Hijab Is Our Identity

Canadian Muslimah: Hijab Is Our Identity!

Three Muslim women were surprised when he heard a loud shout of a white woman with blond hair. It does not sound clear, because a woman's voice was crashing the subway passing by.

"You need to challenge people in your religion, especially the priests, to respect women," that's roughly the sound is heard.

Cuss the woman did not respond directly by three Muslim women earlier. But soon appear interesting conversation among the three. "We respect Islam. We're not too concerned with that nonsense," said one of them, Gehad El Sayed, University of Toronto pharmacy students.

According Gehad, the veil is part of her identity. For him, the veil is like a pair of shoes. "When wearing the hijab, I do not stop to play football and volleyball. I interact with people, and not stuck in a cubicle," he said.

Ambren Syed, another Muslim, had hesitated to say whether wearing a hijab or not. But for Syed family, which is an immigrant from Banglore, wearing a headscarf is a tradition. "I'm scared," recalls 24 year old girl. "I'm afraid of the reaction of people around. Can I live with a veil, can I love him."

Ambren disappointed with the excessive attention of the veil. Because, for him, the attention it is another form of racism. "I decided to wear the hijab as a form of resistance and freedom of expression. I want to be identified as a Muslim," he said.

Over time, Ambren felt I knew the benefits of wearing a headscarf. One day, when he was 14 years old, he survived the abuse of a man unknown. "They're even scared to me," he said.

Another benefit, said Syed, she felt beautiful. "I never thought made me look beautiful veil. It's fun," he explained.

But experience is not only experienced Ambren fun. He was ostracized her friends in college. But that's past. Now, he is so respected, although there are still people who scoff.

Another story, Sahare Amor, a resident of Oakville. He was wearing a hijab at the age of 17 years, precisely January 1, 2009. At that time, he was inspired to wear the veil of an Egyptian actress, Hanan Turk.

"He's very famous in Egypt, beautiful and had everything.'s Husband, children and starred in many films. He does not feel guilty. That's what made me think about the situation that happened to me," he recalls.

Another inspiration came from his mother Sahare, Sanaa, who started wearing the hijab at the age of 40 years. "This reminds me that I do not live in a Muslim country. I must keep my faith and represent Islam," said Moroccan-born girl.

Sahare said the headscarf is a matter of his relationship with God. "I feel closer to Him. When wearing it, it made me realize that He is everywhere and knows everything," said McMaster University student who was good at taekwondo.

The girl who speaks fluent French believe that women are respected because of his religion. "Women like diamonds. You can see them in a glass box, but not everyone can touch it," said Sahare.

Sophia Siddiqi another story. He began wearing a headscarf when she was 25 years. "I was born and raised in a culture and system of the school where I teach now," he said. "But I am a Muslim and Canadians."

The year 2006 is a flashback to Sophia, when she, her husband and in-laws' umrah to Mecca. "For three weeks there, our lives ranged between prayer and worship. Makkah is a beautiful place, and most peaceful in the world," he recalls.

From there, Sophia began to believe to make important decisions in his life. He was wearing a headscarf.