Embracing the hijab way of life with a watch towards style
On Thursday, June 2, members of UC Irvine’s Muslim Scholar Union gathered at Delta Motels by Marriott in Backyard Grove for the membership’s banquet.
Banquets are an event to decorate up, and for scholar and mannequin Rahan Alemi, they’re additionally a time to precise herself by way of style.
Regardless of the event nonetheless, Alemi has one accent she wears with each outfit: hijab.
“One large side of hijab is folks assume that we’re oppressed if we put on hijab,” stated Alemi, “however it’s truly fairly the alternative. Hijab provides me liberty, hijab provides me freedom … freedom from societal requirements and sweetness requirements.”
Hijab is a head protecting worn by some Islamic ladies, but it surely refers to greater than only a head scarf. Hijab is a life-style that has a dedication to residing modestly with love for God at its heart.
Alemi stated when she started modeling for Muslim-owned style manufacturers final 12 months, she started to embrace hijab.
“It was round 2021 that I began modeling for Muslim firms and modest clothes firms that additionally offered hijab and modest clothes and attire,” stated Alemi. “That’s what acquired me into practising hijab outdoors of house and outdoors of the mosque.”
Alemi stated as she elevated her information of her faith and utilized it to her life, she fell in love with the that means behind the apply and felt empowered sporting the Islamic head-covering.
“It actually made me really feel completely happy and cozy and proud to be sporting it,” Alemi stated.
In August 2021, Alemi dedicated to sporting hijab absolutely.
“I had been eager to put on hijab for a pair years, however I by no means had the braveness or energy to truly observe by way of with it, with the best way society is. I used to be actually fearful of how I is likely to be handled or the alternatives I could lose due to judgment and stereotypes,” stated Alemi.
Rahan Alemi started sporting a hijab full time in August 2021.
(Spencer Grant)
Alemi is the primary lady in her Afghan household to make such a dedication.
“I’m the primary lady in my household on each my mother and pop’s facet to be sporting hijab. At first it was a troublesome idea as a result of inside our tradition many individuals don’t put on hijab” stated Alemi. “It’s a stereotype that it’s an Arab tradition factor, however in actuality it’s an Islamic factor.”
Alemi, who has been energetic on social media since 2019, additionally eliminated all images and movies that confirmed her hair. Her household grew to become impressed together with her dedication.
“Finally, my household noticed my love and fervour for it, and now I’m so completely happy to have my mother and father and my siblings be so happy with me for taking that step not just for our household however for our neighborhood,” Alemi stated.
Alemi continues to be energetic on social media, posting herself in high-fashion outfits or modest swimwear, however at all times with hijab. This 12 months throughout the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Alemi teamed up with Human Concern Worldwide to lift cash for orphans and kids in want in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Syria and extra.
“Human Concern Worldwide is a nonprofit group that reached out to large influencers who could make an affect and lift cash with a purpose to assist,” stated Alemi.
Alemi’s marketing campaign raised $1,245.
Rahan Alemi poses for a selfie as her sister Ombahran watches.
(Spencer Grant)
She stated her platform has additionally allowed her to make connections with different Muslim ladies locally.
“Being a job mannequin for different lady on-line, I’ve had many individuals attain out to me saying how a lot I helped them of their journey, by seeing my journey. I’ve been on social media for years now, and for my IG followers and my new followers, to see a younger lady in Southern California surrounded my non-Muslims having the ability to try this for myself could be very inspiring for them.”
Her illustration of hijabi lady isn’t simply on-line however at style occasions in actual life.
“At OC Trend Week, I used to be invited as a mannequin and influencer and was the one hijabi lady there,” stated Alemi. “It was a shock to many individuals as properly as a result of they weren’t anticipating to see that, or they weren’t anticipating to see [a] Muslim lady within the style trade.”
Rahan Alemi poses for a selfie as seen on her cellphone display screen.
(Spencer Grant)
Alemi stated attending occasions like OC Trend Week give her an opportunity to exhibit that girls who put on hijab will not be essentially oppressed.
“They will see that I’m not what folks might stereotype Muslim lady to be,” stated Alemi. “A lot of my mates and my friends have advised me they’re so completely happy to have a consultant like me to indicate that Muslim lady aren’t oppressed and they’re allowed to be inventive and be inventive and specific what they like to do.”
Alemi graduated from Irvine Valley School this 12 months and will probably be attending UCI within the fall, the place she plans to be energetic within the Muslim Scholar Union and pursue a level in regulation, all whereas sporting hijab.
“My hijab is my crown,” stated Alemi. “I’m actually happy with it.”
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