What does a Christian, an Atheist, a tall person and a millionaire all have in common?.... A Hijab.

You may be left scratching your head as to how such different people are all bound together by a piece of cloth-the "hijab"? It isn't an everyday occurrence, I give you that, but I assure you, I haven't lost the plot. World Hijab Day is the one day in the year that not only celebrates this controversial garment of clothing- that has come to symbolise everything from spirituality to oppression, from sexism to feminism- but invites women across the world to try it for a day.

Originated by Nazma Khan from the Bronx, New York, this movement has gained momentum almost exclusively through social media, impressively attracting thousands of supporters and participant in it's first year of inception,  in 2013. In an interview with the BBC, Nazma describes growing up and being the only 'hijabi' in her neighborhood, where she was regularly discriminated against. Wanting to break stereotypes and build bridges, #WorldHijabDay was born.


An incredible feet is that the World Hijab Day attracted supporters and participants from over 52 countries in it's first year, alone. This year, on the 1st February 2014, it is estimated that women from over 80 countries will be participating in the annual World Hijab Day challenge. That's a staggering number of people from all walks of life coming together for a cause that promotes understanding, togetherness and free choice.



 The concept is simple: wear the hijab for a day. You don't have to be Muslim. You don't even have to be religious. You can be from any background. In fact, that's the point! The idea is to give people that  have never worn, or wouldn't usually wear, the hijab an opportunity and excuse to try it. The hope is that it will help to promote understanding and religious tolerance. Putting themselves in the shoes of 'the other' will help highlight that we have more similarities than differences.

What I found particularly beautiful about this movement, is that in this time of  rampant misconceptions, stereotypes-in large, fueled by the media- and intolerance, what is needed is something to promote the opposite; peace, love, and tolerance. We need to stop focusing on what divides us and start building bridges, cross them and find out that we're not so different after all. Let's smash the barrier of ignorance and discrimination and make the world a more pleasant place.

Join the #WorldHijabDay challenge, on the 1st February 2014, and try out the hijab for a day and share your experience. Hashtag me as I would love to read about your experience. Good Luck! #SabrinaDobuyDiva

Links
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldHijabDaywebsite: http://worldhijabday.com/The above images were taken from the World Hijab Day website and I take no ownership of them .