By Too often the platform to discuss Muslim women’s affairs aren’t given to Muslim women. At Muslim Girl, Muslim women talk back, though. We are here, we are vocal and determined to tell our own stories.
In an effort to expand our narrative, we have created “The Hijabi Project,” which seeks to explore the world of Muslim women in regards to what it means, feels and looks like to be a hijabi in today’s political climate. We pulled our inspiration from Kate Engelbrecht’s “The Girl Project.” We are seeking to implement a similar concept of exploring the lives of women who observe hijab “by putting them behind the camera to document themselves.” The Hijabi Project is looking for visual representation of you as a Muslim, as a woman, as a hijabi, as a human.
We’ve all heard from others who don’t represent us that we cover because men make us. Newsflash: That’s not why.
“The Hijabi Project” allows Muslim women who observe hijab to tell their own narratives, through their own lens, sending original pictures that they feel encompass what it means to live life observing hijab. We’ve all heard from others who don’t represent us that we cover because men make us. Newsflash: That’s not why. We are modest and observe hijab for none other than Allah (SWT.) It’s a heartfelt bond that only comes from obeying our Lord. It is that bond which empowers us.
Why “The Hijabi Project?”
Quite frankly, sometimes we all need a reminder and something to keep us motivated as to why we observe the hijab. It’s our way to empower us, not allowing others to tell our stories.
I went to a high school where I was the only Muslim girl, and for many, I was the first hijabi they met. I was strange (and scary) because I was uncommon and something they’d never seen. I distinctly remember a time when I was in school and a girl straight up told me that she always wanted to talk to me but her friends warned her against it because I would blow her up.
Another student asked me, “What are you?” The presence of my hijab had her questioning my existence. Another student asked me if I worshipped the devil. Another asked if I hated White people, while another told me I was in America now, so take that s*** off my head (side note: I’m American guys, born and raised).
The list goes on. So many false narratives are being told by people who are not us – but it’s us who are harassed and attacked because of those false narratives. Let’s change that.
What is “The Hijabi Project?”
It’s a visual representation of what it means to be a Muslim Women observing Hijab. “The Hijabi Project” seeks to take back our personal narratives designed to show our womanhood, Muslimhood, Hijabihood — yeah, I’m just making up words, but you get the point. We are more than capable of telling our own stories.
Having said that, we are looking to collect visual representation of life as a Muslim who observes hijab. Don’t worry, it’s not just selfies (I know you got them, eyebrows on fleek and all with your pretty selves.) Pictures don’t have to include faces or even people if you’re not down with that. It can be a counter top of straight pins (hijabi essential.) It can be modest gym outfits you’ve concocted because (honestly) I’m looking for ideas. It can be your favorite Qur’an verse, or you at a protest because #MuslimWomenFightBack. However you choose to show that you are unapologetically Muslim wearing hijab is exactly what we are looking for.
If you are interested in telling your own narrative and being a part of “The Hijabi Project” send us an email at TheHijabiPro@gmail.com