Source: MSA Caption: World Hijab Day Flier
The Muslim Students Association (MSA) hosted a World Hijab Day event in the SXU diner on Thursday, Feb. 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event was planned to educate staff and students about the hijab, what its importance is, and the role it plays in the Muslim community.
The hijab holds extreme significance in Muslim culture. The hijab is worn by women to express modesty and faith in their religion. It may also be used as a sense of empowerment and symbolizes the contentment of beauty of Muslim women.
“People should learn and respect the hijab, as a religious practice because it is important to develop religious tolerance and be aware. Many of us are surrounded by women who wear the hijab so it is always a great opportunity to learn more about it and exactly why Muslim women wear it,” voiced Jenna Kanaan, MSA Secretary.
MSA taught students attending how to foster the understanding, tolerance, and respect for Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab.
“The decision to plan this event stemmed from a desire to educate others about the hijab, share personal experiences, and address common misconceptions. We aim to create a more inclusive community,” added Majid Matariyeh, MSA President.
All who attended learned about the hijab’s history, discussed the cultural significance and symbolism of the hijab, and participated in activities to learn and understand this custom.
Close to 100 women stopped and tried on a hijab. Many students and staff picked up a brochure and engaged in discussions with one another about the hijab.
“The hijab is not just a head covering, it is a way of life. Hijab extends far beyond a symbolic garment, it embodies the qualities of modesty, chastity, and faith in all aspects of life,” explains Kanaan.
MSA presented demo hijabs to try on, a mirror, and volunteers helping women put on the hijab. Additionally, there was a raffle of five hijabs for five winners and pamphlets with additional information on what the hijab is and why it is worn.
“It felt very beautiful that people not only wanted to learn about the hijab, but felt comfortable enough to try it on,” continued Matariyeh.
Students of different cultures and religions stopped by to try on the hijab and share a different cultural experience than their own. MSA provided an environment for cultural expression.
According to Matariyeh, “Learning about and respecting the hijab is essential for building mutual respect and understanding in multicultural societies. It helps counteract prejudice and promotes a supportive environment for cultural expression.”
“World Hijab Day invites people of different backgrounds to experience and learn about the hijab, fostering empathy and breaking down misconceptions surrounding this religious and cultural practice,” according to MSA.
The hijab was revealed to the prophet Mohammad in the Quran 24:31 Surah AL-Nur. It represents a spiritual journey and is a reminder of faith and a declaration of religious identity.
The history of the hijab is known to be intertwined with Islamic traditions and practices, being shared across different societies. Its interpretation has varied within the years and has reflected diversity within the Muslim community.
“Growing up in a Muslim and Arab household, I have never seen the hijab as a symbol of oppression, but as a symbol of freedom and truly understanding and accepting your religion,” said Matariyeh.
According to Matariyeh, he was taught growing up to be a student of knowledge and to learn about different cultures and religions. He believes people should be updated on what is going on in the world and other perspectives. When others do the same and share their experiences, it makes him feel included and a part of another community as well.
MSA has hosted events in the past regarding the inclusivity of the Muslim culture, including food, tournaments, peaceful protests, and performances for SXU students to attend.
The MSA was organized to provide a safe space for Muslim students to interact with one another, and plan/attend events which both Muslim and Non-Muslim students may attend.
For more information regarding The Muslim Student Association contact, msa@mymail.sxu.edu or visit their instagram @sxumsa.