World Hijab Day, celebrated annually on February 1, aims to promote awareness, understanding, and tolerance regarding the hijab, a headscarf worn by many Muslim women as a sign of modesty, faith, and identity.

The day encourages both Muslims and non-Muslims worldwide to experience wearing the hijab to foster mutual understanding, combat stereotypes, and show solidarity with women who choose to wear it.

The hijab is also referred to as the “khimar” in some cultural contexts, though “hijab” is the most widely recognised term.

On World Hijab Day, people of all backgrounds are encouraged to experience wearing the hijab for a day. Founded in 2013 by Nazma Khan, a Bangladeshi-American, the day aims to foster religious tolerance, understanding, and solidarity with Muslim women who chose to wear the hijab.

The event was created to counter misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding the hijab and Muslim women. In many parts of the world, wearing the hijab can be met with misunderstanding, discrimination, or even hostility.

By inviting non-Muslims to experience the hijab for a day, World Hijab Day seeks to promote awareness about the significance of the hijab in Islam as well as to encourage dialogue and understanding between people of different faiths and cultures.

This dialogue seeks to empathise with and support Muslim women facing prejudice due to their choice of dress. Ultimately the dialogue challenge stereotypes and combat Islamophobia.

In Islam, the hijab holds deep spiritual, cultural, and social significance. It is primarily viewed as an expression of modesty, faith, and obedience to God, as outlined in the Koran and Hadith. The hijab serves as a means of maintaining dignity, privacy, and respect, helping women preserve their identity and focus on their spiritual and intellectual contributions rather than physical appearance.

The hijab represents modesty, privacy, and morality. Many Muslim women wear it as an expression of their faith, personal identity, and commitment to spiritual values. However, interpretations and cultural practices regarding the hijab vary across different communities and individuals.

Despite its religious significance, the hijab has become a topic of debate in various social and political contexts. Some argue that it represents oppression, while others see it as a symbol of empowerment and autonomy. World Hijab Day provides a platform for Muslim women to share their perspectives and reclaim their narrative.

Over the years, World Hijab Day has grown into a global movement with participation from more than 150 countries, including schools, universities, and workplaces that organise events to educate people about the hijab.

Participants often share their experiences on social media, using hashtags like #WorldHijabDay and #EmpowermentNotOppression, to spread awareness and break down barriers of misunderstanding.

World Hijab Day serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting individual choices and fostering an inclusive society. Whether one chooses to wear the hijab or not, the day encourages mutual understanding, respect, and solidarity in an increasingly diverse world.

Many schools, universities, organisations and activists also use this day to address issues such as religious discrimination, women’s rights, and cultural identity. In line with this initiative, the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team has organised a World Hijab Day event on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the Berkeley Institute. We are deeply grateful to the Berkeley Institute for generously allowing us to once again use their beautiful venue for this special event, which will take place from 1pm to 2pm.

By taking part in this initiative, we can move beyond misconceptions and celebrate the richness of different cultures and beliefs.

Today also launches Black History Month; a time to honour the rich heritage, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. It serves as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and progress of the Black community while recognising the ongoing fight for equality and justice.

Insha’Allah (God willing) we will benefit greatly from the knowledge, respect and love to be gained this month. As well, the holy month of Ramadan begins around February 28. So, from start to finish, February is gearing up to be an exciting and informative month.

Bermuda, have a blessed week. As salaam alaikum (peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam