Today we celebrate World Hijab Day across the Trust, a recognition of millions of Muslim women across the world who choose to wear the hijab and live a life of modesty.
At ELHT we recognise and value diversity and encourage all colleagues to bring their whole self to work. To open up new pathways to understanding and celebrate reasons why Muslim women choose to wear the hijab, we spoke to two colleagues at the Trust about why it's important for them. You can read Ammarah's story below.
I started to wear the hijab (head scarf) over 10 years ago in my later years of high school, as I attended a Muslim faith school and it felt easy for me to begin wearing it, especially as I was surrounded by others who were also on this same journey.
As I got older I felt I wanted to understand the spiritual significance behind the hijab and how it shapes my identity and is an expression of my faith. Personally I feel it is important to understand the meaning and intention behind the action and encompass its values internally before wearing it. The more I learned the more I fell in love with the hijab because I came to understand that it was not simply a piece of fabric draped over my head to preserve modesty, it was a form of worship which reminded me of my submission to God and the love I have for my Lord. Despite feeling positive about my decision and connected to my community it has not always been an easy journey due to the discrimination I have faced.
When I am asked about my Hijab I see this as an invitation to build a bridge of understanding and share my faith as Islam is usually seen in a negative light especially in the media. I have also had a few uncomfortable experiences usually based on misconceptions and negative stereotypes about Muslim women which manifests itself in comparisons to other Muslim women colleagues with the expectation we are all the same; ‘timid’ and ‘quiet’. Those who know me would agree that I am a confident, ambitious and expressive person however this does not always fit into people’s pre-conceptions on how a Muslim woman should be. A hijab represents more than a way to dress, it is part of my identity, it is a desire to be recognised as a Muslim with my own voice and agency. A woman should not be defined by how she chooses to dress, in Islam we are taught it is our actions and treatment of others that reflect our character.
One of the main stigmas I have faced is the notion that a Muslim woman is unable to undertake a leadership role as they are portrayed as weak and submissive, I once heard this from a colleague and felt disheartened. I have always wanted to work in a leadership role within the Trust so I can promote inclusivity and compassion and break down the barriers I have faced so those that come after me don’t have to.
I wanted to know why people are quicker to judge a woman who wears a hijab rather than one who doesn’t. It was from this moment I decided to take up the task to prove society wrong. Before this, I knew I had to work harder to achieve the same goals and all of a sudden it made sense why. The hijab is not a sign of oppression. It displays courage. It is a symbol of strength in a society where discrimination is native, it shows the perseverance Muslim women have. It is an emblem of empowerment and strength, without it I don’t feel complete.
Finally, my advice to my fellow Muslims is if you are thinking about wearing hijab firstly as always make dua (prayer) to God. The first step is the hardest as it takes a huge leap of faith. I hope God guides us all on the straight path, Ameen.