The first time I learned that hijab can be fashionable and creative was when I attended the Eid al-Fitr prayer in Madison last year. I was fascinated with all the creativity, exuberance and beauty showcased at this one event.
But why doesnt the media cover this in pictures? I asked my husband. Why is it that all we ever hear and see about Muslims in the U.S. deals with those crazy extremists who want to kill everyone?
Only a very small fraction of radicalized Muslim Americans participate in terrorist attacks, according to researchers at Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The rest of us want to grow, learn, participate, prosper and build better lives for our children and ourselves.
Being surrounded by so much festivity and beauty during the Eid al-Fitr in 2012, I got inspired to create the Fashionable Muslim Women of Eid al-Fitr project this year.
Through this product, we want to show our American friends that the Muslim community is an open, proud and beautiful community. During the Eid celebration my team, which includes many talented writers, artists and university students, will take photos of those who wish to participate. We will then post those photos, along with stories related to Muslim fashion, on fashionmuslima.com (right here).
Do you want to be a part of something revolutionary?
By participating in the Fashionable Muslim Women of Eid al-Fitr project, you can help show our Western audiences that the Muslim community is in fact a considerate, fashionable and open society.
Please check us on www.fashionmuslima.com
We are planning to post photos and publish stories by September 24th, Inshaallah.
Thanks for being patient.