READ NOW: How Nigerian Hijabis Are Reacting To Trolls

In case you are wondering who Nigerian Hijabis are, they are Muslim women from Nigeria who cover up using the Hijab. This faith-based decision has consistently drawn unprovoked criticism as much as it has drawn applause.

In the debut issue of this column, we relay a few of the thinly-veiled jibes and unsavoury remarks that Hijabis in Nigeria say they have had to endure. 13 Nigerian Hijabis recount their experience and how they reacted to these awkward moments.

Insensitive Comments on Nigerian Hijabis. Not pleasant today. Neither will it be tomorrow.

Why do you like to dress like a masquerade?

Pooja, Ibadan.

This question was from a member of my extended family who we do not share the same faith. As rude as it sounds, I brushed it off and did not let it get to me.

Your Hijab covers your beauty.

Misty, Lagos.

I simply told him that I am beautiful with my Hijab on and it doesn’t cover my beauty. Rather, it brings out my shine. I don’t have to dress immorally to be seen as beautiful.

You have a really striking face. You look beautiful despite your Hijab.

Mobola, Lagos.

Would pass for a viral quote tweet on the “Tell me something that looks like a compliment but isn’t” Twitter thread. It is even more disheartening that this came from one of the female interviewers at an interview I attended. 

I stared blankly at her and when she tried to make me say “thank you” by explaining that she had just complimented me, I told her that I didn’t think it was a compliment because she said “…despite your hijab.”

You’ve covered your ears and beauty with this thing you’re wearing.

Omolade, Lagos.

I just ignored the comment.

How will you get a husband if you are always this covered?

Nafisa, Kaduna.

You’d think that would be the worst of it all. Once, someone told me that I dressed like a member of the terrorist sect Boko Haram. But seriously, I no send anybody. It’s annoying, but what can I do? I have learnt, though, that no matter what you do, people will talk. So, I move on with my life regardless.

Why wear that? You don’t look sexy.

Mufeedat, Lagos.

I looked away and just kept it moving.

This ‘eku’ (masquerade garb) that you have on, don’t you feel uncomfortable? God didn’t make worshipping Him this hard, why make it so?

Balogun Aishat.

I reserved my comment since he didn’t cross his boundary to directly insult me… LOL.

Don’t you feel the heat?

Azeezat, Lagos; Sulaiman Rasheedah, Kwara and Anon.

“I smiled and explained that when it’s hot, I feel it. And when it’s cold, I feel cold too. There is no such thing as ‘you’re used to it'”, says Anon. For Azeezat, she says she often replies to the same question with a polite ‘No’ while Rasheedah says she once asked if her questioner was comfortable in the clothes he was putting on in spite of the heat. When he said yes, she replied “Case closed then!”

As beautiful as you are, why would you wear this? … and oh, I didn’t know you could speak the English language this fluently!

Maidservant, Oyo.

I tried to explain what the Hijab means, what it means to me and how it is not a measure of grammatical ability.

Your brain is covered with the Hijab.

Tess, Lagos.

I felt really bad.

Step out once in a while without your Hijab. It doesn’t change a thing.

Jay, Lagos.

I tell them that the day they see me in public without my Hijab, they should tie me up and send me to a psychiatrist.

Are you an Hijabi and have you been on the receiving end of any insensitive remarks? How did you react? Let us know in the comments section.