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Hijab And Professional Muslim Women Athletes

two young muslim women is stretching her body before they jogging in the morning.
From Goltune’s photo library

Summary: Many Muslim women choose to compete in sports while still following their faith and wearing a hijab

The Washington Post recently wrote a profile on two muslim women who find cycling so empowering that they continue to compete even while being covered with a hijab. Read a brief excerpt of the story below:

“On a perfectly breathable Friday near sunset in the spring, you might have spotted what residents say you never would have spotted 10 years ago: women, here and there, on the pathways that twist near a sports park, walking briskly or jogging, in their abayas.

“Look more carefully, and you would have noticed another novel sight of the 2010s: six cyclists on their bikes, zipping back and forth, coed — four men in helmets, two women in helmets and hijabs.

“These two sisters have happened upon a passion for triathlon in their 20s, and the sport has driven them around the world and even to the wilds of eBay. That’s where Najla Al Jeraiwi, determined that being covered would not impede being competitive, bought 15 body suits some time ago, fearing their obsolescence because swimming’s governing body had banned them from world competition. She gave three to her sister Nada. She gave four to friends.

‘I have the rest, but with time it’s getting worn down,’ she said. ‘So now we’re struggling.’”

 

Read the full story at The Washington Post …