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.
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