De Anza Muslim Student Association celebrate World Hijab Day by sharing the hijab

Equality written on almost every poster fluttering in wind, hijabs displayed neatly on an adorned table and rows of henna, uncapped and ready —  a white pop-up tent set up in the quad stands strong and proud against the bustling wind, much like Muslim Student Association on World Hijab Day.

MSA allowed students to try on and wear a hijab for a day to raise awareness of Muslim culture.

The event represented not only Muslim culture and the hijab, but the solidarity and support De Anza students have. Especially with Trump’s executive orders and the “Muslim Ban.”

Rabiah Shere, 20, communications major and MSA member said the event was a way to show the community that MSA was with them, and that there are allies.

A hijab is a head scarf that wraps around the head and covers the hair completely, worn by Islam women out of modesty and respect for oneself as a woman’s hair is to be shown only to other women, her husband and immediate family.

“We are showing normality. People look at our scarfs and think we are forever foreign,” Shere said.

Wearing the hijab “is representing our citizenship because it symbolizes our freedom. We are making our own choice to wear it,” Shere said.

Cecilia Rodriguez, 19, biology major, had never worn a hijab before the event, and found them very comforting and appealing. “I think it’s really cool that people are raising awareness especially what’s going with Trump,” Rodriguez said.

“We wanted to have this event to support other clubs, allowing people to try on the hijab but showing support for other people too,” said secretary of MSA Sadia Hasan, 18, business major.

Anisa Chaudhry, 19, psychology major, believes in open-minded ideas and questions towards Muslim practices. This event “allows people to approach us. That this is what being Muslim is like,” Chaudhry said.

De Anza College remains a safe space where Muslims and all other people of faith and beliefs can feel comfortable in expressing themselves, who they are and what they stand for.

Photos by Matthew Fernandez