On February 1 this year, up to a million women are expected to take part in the second annual World Hijab Day. The event was created last year by New York-based Nazma Khan with the express desire to help educate non-Muslims about Hijabs, why people wear them and what they represent.
Khan’s event encourages non-Muslims to wear a Hijab for a day to be able to fully understand how it feels. She hopes that this will help people empathise with Hijab-wearers, remove misunderstanding and help create better relations between Muslims and non-Muslims.
Despite only being in its relative infancy, World Hijab Day has grown quickly – Khan’s literature for the day has been translated into 22 different languages and representatives from the UK, Australia, Germany, France, India and Pakistan have contacted her about taking up the cause.
One of the events biggest supporters Mufti Ismail Menk is enthusiastic about the quick growth of the event. He explains: “A large number of non-Muslims show great support for our sisters and get a first-hand feel of the hijab by donning it for a day.
The owner of Jubbas, a Muslim clothing stockist, agrees. Akil Desai enthuses: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to see what a Hijab truly represents.”
World Hijab Day is held on February 1 and more information can be found on the official Facebook page. Or just show your support by proudly donning your favourite Hijab on the day.
Will you be participating in World Hijab Day?