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.
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