• I still nurse fear when walking in the street with family
• Hijabophobia requires a united effort to dismantle
• Nigerians are incredibly supportive on World Hijab Day
A Bangladesh-born New York resident, Nazma Khan expressed appreciation to the supporters of World Hijab Day across the world, including Nigeria, saying that the movement wouldn’t be where it is today without Allah’s help and the collective efforts of countless individuals.
In an exclusive interview with Muslim News’ Rasheed Abubakar, Khan admitted that she still nurses fear, adding that hijabophobia is a global menace that requires a united effort to dismantle.
MN: It’s exactly 12 years after you founded World Hijab Day. How does it feel seeing what you started being embraced in over 150 countries across the world today?
Subhan’Allah! It’s truly a surreal and humbling experience to see how far World Hijab Day has come. Alhamdulillah, I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering love and support from people across the globe, especially Nigeria. This movement wouldn’t be where it is today without the help of Allah foremost and the collective efforts of countless individuals, including but not limited to our ambassadors, team of volunteers, partners, supporters, and everyone who has stood by this cause.
My deepest gratitude goes to every single person who has contributed to this initiative and made it what it is today. Together, we are breaking barriers, fostering understanding, and amplifying the voices of hijabi women worldwide. May Allah accept it from us, ameen!
MN: Are you still being discriminated against over hijab or anyone close to you?
Unfortunately, yes. Despite the progress we’ve made in raising awareness, discrimination against hijabi women is still very real. Personally, I still feel fear when walking in public with my family, constantly aware of the possibility—Allah forbid—that someone could harm us just because of my hijab. This fear is not unfounded, given the rise in hate crimes against visibly Muslim individuals.
Even my own sister experienced discrimination at her workplace in NYC, where she was the only hijabi woman. Her co-workers made her feel unwelcome and mistreated her simply for choosing to wear the hijab. It was a painful experience for her, but unfortunately, it’s something many hijabi women still go through. These experiences reinforce why World Hijab Day is so important. We need to continue breaking down misconceptions and fostering understanding so that no woman has to feel unsafe or unwelcome simply for practicing her faith.
MN: What other new programmes and innovative ideas have been added to World Hijab Day over the years?
Over the years, World Hijab Day has grown beyond a single day of awareness. It has evolved into a global movement and a registered nonprofit, the World Hijab Day Organization.
To dismantle Islamophobia, we have introduced several key initiatives:
– A dedicated website that publishes articles on the hijab and Muslim women, providing authentic narratives and addressing common misconceptions.
– The 30-Day Ramadan Hijab Challenge, which invites women to wear the hijab for a month, offering them a firsthand experience of its significance.
– Fast For Unity, an initiative encouraging non-Muslims to fast alongside Muslims for a day, a few days, or the entire month of Ramadan, building bridges of understanding and solidarity.
– International Muslim History Month (IMHM), launched in 2021 and observed in May, celebrates the contributions of Muslims worldwide while tackling global Islamophobia. This initiative has been recognized by the New York State Senate since its inception, and I would be honored to see Nigeria recognize May as International Muslim History Month as well.
– Workshops for schools to address Islamophobia in educational settings. With Muslim students in the USA experiencing bullying at three times the national average, we are committed to creating safer, more inclusive spaces for them.
Each of these initiatives reflects our ongoing mission to break barriers, foster dialogue, and ensure that Muslim women and the hijab are respected and understood worldwide.
MN: Would you say this initiative has effectively addressed the key issues that led to its formation?
Alhamdulillah, World Hijab Day has made significant progress in addressing the misconceptions and challenges that led to its creation. When I started this initiative, my goal was to foster understanding, combat discrimination, and give hijabi women a platform to share their voices. Over the past 12 years, we’ve seen real impact, including global participation, the sparking of meaningful conversations, and the influence of policies.

However, the fight against hijabophobia (hijab-related discrimination) and Islamophobia is far from over. While we have dismantled some barriers, many hijabi women still face prejudice in their daily lives, workplaces, and public spaces. This is why our mission continues. Through initiatives like the 30-Day Ramadan Hijab Challenge, Fast For Unity, and International Muslim History Month, we are actively working toward a world where hijabi women are respected and empowered.
So yes, we have addressed many of the concerns that led to World Hijab Day’s formation, but our work is ongoing. Insha’Allah, with continued efforts and global support, we will keep pushing for greater awareness, acceptance, and change.
MN: Let’s talk about this year’s theme, “Hijabis Unsilenced.” What informed it?
The theme for World Hijab Day 2025 is #HijabisUnsilenced because, for too long, the voices of Muslim women have been ignored, misrepresented, or spoken over, often in the name of so-called “liberation.” This has led to widespread misinformation and harmful stereotypes about hijabi women.
With #HijabisUnsilenced, we are reclaiming our narratives. On February 1st, World Hijab Day, we are amplifying the voices of hijabi women, allowing them to share their own experiences, challenges, and reasons for wearing the hijab on their own terms. This movement is about breaking the silence and ensuring that the world hears directly from us, the hijabi women.
MN: What’s the plan to incorporate other countries, particularly Nigerians, into the global hijab discourse?
Hijabophobia is not limited to one country. It’s a global issue that requires a united effort to dismantle. To create meaningful change, we need voices from all over the world, including Nigeria, to actively engage in the conversation, challenge misconceptions, and push for policies that protect hijabi women’s rights.
Nigeria has been incredibly supportive in accepting and commemorating World Hijab Day, and I am truly grateful for this unwavering solidarity. Nigerian participation has played a crucial role in strengthening this movement, and we are committed to ensuring that their voices continue to be heard on a global platform.

To further this effort, we ask Nigerian organizations, activists, and community leaders to collaborate with us. We encourage greater participation in initiatives such as International Muslim History Month, which serves as a powerful platform to amplify Nigerian voices worldwide and showcase their contributions to the global hijab discourse.
Together, we can foster greater understanding, break down barriers, and create a world where hijabi women are respected and empowered.
MN: What is your general message to every hijabi going through discrimination?
To every hijabi facing discrimination, always remind yourself why you chose to wear the hijab and Who you are doing this for. Your hijab is an act of devotion, strength, and resilience. No matter the challenges you face, know that your commitment is seen and rewarded by Allah.
Reflect on this powerful hadith:
Anas bin Malik narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“There shall come upon the people a time in which the one who is patient upon his religion will be like the one holding onto a burning ember.” (Tirmidhi)
If you ever feel alone in your struggle, remember that you are not. You are part of a global sisterhood, and your perseverance is a testament to your faith. Stay strong, keep your head high. Allah sees your struggles, and He will always be your source of strength.
