Taking place on Feb. 1 each year, World Hijab Day celebrates its 12th twelfth year since being enacted.
As this day is celebrated across the globe, the students at Dallas College Richland Campus found their own way to honor the occasion fostering understanding, unity and cultural appreciation within the campus community. The day was celebrated with snacks, henna, games and an opportunity for participants to try on a hijab in El Paso Hall.
Founded in 2013, World Hijab Day was first implemented by advocate Nazma Khan. This day was founded with the intentions to “create a world where hijabi women are understood, respected, and empowered,” stated Khan through an Instagram post on the day. She said her vision is “stronger than ever,” partially thanks to the respect fostered through World Hijab Day. To garner more attention toward the day, Khan started #HijabisUnsilenced on social media in 2024. The internet flooded with posts on Feb. 1, in support of the hashtag. It was meant to give women a voice in what the hashtag meant to them, and why others should participate in World Hijab Day.
As the day went on, students also talked about the importance of the day, and what the hijab meant to them. While helping with the celebration, student Samaah Maqsood spoke about how important this day was to her.
“World Hijab Day is important to me because it entails modesty, respect, honor and gracefulness. I’m able to teach many different people about the modesty in Islam.”
Along with Maqsood, two other students had many things to say about World Hijab Day. Student Leeann Hegazi said, Hijab itself is my identity, it’s a part of me. It’s a requirement by our religion to wear it. Every day I wake up with a purpose. I love it.”
Student Shiza Siddiqui said, “Having a day to really commemorate the millions, if not more of women that wear this religious symbol is really important. Especially because it just means so many things. It is a symbol among Muslim women, it’s an instant visual recognition, it’s a sense of community.”
As World Hijab Day concluded, students who participated in the celebration left with a newfound understanding of their peers. Ultimately, World Hijab Day highlighted the importance of listening to others’ stories, embracing diversity and working together to create a more inclusive society.
The day served as a stepping stone toward greater cultural awareness, not just around the world, but among the students of Richland.
