Islamophobia Is Real: Muslim Women Share Their Stories of Strength, Faith, and Resistance
We are deeply saddened by the rising tide of Islamophobia — but even more moved by the courage, faith, and dignity of Muslim women who continue to live their truth.
Across the United States, Canada, and Europe, Islamophobia is once again in the headlines. Media outlets like Vogue Business, Refinery29, and The Cut have begun to spotlight the quiet yet fierce struggles of Muslim women — especially those who choose to wear hijab or niqab — and the layers of bias they face not only in fashion, but in everyday life.
But for Muslim women, this conversation is not new. It’s not just a headline. It’s a lived experience.
📣 These are their stories.
💬 From aayeshazz
I was bullied by my own family when I first began wearing the hijab, and later even more when I chose the niqab. They mocked me in malls, restaurants, and parks, telling me I looked funny.
But the truth is wearing the niqab had been my dream for years. And when I finally wore it, I had never felt so beautiful, so at peace within myself.
I spent countless nights in sujood, crying, breaking apart mentally as my family pressured me to remove it. Their words pushed me into depression, but still, I refused to give up. I fought for myself, at least to be allowed to wear it at university and Alhamdulillah, I won that battle. It was painful, but it was worth every tear and every struggle.
Now, I continue to wear it with pride, and soon I will win the right to wear it every single day. Because when it comes to my religion I can displease anyone in this world who wants me to go against it, but I can not displease Allah.
The peace, beauty, and closeness to Him that I feel in my niqab is absolutely priceless. Every time I wear it, I fall in love with it and myself all over again.
So no matter what people say even if it’s my own family — Allah sees, Allah knows, and His pleasure is enough for me.
💬 From bugeotte
You don’t need to be dressed modestly to be targeted.
It is enough to look differently, speaking with the accent, refusing alcohol and asking for something to eat that does not contain pork — and all these factors together or separately trigger an action toward you.
Sometimes you don’t need to do anything — it is enough to sit calmly and observe and listen to all the hate, that almost makes you feel like you want to vomit as this is too much to handle…
💬 From Yazmin
The minute I put on the hijab, I’m no longer Mexican. That’s been my reality since I chose to start wearing hijab in 2024.
Others stare at me confused when I start to speak Spanish perfectly. I’ve been laughed at and overheard mean comments coming from my own people.
It’s like I put on the hijab and the Latina part of me no longer exists.
But why can’t both be true? Why can’t I just be me? My truth is that I am Latina and proud of it. I am also a Muslim revert and proud of that too.
Just let me be me!
💬 From ysn
I have been judged for dressing modestly, and sometimes it’s from those who are closest to me.
But my faith reminds me that modesty is not just about clothing; it’s an act of obedience to Allah (SWT) and a reflection of my inner humility and respect for His commandments.
In reclaiming my narrative, I remind myself that I am following the guidance in the Qur’an and Sunnah, not the fleeting judgments of others.
This is about honoring the dignity Allah has given us, and no judgment can take away that inner peace and strength.
💬 From Aisha
Happens quite often especially in the West.
I’ve never gotten hatred outside of school or work, but the moment I’ve worn the hijab both men and women — especially the elderly — hate us.
I’ve gotten called a “rag queen,” kicked out of public areas and staring is always consistent.
I’ve stopped caring though.
It’s the reality for many Muslims in the West which we sadly can’t avoid.
May all of us be blessed and protected by اللَّهْٰ for our efforts and hardships.
💬 From Maryam
When I started wearing my hijab and dressing more modestly, the shift started slowly with little remarks from strangers, friends and even from my family.
It wasn’t to be mean or anything, some people genuinely don’t understand the concept of modesty in Islam and how it is/ should be portrayed as a woman/man.
It starts small as I said like:
- “Why don’t you kiss your non-mehram like uncle and male cousin?”
- “Why do you refuse to touch them? It’s not like they’re made of poison.”
- “Why do you hide such beautiful features of yourself?”
- “Why don’t you make yourself more attractive by wearing more ‘revealing clothes’?”
- “Why do shut so many doors for yourself by being so attached to keeping your hijab?”
You could take it off for such and such, for work, in such place?
As I said it starts with small remarks that implant so much waswas, because sometimes you don’t have the answers that they want just like in the media.
Today, “Because I am Muslim and that’s how I chose to follow Allah’s rule and the path of Muhammad ﷺ and the companions” is not a valid answer.
Mostly because it was “another time” and that I have to “adapt to the modern world.”
A Western view that is really hard to detach from when you were born in it.
But alhamdulillah today I work on detaching myself from that.
And if my justification isn’t enough for people around me, it should be their problem and not mine.
I try every day to become a better Muslima and follow the right path — not from the media or anyone else that contradicts Islam.
📌 You’re Not Alone. We Hear You.
We created this post as a space to listen, amplify, and stand together.
If you’ve experienced Islamophobia, especially while dressing modestly or practicing your faith, we invite you to share your story with us — whether it’s in public or in your own home. You are not invisible. You are not alone. And your voice matters.
📝 Submit your story: jamila@mariam-col.com
📌 We will continue updating this post with new voices.
