DEFINING THEMSELVES
Muslims invite Canadians of all stripes to Islam awareness event in Brampton. Michael Robinson visited the workshop
Muslim women aim to engage in ‘peaceful dialogue’ on Islam Naila Farhat decorates with henna at a Brampton event for #JeSuisHijabi campaign.
Muslim women from across the GTA invited Canadians from all walks to “Try on a Hijab” in Brampton on Tuesday to educate the wider community about Islam and the status of women within the faith. The Star visited the public workshop to learn about participants’ take on some common perceptions.
A hijab can only be purchased at an Islamic store. False.
“Basically go to any normal store that sells scarves and buy one from there. Personally, I go to Ardene but you can also play around with the type of material too. “For example, jersey hijabs are made out of stretchy material and used for sports. Silk scarves are for fancier occasions while cotton fabric is comfortable for daily use.” — Sosun Mubashar, #JeSuisHijabi event volunteer
It takes a Muslim woman on average 15 minutes to tie the hijab every morning. False.
“It can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes. It’s totally up to you and the way you wrap it. There is no ‘ritual’ in this process.” — Mubashira Farooqi, spokeswoman for Brampton’s #JeSuisHijabi event
Wearing the hijab is a commandment in the Holy Qur’an. True.
“We are supposed to follow the teachings of the Qur’an and one of the basic teachings is that we should cover ourselves properly. “The purpose of the hijab is that we should be recognized, distinguished and known as Muslim. It makes us feel more secure and shows our actual beauty: our character.” — Mutahira Farooqi, president of Women’s Auxillary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Brampton, Heart Lake branch
Woman have to wear the hijab at home. False.
“You do not need to wear it at home because that is a comfortable place, a protected zone. Living with your family means they know you and obviously, you do not fear them. But outside, we are meeting with strangers on a daily basis. If I wear my hijab, I feel protected, secure and more confident than without it, to be honest.” — Sameena Ahmad, #JeSuisHijabi event volunteer
Head covering isn’t exclusive to Islam. True.
“Many faiths encourage their followers to cover their heads at the time of worship. It’s a commandment that has been around for centuries.” — Maria Iqbal, local outreach co-ordinator of the Women’s Auxillary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Brampton, Flowertown branch
Woman have to start wearing the hijab at age 5. False.
“There is no specific age requirement; you wear it when you are ready. Most girls start around middle school or high school but it’s different for each person. After all, it’s taking another step forward in your faith.” — Sobia Iqbal, #JeSuisHijabi event volunteer