What It is Wish to Journey As a Muslim Girl in a Hijab

For Journey + Leisure’s column Touring As, we’re speaking to vacationers about what it’s wish to discover the world via their distinctive views. We chatted with Nazma Begum, who paperwork her adventures touring together with her husband and toddler on YouTube as HanaExplores, about what it’s wish to see the world whereas carrying a hijab. Right here’s her story… 

For the final 10 years, I’ve been a hijabi, carrying what folks name a shawl or hijab. I do it for non secular causes as I used to be born into Islamic religion as a Muslim. It has turn into a part of my each day routine. No person compelled me to do that—it’s one thing I understood getting into. Carrying a hijab is a giant dedication, so that you shouldn’t look down on somebody if they do not. A few of my members of the family do, some don’t. 

I made the choice through the month of Ramadan, once we don’t eat or drink from dawn to sundown. It’s a holy time that acts like a reset for Muslims all over the world. That yr, I believed, I cowl up for prayers, so why can’t I do it on a regular basis? I’m fairly comfy carrying a hijab now. There are various completely different kinds, even silk and different fancy supplies. I take pleasure in styling it as effectively.

Rising up, my mother and father didn’t have the mentality of touring a lot. I used to be born in Bangladesh, and my mother and father migrated to Singapore after I was about 6 years previous. We’d take highway journeys to Malaysia and go to our hometown in Bangladesh. Whether or not it was cultural or them being protecting, my household wasn’t open to having a lady journey by herself or together with her pals. However as quickly as I graduated from college, I received married and my husband and I began touring. 

Our first massive journey was to South Korea—we needed to expertise snow. Sadly, we didn’t see any, however I fell in love with touring. I additionally love out of doors actions, like mountain climbing and tenting.  You are going to get sweaty if you’re mountain climbing in a hijab, nevertheless it’s doable. When you attain the highest and the wind is blowing, it feels superb. 

I’ve a 2-year-old daughter now and I took her on her first flight to Singapore from Vancouver, the place my husband and I moved in 2019, when she was simply 7 weeks previous. We’ve got one-year maternity go away right here in Canada, so I used that to the fullest. She was surprisingly good on the flight and impressed me. I used to be breastfeeding and in some way simply knew easy methods to soothe her when she was crying.

When she was about 4 months previous, we went to Japan within the fall to see the colours. It was stunning. We visited Kyoto, Osaka, and the Japanese Alps. My daughter will not be going to recollect a factor, however I’ll keep in mind all of this.

One other of my favourite locations is Hawaii. I attempt to go yearly. I can’t swim, however I like to hang around by the seashore. I additionally like snorkeling, and in Hawaii, the fishes come proper as much as the seashore, so that you don’t should go deep. However I be certain that I am nonetheless coated whereas having fun with myself. I put on what’s known as a burkini—it is like leggings and a protracted go well with made from swimsuit materials, and it covers your hair. If I would like to vary and there isn’t any washroom, I’ve this pop-up tent the place I can go in and alter. My household and I are used to those challenges.

My husband and I try to pack in loads when touring. We go from dawn to sundown, and we’re adventurous. It’s modified a bit with my daughter, however I take pleasure in touring together with her. Final yr, we went to Oahu, and this yr, we went to the Huge Island, which is nice for teenagers, particularly toddlers. They like to play within the sand, then they get drained and it’s nap time, in order that they sleep within the automotive. After they get up, they’re at one other seashore. 

We’ve had so many adventures. Within the Italian Dolomites, my in-laws joined us and we rented a ship on a lake. The climate was so calm, however once we have been in the midst of the lake, it modified and received so rocky—we needed to be rescued. 

I believe my daughter really remembers these adventures. She says she remembers when Grandpa and Baba rowed the boat. She additionally remembers enjoying on the seashore within the sand. I do know numerous mother and father do not need to journey after they’ve youngsters. Belief me, altering a diaper in a unique location is healthier. You do not have to consider each day mundane duties like laundry, altering sheets, and cooking. Plus, there’s a greater view.

After we have been in a small Italian city, it felt like all people was taking a look at me. I don’t assume they have been being impolite; perhaps they simply hadn’t seen a vacationer with a hijab. I do entice numerous consideration. I do know it’s tough for some individuals who get stares and feedback like, “Return to the place you got here from.”  Fortunately, I haven’t actually been in any disagreeable conditions. 

I’ve had some points on the border going into the U.S. from Canada, which is usually a little disagreeable. Possibly it’s due to my Singaporean passport. It has been simpler in locations like Italy and Switzerland, the place they’ve so many vacationers from throughout and see numerous completely different folks with completely different clothes. However in smaller locations, like Jeju Island in South Korea, they stare as a result of they’re curious.  

There are nice experiences, too. One time, I used to be in Vietnam and due to the hijab, they instantly knew I used to be Muslim, and mentioned, “Salaam,” the Muslim greeting. Additionally, anytime I see any hijabis, we all the time smile at one another and provides that silent greeting. 

The opposite problem of journey is that it may be tough to search out halal meals. Pork will not be halal, and rooster, lamb, or beef should be slaughtered within the Islamic method. We additionally don’t eat any alcohol, so we have now to verify the substances. As an example, in Japan, generally the sushi rice has sake in it. We use an app to see if meals is halal.

We all the time attempt to do our analysis beforehand, however it may be tough with itineraries. For instance, you is likely to be touring south, however the halal place is within the north. You do not need to miss out on locations simply because you should eat. That mentioned, there are extra locations recognizing the truth that we, Muslim folks, have to eat halal meals. I may also all the time select vegetarian pasta or tofu bowls. There’s all the time a manner. Touring doesn’t have to cease.

The thought of seeing so many alternative locations makes me need to journey as a lot as I can. I need to present my daughter that touring is simple and versatile, should you work your manner across the challenges.

She’s already tailored a lot in two years. I am going tenting, boating, and snorkeling together with her. There are moments she’s scared, however I inform her, “I’m proper beside you. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

I’m not going to drive her to put on a hijab. Will probably be good if she wears it. I would like to point out her it is not going to cease you from doing something that is secure and good for you, like seeing the world.