MP Maisara’s Message on World Hijab Day
February 01, 2021
Today, people around the world, especially Muslim women are commemorating the International World Hijab Day with the theme “Don’t let our Pride be your Prejudice”. With the recent passage of House Bill 8249, we are also celebrating National Hijab Day here in the Philippines. This special day is an opportunity for every woman and girl to celebrate and recognize the importance and the beauty of the hijab. I want to say to the world that wearing a hijab is a truly beautiful thing. It is not simply a piece of clothing, but more than that, it is a form of modesty, piety and a form of behavior.
I would just like to say that for the women and girls who wear the hijab, it is not a form of restriction. We should not limit our understanding of the hijab as just a piece of fabric. Wearing the hijab is not just an obligation. For most, it is a choice – something that us, women, want to are proud to, and love to do. It is a precious thing to be thankful for. A Muslim woman shows her devotion to her religion by wearing a hijab. This noble cause is not invitation for other people to mock her and make her life difficult. In a way, the hijab makes us more beautiful and elegant, so we should wear it with pride as Muslim women.
Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an, “O Prophet! Say to your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers that they let down upon them their over-garments; this will be more proper, that they may know (as believing women), and thus they will not be annoyed or harassed; and Allah is forgiving, Most Merciful.” A hijab is a symbol of devotion and not of discrimination. Remember, a woman modestly dressed is a pearl in its shell, while our hijabs are our crowns which should be protected at all times.
I am with the World Hijab Day Organization in celebrating this event and joining the campaign to #EndHijaboPhobia. I would also like to give recognition to our government for passing the bill as a way to promote understanding and awareness, remove misconceptions, stop discrimination, and protect freedom. If you call a woman who chooses to dress however way she likes as empowered, then a woman who chooses to wear her hijab with pride is no different. She is empowered because she stands up for her identity and her faith despite the bias that some in society may have against her, and the discrimination she may face. To every woman who has faced or continues to face discrimination for wearing the hijab, stand up for yourself and wear your hijab with pride, piety and devotion to Allah (SWT). To all women who wear hijab, May Allah (SWT) shade you on the day that there is no shade but only his shade. To those who may have misunderstandings or questions about the hijab, we would be happy to answer you. Just remember not to #LetOurPrideBeYourPrejudice.
With that said, Happy World Hijab Day everybody!
