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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