Muslim women feel alienated in exclusionary athletics

AISHAH WAHEDI

Staff Writer

Muslim women find it difficult to engage in athletics due to the dress code they follow, which causes unwanted attention from spectators. 

The hijab is the most popular veil worn. Generally, the hijab consists of one scarf covering the head and neck. The hijab also refers to the coverage of the entire body except the face, hands and feet. Hijab is a fundamental aspect of a Muslim woman’s identity, and, due to this, women’s involvement in athletics is often determined by religious, cultural and ethnic factors.

A simple Google search of “Hijab and sports” leads to an endless stream of stories that cover the prevention of Muslim women participating in sports due to the dress code they adhere to. 

“I have heard many stories of Muslim women that couldn’t join a sport because of the head covering (hijab) or just adding a layer to cover up,” said senior biomedical major Aziza Alikhail. “Stories like those prevent me from joining.”

Bosnian American professional basketball player Indira Kaljo heard about Asma Elbadawi, an athlete who was forced to give up basketball after she wore the hijab. They both decided to address the issue to the International Federation of Basketball (FIBA), which is the governing body that can change the rules on the head covering. 

Elbadawi was the leading voice to fight and get FIBA to completely remove the ban on the hijab. It took her four long years to finally get it approved, advocating for the campaign through the hashtag #FIBAAllowHijabCampaign. 

“That moment when I realized we won the campaign, I was so excited about the girls who would now get the opportunity to play,” said Elbadawi in an interview. “Sometimes I think about it and I can’t believe it happened because in my mind I am a little person, one voice, but we all built our voices together and became so loud that we changed history.”  

During my junior year of high school, I tried out for the school’s soccer team. The coach said that I was good, but the leggings under my shorts and the long sleeve shirt under my jersey wouldn’t cut it. In her words, “It would cause too much attention on you and not the other players.” I ended up joining softball because their dress code covers your arms and legs, so no adjustments on my part or theirs were needed. 

This unnecessary requirement regarding athletic dress codes pertains to other sports, not just soccer. In these cases, coaches being insensitive to norms outside of their own culture leads to athletes feeling excluded and alienated. 

“I was totally humiliated … when the coach asked me to change into my shorts instead of my sweatpants,” said sophomore chemistry major Husna Shinwari about her experience at NOVA Community College. “It was my first day on the track team, and I regretted listening to my friends and family to join the sport. I knew I was good at running, but the coach clearly knew I was Muslim, and that discouraged me from joining any sport moving forward.”

Due to past experiences, many Muslim women who wear the hijab feel that they will face similar alienation at UMW, especially due to the university’s lack of diversity. 

Some might say that wearing the hijab while participating in sports is a safety issue, but there are fabrics that are made for every type of sport. A hijab does not choke or prevent someone from breathing, and there are fabrics that prevent overheating. For example, Nike has done a good job coming up with a hijab design that is meant for athletics. It is made of a stretchy fabric that almost feels like you’re not wearing anything, and it is very comfortable. 

The misconception that hijabs are dangerous for the women who wear them during athletic activity may cause spectators to pay them unwanted attention. Additionally, the fact that UMW is not a diverse institution brings this attention to the small population of hijabi students. 

“I feel stares all the time at UMW because of my hijab, but now I am just used to it,” said Shinwari. “I cannot imagine joining the track team when I see no one wearing something covered and I will be the odd one out.”

Some of my classmates have asked me, “Isn’t it hot to wear a sweatshirt at this time of the year?” Hearing repetitive comments like this can deter you from even considering joining a sport because of the alienation you feel in the classroom, which would be even greater during athletic competitions when you’re the center of attention.

“Me and my friends can be standing in the hallway and talking, but the stares we get are crazy, all because we are all wearing a hijab,” said Alikhail. “It shouldn’t be surprising seeing a Muslim woman, but it is because UMW is not a diverse school and students don’t usually see Muslim women with a hijab.”

Due to religious misinterpretations or simply a lack of awareness, Muslim women have been prevented from engaging in sports. Athletic departments need to consider how to design their services to appeal the sport to Muslim women to increase participation.

Wearing an extra piece of clothing shouldn’t be an issue, especially since there are now garments made from many types of fabrics to prevent overheating or cause health issues. Muslim women should have a place in sports, and their clothing should be the last thing to worry about when playing a sport. 

UMW should promote and bring awareness to incorporating different faiths and beliefs into all areas of campus life, and encouraging Muslim women who adhere to the hijabi dress code is just one small example.