World Hijab Day: General Information About Hijab & Hijab Day

A hijab is a veil worn by certain Muslim women in the presence of any male outside of their immediate family. Muslim women from 140 countries worldwide celebrate world Hijab Day on 1 February each year, and to learn more about Hijab and World Hijab Day, read the following article from Uaemoments.

What is Hijab

Hijab is a traditional scarf worn by Muslim women to cover the hair and neck, so it is known as the traditional dress code of Muslim women. Non-Muslim people may assume that Hijab is oppressive, but the truth is that the Hijab is a symbol of feminism, a way of life.

About World Hijab Day 

World Hijab Day, founded by Nazma Khan in 2013, is a day for both Muslim and non-Muslim women to experience wearing a headscarf. It is an annual event taking place on 1 February each year in 140 countries worldwide.   

The purpose of celebrating World Hijab Day is to allow Muslim women to educate and spread awareness on why Hijab is worn. In addition, raise awareness of the issues they face every day across the globe, especially when finding that 71% of Muslim women wearing hijab face some discrimination in some countries. Furthermore, in this day, Muslim Girls encourage women of all religions and backgrounds to wear and experience the Hijab for a day.   

New York State recognized World Hijab Day in 2017. In addition, the House of representatives of the Philippines approved 1 February as "annual national hijab day" to promote an understanding of the Muslim tradition in 2021. 

FAQ About Hijab 

What are the Types of Hijabs? 

There are many diverse types of Hijabs, depending on customs, interpretation of the literature, ethnicity, geographic location, and political system. Find out in the following photo the types of Hijabs: 

How to Pronounce Hijab? 

hijab pronunciation is hee-jahb. The "h" in hijab is pronounced as a whispered, "h" and the "i" is pronounced with a double "e", as the word “see”. The second syllable, -jab, is pronounced like the word "jab" but with a more open "a", an "ah" sound. 

What is the purpose of wearing a hijab? 

Muslim women wear Hijab to maintain modesty and privacy from unrelated males, so wearing Hijab can be a religious act as they consider it a way of demonstrating their submission to God. 

Do Muslim Women Wear Hijab all the Time? 

No, Muslim women wear Hijab when they are around non-Mahram (men that Muslim women cannot sit around them without wearing headscarves). So, logically they wear Hijab in public. 

Muslim women do not cover their heads on Mahram men who are: 

• Father 

• Father-in-law 

• Son 

• Husband’s son from his previous wife 

• Brother 

• Nephews 

• Paternal and maternal uncle 

• Milk kinship

At What Age Do Muslim Girls Wear Hijab?

In Islam, Muslim women begin wearing the Hijab after puberty, but commonly they start wearing Hijab after their teenage.

Is Hijab an Islamic Requirement?  

Muslim religious writings are not entirely clear on the question of veiling, and many Muslim women consider wearing Hijab as a personal choice. However, in some places such as Iran and the Aceh Province of Indonesia, the Hijab is required by law.   

Why Some Muslim Women do not Wear Hijab?  

Because it is a personal choice since Muslim women in most Muslim countries can choose to wear or not-to-wear the Hijab, with no abuse or warrants praise for doing or not doing it. 

 Are there other religions that their Women Wear Hijab?

Yes. Many religions and cultures have had some type of head covering such as:  

• Christians: Christian Nuns cover their head with an apostolic or epimandylion.   

• Jews: Married Jews women cover their head with a tichel, also called a mitpachat. 

• Hindu & Sikh: Hindu and Sikh women wear dupattas to cover their heads. 

Make your Hijab your pride as we celebrate Worlds' Hijab day; if you want to find out more about Hijab check Influential Women Who Took Hijab As Their Symbol in Uaemoments.