World Hijab Day
February 1st, 2013, marked the first annual World Hijab Day (WHD) in recognition of millions of Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab and live a life of modesty.
Nazma Khan (from New York), came up with the idea as a means to foster religious tolerance and understanding by inviting women (non-Hijabi Muslims/non-Muslims) to experience the hijab for one day.
As a school, we invited pupils to wear their Hijab to school for the day (many of whom wear them daily) and we also shared an assembly with all pupils where the meaning of hijab wearing was discussed. All pupils also heard a story 'The Proudest Blue' by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali. The story is inspired by the experiences of Olympic medallist and author:
It’s Faizah’s first day of school and she’s got a brand-new backpack and light-up shoes. For her older sister, Asiya, it’s her first day of wearing a hijab at school. Faizah sees her sister as a princess wearing her beautiful blue hijab, but not everyone at school sees it this way. Instead, they are confused and say hurtful things to Asiya. But with wise words from their mother and understanding from their friends, Faizah and Asiya find new ways to be strong.
