So far, the 2008 Olympics has been all Michael Phelps, Dara Torres, Chinese divers, Liu Xiang bowing out (gasp!), gymnastics, Usain Bolt, Redeem Team, U.S. men's water polo, Kerry Walsh and Misty May-Trainer (this list is getting so long!) and Jamaican sprinters. Very inspirational stuff.
But for me, the excitement kicks into overdrive Tuesday night when Bahrain's Ruqaya Al Ghasara takes the track at the Bird's Nest stadium in the 200 m sprint--in her specially designed, flaming red hijood. What's that?
A sports hijab, natch.
The Beijing Games has featured an unprecedented number of Muslim athletes performing in hijab (or headscarf) and within the technical parameters of Islamic modest dressing. Track & field, taekwondo, fencing, rowing, archery--all these sports feature strong Muslim women athletes fully covered up and in various types of hijab as they contend for medals. The athletes hail from Afghanistan, Egypt, Iran, Bahrain, Yemen, the Gulf Nations of the United Arab Emerites, and Oman.
Al Ghasara, the flag bearer for Bahrain, is the golden girl of the hijabis (an affectionate term Muslims give to women who wear the hijab), as she was first to strike gold on the international circuit, winning at the 2006 West Asian games in Doha, Qatar.
Al Ghasara believes her specially-designed hijood and clothes is the perfect combination of modesty and high performance, saying "I hope that my wearing the hijood sports top will inspire other women to see that modesty or religious beliefs don't have to be a barrier to participating in competitive sports."
As a fellow hijabi, I am excited by what she and the other headscarf-wearing athletes are doing in Bejing. And though I know the verdict is out on whether what they do (competing in fitted, but fully-covered up clothing) truly adheres to the strict definition of Islamic modest dressing, it's just so cool to see them out there, competing with their hijabs.
Want to learn more about the hijab and what modest Muslim dressing is about? Check out this gallery on the hijab. Also, readour FAQ about the hijab.
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Sallam Sis,
Al-Gassra sure has made us hijabis proud for sure. There are quite a few of us blogging about it as well. She made it to the semifinals which was neat. I wrote updates on her races as well as other hijabi Olympians. Good for those ladies right :)
www.opinionateit.blogspot.com
Peace~Sallam,
erica aisha
Supannallah, indeed Allah is merciful and all encompassing of the believing men and women. Sister, may Allah bless you as you wear your hijab with pride and dignity, not afraid to be recognised as a Muslim. Jazakalah kairun as you are undoubtedly a role model for your Muslim sisters, especially the young.
Ma Allah bestow His bountless blessings upon you. Ameen
Walia from Bermuda
IN the name of GOD, i am from IRAN (MD)and are very happy for muslim sisters that participate in olympics with HIJAB .I am sure GOD LIKE YOU AND others that hed HIJAB.CONGRATULATION
asalaam alaikum Sister
This was a great post and one that encourages women also to participate in these activities.
Unfortunately there is much work needed in this arena, remember one thing and this is my opinion. As you also mentioned, that the verdict was out already - yes that is true that on one hand we are trying to show that Alhamdulillah we are trying to adhere to the commands of Allah,swt, but on the other hand we will show all the curves of our physique. I think the second part of the hijab is the loose fitting clothes so the physical features of the womans body are not exposed, I think you will agree with me on this. And if we are covering our head per the shariah and not doing the other part, is it hypocrisy ?
Sorry but I do not want to discourage but as I said in the beginning there are a lot of challenges in this arena and one needs to consult and read up that while we are trying to please Allah, swt, we not committing a grave sin while doing it.
Allah swt knows best.
all praise is do to Almighty Allah (swa) to see our beloved sisters in hijab at the Beijng Olympies. They were like shining stars.
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