International Purple Hijab Day

International Purple Hijab Day (sometimes known as Global Hijab Day or International Purple Hijab and Kufi Day) is an international day of remembrance for those who have experienced domestic violence. It is observed on the second Saturday each February. It is most often celebrated by Muslims, with women donning a purple hijab, but anyone may participate by wearing a purple item of clothing on the day such as a scarf, tie or kufi.[1]

International Purple Hijab Day
A purple hijab
Observed byMuslims against domestic violence
TypeIslam
DateSecond Saturday in February
2019 dateFebruary 9  (2019-02-09)
2020 dateFebruary 8  (2020-02-08)
2021 dateFebruary 13  (2021-02-13)
2022 dateFebruary 12  (2022-02-12)
Frequencyannual
Related toGlobal Pink Hijab Day

Background

Many people believe that violence against women is allowed by Islam.[2] The Baitul Salaam Network, a group that works with women who have faced domestic violence states that "one of the most ugly stereotypes is that Islam gives men the right to beat their wives."[3] The Voice of Libyan Women, an organization that started Purple Hijab Day for the first time in Libya, state that this is a terrible misinterpretation and a deliberate misuse of religion.[4][5] Instead, they say that Islam teaches "Muslims not to harm others."[6] Sanaa Tariq, who organized an event in Edmonton, says that "Muslim women should not be regarded as oppressed" and that domestic violence is something that all groups of people care about.[7]

History

When Aasiya Zubair, a Muslim American co-founder of Bridges TV, was murdered by her husband, it came out that she had faced years of domestic violence from her husband.[8] Her murder "led to dramatic changes in the way Muslim communities address domestic violence," said Aasiya Hadayai Majeed, who works the Baitul Salaam Network.[9] Within days of Zubair's death, a grassroots effort began to speak out against domestic violence in the Muslim community.[10] Zubair was murdered on February 12, 2009, and so Purple Hijab Day takes place each year near the date she died to remember her and the domestic violence she suffered.[2][8]

The first Purple Hijab Day was celebrated on February 13, 2010.[11] The color purple was chosen because the color purple "is associated with mourning."[11] People who promote Purple Hijab Day stress that the day is about symbolism, but that "acting in unity will send a strong message for progress in our communities."[12] The first year's events included workshops in Rhode Island, prayer vigils in Atlanta and a moment of silence.[13]

Events

Libya has celebrated by distributing a survey which could be taken anonymously and asked women about domestic violence.[14] The results of the survey were taken to the Libyan prime minister.[14]

Some groups, like the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland, chose to celebrate on a different day, Wednesday, and presented information and refreshments.[15]

In 2015, Purple Hijab Day used the hashtags, #EndViolenceAgainstWomen, #PurpleHijabDay and #MuslimLivesMatter to spread awareness of the day.[16]

References
  1. Majeed, Hadayai (12 February 2013). "The Origin of the International Purple Hijab Day". Project Sakinah. Archived from the original on 16 April 2017. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  2. Musaji, Sheila (13 November 2012). "Honor Killing: Deaths Should Be an Interfaith Call To Action". The American Muslim. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  3. "International Purple Hijab and Kufi Day 2014 Baitul Salaam Network, Inc. Standing in Global Soldarity!". Baitul Salaam Network International. 23 December 2013. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  4. Murabit, Alaa (14 March 2013). "In Libya, Islam - and a Purple Hijab - Help Spurn Domestic Violence Against Women". The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  5. "International Purple Hijab Day - Muslim Women in Libya Help Spurn Domestic Violence". Global Women's Empowerment Network. 18 March 2013. Archived from the original on 13 December 2016. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  6. "International Purple Hijab Day Against Domestic Violence". Saudi Gazette. 13 February 2014. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  7. "Purple Hijab Day in US and UK". Edmonton Journal. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  8. "Women Across World Denounce Domestic Violence on 'Purple Hijab Day'". Ummid. 13 February 2014. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  9. Tan, Sandra (13 February 2010). "Zubair Hassan is Remembered". The Buffalo News. Retrieved 23 August 2015 – via Newspaper Source - EBSCOhost.
  10. Ali, Wajahat (12 February 2010). "Remembering Aasiya Zubair". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  11. Majeed, Hadayai (January 2010). "The Official Press Release for Purple Hijab Day". Muslimas Oasis. Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  12. "Global Wear Purple Hijab Day". Healthy Families Initiative. 5 January 2010. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  13. "Devoted Muslim Activist Join International Purple Hijab Day Event". MANA. 13 February 2010. Archived from the original on 14 February 2015. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  14. "International Purple Hijab Day". The Voice of Libyan Women. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  15. "International Purple Hijab Day at the ICCI". Islam Ireland. 2013. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  16. Sisisahah (13 February 2015). "#EndViolenceAgainstWomen - International Purple Hijab Day". Mindworks Publishing. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
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