February 1 marks World Hijab Day, and while many women across the world have taken to social media to celebrate, others have taken the opportunity to voice their criticism. (AFP/File)
Today marks World Hijab Day, and women across the world are celebrating by posting their reasons for wearing a hijab on social media. The movement was kick-started by New York resident Nazma Khan as a way to promote tolerance and understanding for the traditional Islamic veil, however not everyone is a fan.[1]
The World Hijab Day website claims that the movement has garnered support in more than 140 countries worldwide, with endorsement coming from politicians and celebrities across the globe.
"By opening up new pathways to understanding, Nazma hopes to counteract some of the controversies surrounding why Muslim women choose to wear the hijab," the website states.[2]
Of course, the hijab is not without its controversy: Calls to ban the hijab are often heard coming from certain groups and political parties across Europe and the wider Western world.
While both Muslim and non-Muslim women have taken to social media to express their support for wearing a hijab, others are using the opportunity to voice their criticism. Using the hashtag #WorldHijabDay, Twitter users gave their reasons for supporting—or objecting to—the movement, and the hijab itself.[3]
See below, via Twitter.
Some posted photos of them wearing a hijab, alongside messages of support for fellow hijabis.
I wish all my sisters a happy #WorldHijabDay . We go through a lot, but we will make it if we stand strong. pic.twitter.com/qZ51m18mwV[4][5]
— Halima Ope-agbe (@Randi_R1) February 1, 2016[6] #WorldHijabDay Proud to be a Muslimaah. pic.twitter.com/Ep2OR4CULE[7][8]
— Aminat Kalejaye (@iam_aminat) February 1, 2016[9]
Others were a little confused about quite what to do.
I would really like to participate in #WorldHijabDay[10]. But I have no clue on how to put it on :(
— Avatar Jatz⬇️ (@TurtlePatz) February 1, 2016[11] There were those with questionable views on the matter.
Please don't sexualize your hijab, it's purpose was to honour you not to degrade you. #WorldHijabDay[12]
— Firdause Jesfrydi (@dausejesfry) February 1, 2016[13] Just because Victoria can't keep a secret, doesn't mean you have to show yours. Be unique, be yourself. #WorldHijabDay[14]
— KingFarah (@HappyMe_1) February 1, 2016[15] And some objected altogether.
You know what would unite us even more than #WorldHijabDay[16]?
If nobody wore a hijab, and we all put religious nonsense behind us.#Atheism[17]
— Nevin (@AtheistEtcEtc) February 1, 2016[18] Stop the madness of #WorldHijabDay. Hardly a choice for many Muslim & #ExMuslim women. #religiouspatriarchy at best
@CEMB_forum[19][20][21][22]
— Halima (@Thumbalima) February 1, 2016[23] @AkiMuthali There is a day that celebrates an instrument of female oppression, and it receives ZERO backlash from feminists. #WorldHijabDay[24][25]
— Lalo Dagach (@LaloDagach) March 13, 2015[26] References
- ^ however not everyone is a fan. (www.albawaba.com)
- ^ the website states. (worldhijabday.com)
- ^ the movement, and t he hijab itself. (www.albawaba.com)
- ^ #WorldHijabDay (twitter.com)
- ^ pic.twitter.com/qZ51m18mwV (t.co)
- ^ February 1, 2016 (twitter.com)
- ^ #WorldHijabDay (twitter .com)
- ^ pic.twitter.com/Ep2OR4CULE (t.co)
- ^ February 1, 2016 (twitter.com)
- ^ #WorldHijabDay (twitter.com)
- ^ February 1, 2016 (twitter.com)
^ #WorldHijabDay (twitter.com) - ^ February 1, 2016 (twitter.com)
- ^ #WorldHijabDay (twitter.com)
- ^ February 1, 2016 (twitter.com)
- ^ #WorldHijabDay (twitter.com)
- ^ #Atheism (twitter.com)
- ^ February 1, 2016 (twitter.com)
- ^ #WorldHijabDay (twitter.com)
- ^ #ExMuslim (twitter.com)
- ^ #religiouspatriarchy (twitter.com)
- ^ @CEMB_forum (twitter.com)
- ^ February 1, 2016 (twitter.com)
- ^ @AkiMuthali (twitter.com)
- ^ #WorldHijabDay (twitter.com)
- ^ March 13, 2015 (twitter.com)
