Sabrine Hamdan is a sophomore at RHS. She is an advocate for Muslim women and Gaza. She has been wearing a hijab with pride for almost 3 years.
“My hijab is a reminder of my values and faith, it allows me to carry my faith with pride,” Hamdan shared.
The hijab is worn by many Muslim women as part of their religious practice in Islam. While media portrayals sometimes frame it as restrictive, many women like Sabrine emphasize that the decision to wear it is deeply personal. “Hijab is a personal choice and a sign of my identity, it’s not a sign of oppression. Muslim women have the right to make their own choice,” Hamdan said.
For her, wearing the hijab was not a sudden decision. “I have always known I wanted to wear it,” Hamdan said. “I started wearing it in the summer of 8th grade on my birthday. I went to get ready for my birthday dinner, and when I looked at my mom’s hijab closet, I felt ready to wear it.”
Adjusting to something new can take time, but she says confidence grows with experience.
“Over time I have felt more comfortable wearing it,” Hamdan said.
By sharing her experience, she hopes others will better understand that for many Muslim women, the hijab represents faith, empowerment, and the freedom to define their own identity.
“Wearing the hijab has empowered me in ways I never expected. It shows my values, faith, and it reminds me that I get to make my own choices about my identity. I hope others can see it for what it truly is: an act of strength,” Hamdan said
