects me with Muslim women all over the globe and even when I feel as though no one knows what I'm going through, I feel a sense of solidarity with other visibly Muslim women.
Y: How old were you when you started wearing the hijab and was it a personal choice?
F: I had just turned 13 years old. It was the summer between eighth grade and f9th grade. I chose to wear it as a former student at a private K-8 Muslim school where I was constantly surrounded by other girls wearing hijab as it was a part of the uniform for fifth graders and up until eighth graders. Also, both of my older sisters and mother wore the hijab. Thinking back on it, I had sort of jumped into the decision without really thinking about how it may affect the rest of my life. I have been a hijabi for four years now and I'm so happy about MY choice!
Y: How does wearing the hijab affect your everyday life?
F: First impressions are difficult for me. There seems to be this instant assumption that I'm less qualified than my peers, will have a hard time understanding English, or that I have been oppressed at home. There is also, of course, the snide "Go back to your country!" or "Towelhead!" But I feel that my hijab has thickened my skin in a way I can't even begin to describe. With every new challenge, I become even more emboldened to prove everyone who doubted me wrong.
Y: Do you feel like wearing the hijab gets in the way of certain opportunities?
F: As I stated above, I feel as though I have always had to work much harder than others to achieve the same things my peers have. My mother told me when I first started wearing hijab that others would immediately look down on me because of the fact that I am visibly Muslim, black, and a woman. She also instilled in me a sense of fearlessness and unwavering confidence in both my faith and myself. The hard truth of this made me understand the importance of working harder than those around me in order to achieve my goals.
Y: Do you take into account the way you style your hijab according to your outfits or do you wear it the same way every day?
F: I typically wear my hijab the same style as I do in the photos. Sometimes I may wear a turban or style it so it is a little looser around the neck to show off my earrings.
Y: When it comes to the fashion industry, do you think hijabis are underrepresented?
F: Definitely! I don't think I have ever seen a hijabi modeling for any brands that I buy clothing from. Obviously, with models like Halima Aden and the rising popularity of online boutiques by Muslim women and for Muslim women, this is changing. However, I think we're still a little while away from seeing a hijabi in the next H&M winter collection.
Y: In the picture above, where is your outfit from and how does it represent your style?
F: The hijab I wore is one of my favorites! When I say that I wear this scarf way too often, I'm not exaggerating. My aunt bought it for me in Dubai. My shirt is from Forever21, my jeans from American Eagle and my shoes from Old Navy. I tend to wear outfits like this often. I like when my hijab is the center of the outfit and everything else compliments it!
Y: What hardships have you faced wearing the hijab and what have you learned from it?
F: The biggest hardship that I have faced is other people's perceptions on my religion and my personal freedoms. People tend to assume that nothing I do is out my own free will, that I'm oppressed and waiting for someone to come save me. People also tend to assume that I'm not a true American. The only place I've lived beside Columbus is Toronto! (Go Maple Leafs!). The thing that annoys me the most about being a hijabi is the way people think I should behave as a hijabi.
Y: What advice would you give to someone who just started wearing hijab?
F: Remember that God wouldn't give you a challenge that you couldn't face. No matter what, understand that if you don't think hijab is right for you or if you live in a place where you don't feel safe wearing the hijab, it's okay to take it off! Stay true to yourself, always.
Y: If you could tell everyone one thing about hijab, what would it be?
F: This is MY choice and I love it! Also, I can hear you perfectly fine and I do have hair!
Y :What is one stereotype about Muslim women you want to erase?
F: That we're meek and backseat to our own lives. We are capable, strong, extraordinary, faithful, resilient, navigators of two worlds, courageous, intelligent and we happen to be Muslim! Being Muslim and exhibiting those chose characteristics are NOT mutually exclusive.
IDMAN HUSSEIN
March 25, 2017
Idman Hussein is an 18 year-old Muslim girl from Westerville, Ohio. She is currently a freshman at Columbus State Community College and is planning on transferring to The Ohio State University. She is majoring in Marketing and plans to attend the Fisher School of Business at Ohio State. Idman is a first generation Somali-American. Idman's style is very unique in the sense that she has a grunge vibe to her outfits. She loves to wear muted colors such as black and the occasional neutral colors. You'll hardly ever catch her in bright colors. Idman is different from most of the girls I interviewed because she just recently made the choice to wear hijab so her hijab story is still very new. I asked her what her transition has been like and how it feels to be a newly visibly Muslim woman in America.
Y: What does the hijab mean to you?
I: The hijab is a symbol of my faith. It represents one of the beautiful aspects of my religion. I feel empowered in my hijab and there's no other feeling like it.
Y: How old were you when you started wearing the hijab and was it a personal choice?
I: It was a personal choice and I just recently started wearing it a couple months ago when I turned 18.
