Open Letter to Women of the World Considering Wearing Hijab in Interfaith Solidarity

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Posted: 12/22/2015 6:03 pm EST
Updated: 12/22/2015 6:59 pm EST
Zainab Chaudry Become a fan
Civil & Human Rights Activist | Writer | Divergent

Dear Sisters in Humanity:

Recently, you may have encountered pushback from people - including women who self-identify as Muslim - discouraging you from wearing the Islamic headscarf in solidarity with Muslim women like myself who observe it for religious reasons.

I want to convey my gratitude to you for your sincere empathy and willingness to venture outside of your comfort zone to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Muslim women who are vulnerable to being targeted as a consequence of rising anti-Muslim intolerance and bigotry.

This is especially profound because you may not fully understand the nuanced significance of hijab. It is arguably the single most powerful article of clothing. It has elicited controversy, stirred consciences, evoked pity, inspired curiosity, instilled confidence, inspired admiration, generated disdain, and garnered respect. It continues to mystify many, and is widely debated time and again.

Hijab refers to a physical veil, but it is also a code of conduct and state of mind. Literally, it translates to "barrier" or "partition." Islamically, it has a far broader meaning that conveys modesty. On a subliminal level, it can have as many different meanings as the women who wear it, because each individual experience is deeply personal.

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