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Asra Q. Nomani and Hala Arafa published an article in the Washington Post recently rejecting the veil “in order to resist patriarchy.”
In your interview with UNESCO, you said, “I am tired of societies deciding for women what freedom is.” How can Muslim women step up for themselves to decide what best suits them?
I was very disturbed by the Washington Post article. I personally don’t believe that the hijab is a religious mandate in Islam but I have seen from friends and relatives who wear it that it brings a large measure of comfort to many women.
But whether or not we believe the hijab is a necessary part of the religion, it is, without a doubt, a major icon of Islam. Therefore to encourage Jewish and Christian women not to wear it in solidarity with Muslims is unconscionable to me, especially given the climate of anti-Islamic feelings.
I welcome all shows of support to Muslims, including Jewish and Christian women wearing the hijab. I am deeply grateful for it.
How can Muslim women step up for themselves? Tell your story! I think what Muslimgirl.net is doing, and what others like Linda Sarsour, Wajahat Ali, Dean Obeidallah, Reza Aslan, and other Muslim Americans who are speaking up and are vocal must continue.
I don’t believe in being defensive. I believe in stating our case and telling our stories. We must call racism and Islamophobia for what they are. We must not apologize.
As an American citizen, no one asked me to apologize for the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a Muslim, everyone wants me to apologize for a terrorist I didn’t even vote into power. We are now being called to speak out. This atmosphere must force us to go out and tell our stories. 