Y: How does wearing the hijab affect your everyday life?
I: I wake up, brush my teeth, and shower just like everyone else. It just so happens that before I leave my house I wrap a scarf around my head, to cover my hair. It doesn't affect my everyday life in general but there are some days where it does. When I walk out of my house in my hijab, it's like I'm wearing a sign with a label of my faith on it. People can tell that I'm a Muslim woman and unfortunately, as a result, people see me as a 2-D representation of Islam without my own personality, thoughts, dreams, and aspirations. In other words, less than human.
Y: Do you feel like wearing the hijab gets in the way of certain opportunities?
I: When I first started wearing the hijab I would always think to myself "this didn't happen to me when I didn't wear my hijab", in regards to the way I was treated in public. It was kind of a culture shock going from someone who would be catcalled in the streets to somebody who would be stared at, sometimes a like of curiosuity on their face and other times with a look of disgust and hatred. I soon realized that this mentality was toxic. if I wanted to succeed in life while donning the hijab, I would just have to work harder to attain concrete success, something nobody could take away from me.
Y: Do you take into account the way you style your hijab according to your outfits or do you wear it the same way everyday?
I: I actually tried the turban style and failed miserably. I've noticed that the way you style your hijab can really make or break an outfit. When I want to dress a little more sleek, I wear my hijab tighter around my neck and let it hang down my back. When I want to dress in a more girly/romantic manner, I wear my hijab looser and show some neck, while smoothing down my baby hairs.
Y: When it comes to the fashion industry, do you think hijabis are underrepresented?
I: I don't think it's necessarily hijabis that are underrepresented but more so black hijabis. If you get on google and type "hijabi fashion" into the search engine, you will encounter countless images of fair skinned Arab women or even white models. Recently there's been an increase in black hijabi models in some of my favorite Muslim brands and it's quite refreshing.
Y: In the picture above, where is your outfit from and how does it represent your style?
I: I always find a way to incorporate the color black into my outfit. I like going for more form fitting pieces underneath baggy, cool jackets and dusters on top. My olive duster is from Top Shop. My hijab is from Target and my jeans and body suit are from Forever 21. I would describe my style as grungy with a hint of soft. My closet is mostly black, I usually try to stick to muted shades.
Y: What hardships have you faced wearing the hijab and what have you learned from it?
I: I told myself when I got out of elementary school, I would start middle school in a hijab and I did. It lasted about a week when I realized my old friends from elementary school didn't want to hang out with me anymore. In middle school everyone was trying to figure out what was happening to their bodies, experimenting with different clothing styles and infatuated with the prospect of finally having a boyfriend. I found myself noticing that no one wanted to deal with having a friend in a hijab, like it was a way for their "cool factor" to go down. I didn't wear the hijab again until this year, my freshman year of college.
Y: What advice would you give to someone who just started wearing hijab?
I: I would give them the cliche answer, "it gets better". It truly does get better with time and you start to eventually ignore the unwanted looks and whispers. With time, you start to learn what hijab style best suits you. You also start to feel more comfortable and confident about yourself when you get past that beginner stage. Overtime you will start to have more confidence in the hijab and people's opinions won't effect you as much.
Y: If you could tell everyone one thing about hijab, what would it be?
I: I would tell everyone that hijab or no hijab, Muslim women should be treated with the same respect as every one else.
Y: What is one stereotype about Muslim women you want to erase?
I: I want to erase the "oppressed" stereotype that comes with Muslim women that cover their bodies. My religion doesn't oppress us and I hope one day the world will see the beauty of my hijab.
HAWA HASSAN
March 1, 2017
Hawa Hassan is a 17 year-old Muslim girl from Westerville, Ohio. She is a first-generation Somali-American. Hawa is a high-school senior at Westerville South. She is planning on attending The Ohio State University this fall with the goal of majoring in International Studies. Hawa's style is more of a carefree, but very put together type of style. You'll often see Hawa wearing neutral colors, stripes and the color black. Hawa is known for having a very fun personality and I think her personality definitely was shown during our interview. Down below, I ask Hawa a series of questions about what it's like being a young Muslim girl in America.
Y: What does the hijab mean to you?
Y: What does the hijab mean to you?
H: The hijab is a defining aspect of my identity if I'm being quite honest. it represents me and allows me to show the world that I'm a dedicated Muslim.
Y: How old were you when you started wearing the hijab and was it a personal choice?
H: I have been wearing the Hijab since I was a child. My parents explained the importance and meaning behind it at an early age. I always loved the hijab and my journey was pretty easy. I know it's not as easy for other so I'm definitely grateful.
Y: How does wearing the hijab affect your everyday life?
H: The Hijab doesn't really affect my daily life. I'm so used to it and it's become a lifestyle. It's basically a part of my daily routine to put it on, just as one would brush their teeth in the morning. I go to school where 90% of the people are accepting and know what the Hijab is. I'm definitely fortunate because I know many Muslims can't relate.
