Muslim women wear hijabs because “women are so beautiful that we [men] should focus on their soul, rather than their appearance,” according to a source who does not want to be named due to undisclosed reasons.  Hence, the significance of the hijab to Muslim women is much more than just a fashion statement.

On March 4, The Muslim Student Association hosted the third annual Hijab Challenge on the red brick road at California State University, Bakersfield.  The women of CSUB were encouraged to wear hijabs for a day to see the world through a Muslim woman’s eyes.  Women wearing blue hijabs flooded and united the CSUB campus that day.

Of course, men were also welcome to participate in the hijab challenge, but in a different way.  Men were given white roses after pledging their respect to the women in hijabs. CSUB liberal studies student, Shad Biscoe, says, “I think it’s great to express your individuality.  We are all different, but when different comes together—that’s a fantastic thing!”

But of course, I wanted to participate in a different way—so I tried on the hijab, as well.  I was one of three men who tried on the hijab and kept it on for the whole day.  Coming into class with it on captured the attention of many of my classmates and professors.  Many of my friends did not recognize me at first sight with the hijab on my head.  However, I gained a higher level of respect for Muslim women after wearing the hijab for only a few hours.

Wala Khalid, a member of the CSUB Muslim Student Association, said, “people are often intimidated to approach us because I feel like they’re afraid of saying something that might offend us.”  But just like you and me, the Muslim women at our school are just like us.  They wake up every morning, drive to school, go to class, eat lunch, go home, do homework, and sleep—JUST LIKE US.