Celebrating World Hijab Day 2023

To celebrate World Hijab Day, Huniya Akbar, Technical Design Graduate, has shared her story about the hijab, the importance it holds in her religion, Islam, and what wearing one means to her. 

My name is Huniya and I’m a Muslim who wears the hijab and I’m here to tell you a bit about it today! 

The hijab is a scarf or piece of cloth that Muslim women use to cover their hair. At the same time, it’s a bit more than that. Hijab also refers to modesty in general, which was a commandment from God. In the Qu’ran, the central religious text of Islam, it says:  

We choose to wear the hijab simply because God, and God alone told us to.  It is also important to note the Qur’an also states in 2:256 that:  

This quote shows how it is wrong to force someone. 

Many Muslim women that choose to wear the hijab feel incredibly empowered by it, myself included. It’s an outward expression of my faith and identity. It’s also a physical reminder to stay true to who I am, and to the values and principles that I believe in and abide by. 

Most Muslim women are nothing like the stereotype, and we have been breaking barriers for years.  

Did you know that the first-ever, degree awarding university in the world was founded by a Muslim woman? Her name was Fatima Al-Fihri! Or that the first Muslim believer was a full-time businesswoman who ran the most successful company in Makkah?  

Throughout history, and now, there are plenty of inspiring Muslim women who have contributed greatly to their societies. People who can inspire us to learn, be brave, be strong, and strive for success.