In celebration of World Hijab Day today, we’ve rounded up none other than icon Halima Aden’s best quotes. The American-Somali model has slayed fashion looks and beauty looks for years now, but let’s not forget giving her recognition for using her *voice*. Similar to many ladies who have overcome social and religious barriers when wearing a hijab, Halima Aden isn’t letting ~anyone~ take away her beliefs.
Halima Aden first made headlines when she was the first model to wear a burkini on the cover of Sports Illustrated, but making headlines definitely wasn’t something new for the 22-year-old. She’s always been an inspiration for young Muslim girls, defying stereotypical norms, and has slowly but surely become a household name.
After quitting the fashion industry for a bit, Halima Aden’s comeback is nothing short of *major*, “it feels amazing to be back in fashion. I love fashion. I just didn’t love mainstream fashion and the tokenistic way that they’ve treated me. But there are ways to do both, there are ways to still be part of the fashion world while still remaining true to who you are,” Halima Aden said.
With that being said, here are 8 of Halima Aden’s best quotes to live by…
“I want my sister, my little nieces, even my nephews to see representations of somebody who wears a hijab in modern ways, in such a way that they can relate to.”
“What the world needs to realize is that you don’t have to wear a hijab to be modest. I have friends who aren’t Muslim, who are very modest, and who don’t wear the hijab. It’s not a one-size-fits-all term.”
“Don’t change yourself, change the game… I want the girls to know, Halima took one for the team… I really hope if I did anything the last four years, it’s to give models the opportunity to know that they can speak up.”
“Muslim, hijab-wearing models are no different to the other models on the runway or on set, they’re really no different besides an article of clothing. “
“I always try to challenge myself and the women in my life. If you don’t see yourself represented in any space, pull up a chair and then invite your friends, invite your sisters, invite other women.”
“I’m not a cover girl, I’m Halima from Kakuma. I want to be the reason why girls have confidence within themselves, not the reason for their insecurity.”
–NPR
“My mum never viewed me as a model or cover girl. She viewed me as a beacon of hope for young girls and would always remind me to be a good role model for them.”
–BBC
“I was scared to participate in the pageant because it’s not something Muslim girls do. But I waited and waited for someone to represent [girls like] me, and I came to the resolution that if I can’t do it for myself, then I can’t expect other people to do it for me.”
Via Cosmopolitan US