Make it easy for niqabis
I think it is quite daft to expect sisters to do this challenge while wearing jilbab and full niqab. Not only is it impractical and a potential safety issue, but it also puts them at a serious disadvantage. Wouldn’t it be better to focus on making it a strict ladies-only event, so they can relax their dress instead?
Responses
We neither say women must or must not wear niqab. That’s a personal choice for each sister who participates. However, I would say that participating in niqab can represent a profound alignment of faith, empathy and action. Far from being a disadvantage, it deepens the challenge’s meaning.
Their participation can connect more authentically with refugee realities, which is the whole point of the challenge. Many displaced women themselves maintain modest dress during the most difficult journeys. A sister’s willing acceptance of that extra difficulty forges deeper connection to solidarity.
Many have successfully completed challenges in full jilbab. It’s not just doable but also deeply meaningful. Those that wear niqab sometimes find it a powerful symbol of remaining steadfast in the face of difficulty.
All participants are asked to wear full Muslim dress during the challenge to help connect them more authentically with the experience of Muslim refugee women.
Most such women have no choice but to traverse harsh terrain, whilst attempting to maintain dignity in difficult circumstances.
It’s not about practicality or ease, but standing in solidarity with refugee women who have no choice in the matter. This transforms the physical challenge into profound spiritual empathy.
I don’t think it’s for anyone other than the sister herself to decide whether they wear niqab or not. Some may choose not to, some will decide they want to. We should respect either choice.
The only thing I’d add to what’s already been said is encouraging sisters who want to wear niqab to choose the right fabric. Polyester blends like chiffon, nidha or rayon are your best option.
Nidha jilbabs tend to be lightweight, durable and easy to care for, so much more suitable than cotton in an environment like this. They’re also quick-drying which is exactly what you need.
Whatever you do, avoid heavy materials that retain water. Dark colours work best as they hide mud stains and won’t become transparent when wet.
Agree about dark colours, but also layer smartly. Wear that base layer (leggings, sports bra, moisture-wicking top) with loose black trousers on top. Then your jilbab as the outer layer. This gives you modesty plus flexibility.
Whatever sisters decide, we recommend they train in their chosen outfit beforehand. Practice crawling, climbing, and general movement. Start with shorter sessions and gradually build up. You’ll adapt surprisingly quickly. It will also help you identify what’s not working.
For modestly dressed sisters, each conquered obstacle becomes a declaration that faith enhances rather than hinders their capability. They’ll inspire genuine admiration whilst challenging misconceptions about what Muslim women can achieve. All those concerns will fade when you’re out there on the challenge, facing all those obstacles just as you are, leading the way, confident in yourself. It will be profoundly empowering, inshaAllah.