World Hijab Day

World Hijab Day

World Hijab Day
Time	February 1st
Geographical Extent	Countries of the world

World Hijab Day was registered as the first annual World Hijab Day on 1 February 2013. This day was established to honor millions of Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab and lead a dignified life. This movement was initiated by Nazma Khan, a Bangladeshi-American Muslim woman residing in New York. She proposed this idea to promote freedom of religious expression. Nazma Khan invited women from all over the world to experience the hijab for one day, specifically on February 1st each year.

According to the official website of this movement, women from over 150 countries participate in this event every year. On this day, through social media, women of all religions and beliefs are invited to join this campaign and appear in society wearing the hijab for one day. They then share their experiences from this event.

This movement has been supported by many prominent global figures, including scientists, politicians, and artists, and has been covered by reputable media outlets such as Time, CNN, and Al Jazeera. Also, some countries have officially recognized this day; for example, in 2017, the State of New York and the British House of Commons endorsed it. The "World Hijab Day" organization was established in 2018 with the aim of dispelling misconceptions and discrimination against Muslim women. Furthermore, the Scottish Parliament held a three-day exhibition to commemorate this day, and the Philippines designated February 1st as National Hijab Day. On February 1, 2022, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, commemorated the 10th anniversary of this day and reinforced its mission. In 2025, some US states also officially recognized World Hijab Day.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has also joined this campaign by holding conferences and promotional activities, playing an active role in promoting it. Female seminary students have also engaged in introducing and expanding this movement in cyberspace, inviting Muslim countries to participate in this global event. Additionally, in Iran, on the occasion of the Goharshad Mosque Uprising (the protest of the people of Mashhad against the Uniform Dress Law during the time of Reza Khan Pahlavi) on July 13, 1935, this day has been named National Day of Hijab and Chastity.

Nazma Khan, who immigrated to New York from Bangladesh at the age of 11, faced significant discrimination due to wearing the hijab, especially after the events of September 11. to increase awareness, create empathy among women, and promote the culture of hijab, she proposed an idea for non-Muslim women to also experience life with the hijab for one day.