Hijab Day a chance to live in another world

What does hijab mean to me? It means allegiance to God and my community, a shield against immorality and a mark of modesty.

It's a grave misconception that the veil takes away the rights of women and is a sign of oppression. Contrary to this popular belief, Islam was the first religion to entitle women with the right to inheritance, education, work, love and respect.

Veiled women like me make the choice to be looked at from the inside out. Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "God does not look at your appearance, but rather looks at your heart and actions."

It's heartbreaking to see and hear accounts of women being discriminated against because of the hijab. It's a complete contravention of Article 9 of the Human Rights Act, which advocates the freedom to practice one's religion.

In light of my sentiments on the veil, I am humbled by the initiative of World Hijab Day. Every day Muslim women wearing the Hijab in America live inside the world of western society. It's a revolutionary concept for western women to live inside the world of Muslim women for one day.

Mariam Sadiqa Qaderi

Lisle