Opinion: Hijab and Sports

As the London Olympics 2012 kicked off a couple of days ago, many were anticipating the opening ceremony, the different sporting events and watching their favorite athletes in action.

But there is one incident that has sparked a lot of discussion, the 16-year-old Saudi female Judo fighter, Wojdan Shaherkani, who has been asked to remove her hijab to meet "the principles and spirit of Judo."

That comment was shocking, and what was further shocking is the recent tweets by some who said that the Saudi females who were competing in the Olympics are "whores," adding fuel to the fire. 

Ruqaya Al Ghasara

I am not one to discuss politics or religion, but in this instance, I would like to focus on the heart of the problem and solutions. 

Only in the past few years, there have been Muslim female athletes who come out publicly to compete and participate while wearing the Hijab. In 2004, sprinter Ruqaya Al Ghasara was the first Muslim woman to compete in the Olympics wearing a hijab. Also, last year, Kulsoom Abdullah (who has become a very good friend of mine), won a battle to wear a hijab while competing in a weightlifting meet. Also recently, FIFA has lifted a five-year-old ban on hijab for soccer players.

Kulsoom Abdullah

There is a perception that wearing of the hijab while doing sports to be deemed as "dangerous and unsafe" as proposed by the media and decision makers. Yet, not once I read a report about a Muslim female athlete being injured from practicing any sport while wearing the Hijab. So where does this idea come from that it is dangerous? I would say ignorance.

The topic of wearing the Islamic headscarf is important, but I would say the media is making it a bigger deal than it should be or is. If a problem has been identified, then half of the problem is solved. But in this instance, it seems to growing to become a bigger issue. As a Muslim athlete who wears the hijab in training and competition while in mixed environment, I think it is important for me to highlight the issue and my experience.

The only reason why I have come out publicly about participating in sports is because I was inspired by Kulsoom's story. Her story gave me hope that it is possible to hold on to your religion, beliefs, and still practice a sport you love. 

Not once while I was training, thus far, where my safety was at risk because of the hijab. If anything, I would say the sport - whatever it may be - is more likely to put your safety at risk than a headscarf.

One thing that needs to be addressed is the lack of availability and accessibility of sports hijab. Given the phenomena is only recent, it is not a surprise that there aren't many designs or access to such a product. Although, surprisingly, it is more readily available in the US and Canada, and not so much in the The Arab world, Middle East, or GCC. I wonder why? Well, the tweets that the Saudi Muslim female athletes are "whores" is one explanation. A real Muslim, wouldn't even say that about a sister in Islam.

In this part of the world, there are some people who still believe that women place belongs only at home, unfortunately, and view sports as a "man-only" activity, neglecting the benefits of being active and sport - forget male or female - but on human beings.

But that's slowly changing. There are men, sometimes more than women, who are supportive of female athletes in the region, show support, and even work toward educating and empowering women.

One thing that people are failing to see in this situation regarding the battle between hijab and sport is a solution. For instance, in the case of Saudi Judo fighter, did you know that there is a hijab specifically designed for Muslim Judo fighters? It's called ResportOn. The head cover is more of a tight hoodie , so any form of movements won't allow the head cover to fall. 

Wearing a headscarf while practicing sports does not take or add to an athlete performance. So saying that the Saudi female judo fighter should take her hijab off to meet the principles of the sport is, excuse me, nothing but utter bullshit.

In my opinion, there needs to be more Muslim covered female athletes to support the movement toward equal rights in participation in sports without any obstacles such as the wearing of the headscarf. There needs to be more accessible sports hijab worldwide to encourage more covered athletes to take part in sport, either for leisure or as a career. There is a need for more to be done by decision makers to allow Muslim female athletes a chance and a choice to compete in their hijab. There needs to be more successful stories like the sprinter, the weightlifter, and the soccer players situation. We need to show the world, that we can still hold on to our religion, modest clothing, whilst proving ourselves and our growing talent in sport. 

I have said this before, and I will say it again:

Sports is like our emotions. Sports doesn't see race, nationality, gender, religion, ethnicity, age, or color. It's you and how good you are as an athlete. 

That's all that matters.



*Get in touch on twitter and/or Facebook.