MsYiY - Yasmin Choudhury

Today is World Hijab Day (WHD).  Sigh.   And I whole-heartedly and unreservedly disagree with the idea, the concept, its message and strategy.   Like the WJD founder I am Muslim.  I too am of Bangladeshi heritage.  That is where the difference ends.   But I am British. Was born in London.  And I have never worn hijab unless the occasion merits it.  Many of the women in my British community and especially women in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh do. Yet growing up I recall how hardly anyone covered their hair.  I find it interesting.  Because I am not sure the reason is in always about empowerment.  Today, in 2015 nearly all the Muslim women in my community both in UK and Bangladesh wear the hijab with a black overcoat or the niqab.  And it is starting to really worry me. Sigh. Not the wearing of course - which I utterly support.   It is the why, the how, the when and the who. And how by wearing it - perhaps other ...

I love Islam.  Sadly its community  - 'Ummah'  - is a double edged coin for many Muslim women like me.  I find some British Muslim men utterly clueless.  Or are guilty of acting careless when they try to speak for all us UK Muslims. It is dangerous. And a repeated gesture that soon becomes a consensus.  Non-Muslims start to think they represent all of us.  When in fact - Muslims have no formal,  elected  representative. Yes - that includes the Muslim Council of Britain - male led for Muslim men - by Muslim men - all about Muslim men.