Lubna Alli

Contrary to popular belief, and to the way I sometimes portray myself on my social medias, I have much more to offer than just sexually charged photos and self-important remarks. When it comes to my relationship with my faith and how it translates into my life, I am both the protagonist and the antagonist, as @eunesslee has so graciously reminded me of. On an article titled “Muslim Women in Canada: Faith and the Hijab” Eunice and I sat down to discuss my relationship (and, at times, lack thereof) with God, religion, and all things faith based.

What seems to be a distant memory to both myself and those who have known me since my diaper days, I was reminded of through this interviewing process. I once wore a hijab. And I did so proudly. But, in that time, I also questioned religion a lot, and whether or not I could abide by the pressing implicit expectations that were put on me as a hijabi.

@h0ejabi hit it on the nail in her interview, saying, “There is a double-standard for women who wear hijabs. They are expected to be at a higher level of faith. They are not allowed to make mistakes.” There is a no remorse mentality within the confines of religious establishments, where I often faced judgment by community members for not practicing Islam as well as I should be. And, mind you, I am the daughter of a religious scholar, so this “all-eyes-on-you” feeling was amplified tenfold.

Wearing a hijab was also not always easy for me growing up, as I had to deal with the harsh comments from kids about whether or not I washed my hair or if even had hair to begin with. On a few occasions, my hijab was yanked off my head in the playground for everyone to see “what was under there.” The hijab, although it may not play as strong of a role in my life now, was once part of my identity, and has served as a stepping stone for the fluid and ever changing relationship I now consider myself to have with all things faith based. To read the full article, check the link below.

MUSLIM WOMEN IN CANADA: FAITH AND THE HIJAB