A Message to the Influencers

Quoted from a sister:

The Niqāb I cling to with my life, that I’ve been mocked, harassed, filmed, photographed, verbally abused, alienated, and backbit because of, is not an aesthetic for your social media, nor is it your little mask for anonymity.

It’s not for you to wear with flower crowns on your head and twirl around in. It’s not for you to use to sexualize and bring attention your eyes with. It’s not for you to attract an audience with. It’s not a part time replacement for a COVID mask. It’s not an exotic outfit accessory.

It’s an act of worship. It’s an identity to be recognized as a free, Muslim woman. It’s an emulation of my beloved mothers, the wives of my beloved Messenger ﷺ. It’s a protection from the gazes of the wolves of mankind. It is my heart and soul. My armor. My protection. My identity.

My heart writhes in pain at seeing how it has been misused to the point that its no longer serves any connection towards piety and concealment. My tongue doesn’t have the words to express my grief and anger.

For some sisters around the world, Niqāb is a matter of Deen and of life and death, and death is preferable to them than being exposed. And for others, Niqāb is a cute social media prop and an exotic way to stay anonymous online.

الله المستعان
— Shared