Y: Do you feel like wearing the hijab gets in the way of certain opportunities?
H: It would be incorrect for me to say "No, my hijab doesn't limit me...I'm capable of anything..." . I wish that was truly the case. However, We currently live in Trump's America...where it has become very apparent that many people view Islam and it's followers very negatively, despite not knowing or ever even interacted with a Muslim. I hear constantly about people who didn't get hired for jobs because of their religion. It's so sad and ridiculous. I have never really experienced prejudice like that but I know that I'm not excluded and that it can happen.
Y: Do you take into account the way you style your hijab according to your outfits or do you wear it the same everyday?
H: The way I wear my hijab depends on my mood or where I'm going. For example, if I'm going to school my hijab is most likely gonna look sloppy. I always rush for school and don't care to look nice. If I'm going out I tend to take my time and coordinate my hijab based on what I'm wearing. Most of the time I wear my hijab the same. I'm not really into switching it up.
Y: When it comes to the fashion industry, do you think Hijabis are underrepresented?
H: Oh, for sure! Hijabis aren't even represented to be honest. Finding inspiration and someone to look up to growing up was not my reality. Recently, people have been giving Hijabis a chance and it makes me so happy. I'm referring to people like Halima Aden who is breaking barriers by walking the runway under a huge modeling agency, IMG. I hope many more hijabis prosper in the future, In shaa Allah (God Willing). It definitely feels good to finally be represented in the media.
Y: In the picture above, where is your outfit from and how does it represent your style?
H: In that picture my outfit is from Forever 21. I get most of my clothes from there because its convenient. I love long and loose fitting shirts and blouses (that's all I wear lol). It's being modest but still dressing up and looking cute. My hijab is from an online website called Verona Collection. I get all my hijabs online because most stores that aren't online usually don't carry scarves that can be worn as a hijab.
Y: What hardships have you faced wearing the hijab and what have you learned from it?
H: I've faced hardships when I go to unfamiliar places or come across people who haven't seen Hijabi women before. They give you stares and dirty looks because they don't know anything about Islam. They have their own opinions and don't care to talk with an actual Muslim. That taught me to never get too comfortable. I see videos on Twitter of people harassed for being visibly Muslim. I also have heard numerous stories of women who got their hijabs ripped off their heads. I just know to always have my guard up. It's absolutely unfortunate but that's just the circumstances we face here in America.
Y: What advice would you give to someone who just started wearing hijab?
H: I would say that they have to be committed. If you truly love the hijab and are ready, don't let anyone stop you. People in your everyday are most likely going to talk about your transition. They'll probably question you. Just know that you're never obligated to explain yourself. It's always your choice and whatever you decide is only between you and God (swt). If you let people get to you then your journey will be way tougher than it needs to be.
Y: If you could tell everyone one thing about hijab, what would it be?
H: I know educating others would not completely diminish stereotypes or prejudices, but it would allow people to be more aware of the hijab, and what it actually means to the women who wear it. I just want people to learn about the hijab before they form uneducated judgements regarding it.
Y: What is one stereotype about Muslim women you want to erase?
H: The most aggravating stereotype is the idea that Muslim Women are oppressed, have no voice and need to be liberated. The main thing is that people fail to distinguish the difference between culture and religion. They are two completely different things. Sometimes, people see covered Muslim Women and they think of this as oppression. This is wrong. A Muslim woman is not oppressed, in fact, she is liberated. This is because she's no longer valued for her looks or the shape of her body. She allows others to judge her for her personality, ideas, and beliefs first. Islam condemns oppression of any kind and allows people to see the beauty of women for who they are.
Nimco Essa is a 19-year old Muslim girl who lives here in Columbus, Ohio. Nimco is currently a first-year college student at Otterbein University here in Westerville. She's double majoring in biology and psychology. I sat down with Nimco at a local Starbucks and asked her questions about what it's like to be a Muslim girl here in America. I've known Nimco since I was a little kid and in recent years, she has tapped into fashion to express herself. Down below you'll see Nimco pictured wearing a beautiful pink dress, with a purple hijab for a pop of color, and a pair of lace detailed heels.
Y: What does the hijab mean to you?
N: Hijab: "the traditional covering for the hair and neck that is worn by Muslim women.n" noun. This is Merriam-Websters definition of the hijab. This definition makes the hijab makes it seem like it’s an accessory. The hijab is more than just an accessory or a piece of cloth we wear to "cover". The hijab, to me, is a barrier. A barrier between everything that is evil and myself. a barrier between expectations that are set for women and my true self. The hijab allows me to function in society as my true self. Although the hijab comes along with its own set of stereotypes, it also comes with liberation. Crazy how covering something can liberate it. No one sees my beauty so they are forced to see the real me. All that I am capable of, all my of knowledge and hard work. And not, simply, just another woman. The hijab is also an identifier. Labeling me as a Muslim woman. A woman who lives by the Quran and believes in Allah. The hijab contributes to my way of life which is Islam.
