On February 1st, women around the globe celebrate World Hijab Day. World Hijab Day celebrates Muslim women around the world who choose to wear a hijab. World Hijab Day was first recognized as a national holiday by Nazma Khan.

Khan’s goal in establishing World Hijab Day was to promote greater religious tolerance and unity. Her goal stemmed from her childhood experiences with extreme racism and discrimination directly related to her hijab. Khan stated, “Growing up in the Bronx, New York City, I experienced a great deal of discrimination due to my hijab. In middle school, I was ‘Batman’ or ‘ninja.’ When I entered University after 9/11, I was called Osama bin Laden or terrorist. It was awful. I figured the only way to end discrimination is if we ask our fellow sisters to experience hijab themselves.” World Hijab Day allows women who are not Muslim to wear a hijab. World Hijab day is celebrated in 190 countries worldwide. 

World Hijab Day’s Organization was founded in 2018; it facilitates education, unity and empowerment to dispel hatred, bigotry and discrimination directed toward Muslims. Nazma Khan also founded International Muslim History month in 2021 to globally deconstruct Islamophobia by appreciating the historical contributions of Muslim men and women.

World Hijab Day continues to promote a greater sense of acceptance and religious tolerance around the world. While there are still strides of progress to be made, the international recognition of World Hijab Day is a major step forward in the fight against discrimination and hatred specifically targeted toward Muslims.