Non-Muslims are being asked to try a hijab for a day

This page was made on Friday 1^st February 2013

Jess Rhodes, with and without her hijab

   Non-Muslims are being asked to try wearing a hijab, a type of headscarf, for a day to find out more about why women wear them.

World Hijab Day calls on non-Muslim women to try out life under the traditional head scarf.

Some people think women should not have to cover their hair or face and think it is unfair because men don't have to wear them.

But for many women around the world, it is an important show of their faith.

Organisers of this event reject the idea that women only wear hijabs if they are forced to by their family.

Jess Rhodes, who is giving the hijab a try for month, said she was surprised how positive the reaction to her wearing it has been.

Hijabs on display at a market. The term comes from the Arabic word for 'veil' or 'screen'

The day has been organised to give people a better understanding of Islam and be more tolerant of people who wear the scarves.

It has attracted interest from Muslims and non-Muslims in more than 50 countries across the world.

Source: bbc.co.uk