Y: How old were you when you started wearing the hijab and was it a personal choice?
N: I was about 7 or 8 when I started wearing the hijab. In the Somali community, culture and religion are interchangeable. It's very common to start wearing it that young and you don't think much of it. You see more people wearing the hijab than those who don't wear it. It wasn't a choice but it wasn't forced upon me either.
Y: How does wearing the hijab affect your everyday life?
N: The hijab doesn't affect my everyday life. That's like asking how does waking up/brushing/getting dressed/etc, affects my everyday life. It doesn't, it is my identity. It's not hard wearing it. It's just a part of who I am. Most times I forget it's even on my head.
Y: Do you feel like wearing the hijab gets in the way of certain opportunities?
N: I don't think wearing the hijab gets in the way of certain opportunities at all. If hijab isn't known to be associated with a certain thing, break barriers. MAKE it associated with it. Be the first hijabi in a field or area. It doesn't constrict anyone in any way shape or form. Now being denied an opportunity because of the simple fact that you're covered is a whole other discussion within itself.
Y: Do you take into account the way you style your hijab according to your outfits or do you wear it the same every day?
N: I do take into account how I style my hijab. Most of the hijab I know, myself included, love to switch up the style of their scarves, coordinate the color of it to match their outfits, have different material scarves that sit differently because of the material, and even switch between turbans and scarves. The hijab doesn't make us any different than any other girl who likes to color coordinate her outfits.
Y: When it comes to the fashion industry, do you think hijabis are underrepresented?
N: I 100% believe the hijabi community is underrepresented in the fashion industry. So much so that we had to create our own fashion "industry" to represent ourselves. And within our fashion world, black hijabis are underrepresented as well. In modern day fashion, it's very hard to find modest clothing. Very hard to see someone who looks or dresses similar to you. Shopping is a hassle because every skirt you see has a slit in it and a pretty dress you find just so happens to be backless. It can get very frustrating trying to stay up to date with trends and enjoy fashion the way you wish you could. Definitely, something that needs to be changed considering there's just so many Muslims around the world.
Y: In the picture above, where is your outfit from and how does it represent your style?
N: My outfit in the picture above is from; forever21 (dress), forever21 (shoes), local Somali shop (hijab- yay for supporting local businesses). This represents my style because it's a very modest, very flowy look. It's a nice spring look and still pretty fashionable although I'm covered head to toe.
Y: What hardships have you faced wearing the hijab and what have you learned from it?
N: I've dealt with some self-esteem issues by wearing the hijab. Growing up, you see that the beauty standard is to have long beautiful hair. And when you have that but can't show it, it takes a jab at your self-esteem. I used to think I wasn't as pretty as other girls because I covered my hair and essentially my "beauty". I had convinced myself that I looked better without the hijab and was really "holding myself back" from not only opportunities but just being as "pretty" as I could be. It was hard trying to overcome these thoughts alongside regular girl insecurities and made me wanna actually take it off. But I realized, showing my hair or not doesn't make me any less beautiful than I am. Anyone who will truly appreciate my beauty doesn't need to see all of me. They just need to see me, for me. And when I realized that, I started to love the hijab even more.
Y: What advice would you give to someone who just started wearing hijab?
N: Advice I would give to someone who just started wearing the hijab is; love yourself for you. If you started wearing the hijab to strengthen your relationship with God, then don't let anyone get in the way of that. You're going to have times where you don't want to wear it, or your outfit just looks better without it, or the guy you like doesn't know just how "pretty" you are without it. But don't let any of that get in the way of your spiritual journey. Have that confidence in yourself to know you're beautiful and you don't need anyone else to tell you that to know it. Self-love is key.
Y: If you could tell everyone one thing about hijab, what would it be?
N: If I could tell anyone one thing about the hijab it would be that the hijab is liberation. The hijab will open so many doors for you aside from spiritually. It comes with respect, teaches you self-love, protection and will lead you to a way of life you never thought you could acquire.
Y: What is one stereotype about Muslim women you want to erase?
N: One stereotype I wish I could erase would be that women who wear the hijab are "oppressed". Not to say there aren't cases where girls are forced to wear it because of the community they're in or familial obligations. But the number of women who wear hijab for themselves is substantially larger than that small few. Muslim women aren't oppressed for covering. Is the case of oppression is solely based on clothing and being forced to wear something, then wouldn't it be the same for other women as well? Who feel like they have to wear (or not wear) something to feel beautiful? Accepted? Oppression comes in many forms but one thing we Muslim women are NOT, is operated.
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