We heard about the Hijab-clad Halima Aden begin to take the modelling world by storm, not too long ago.
Then, we heard about Barbie releasing a line of Hijab-clad dolls based on Muslim Olympian, Ibtihaj Muhammad.
We are so excited to honor @IbtihajMuhammad with a one-of-a-kind #Barbie doll! Ibtihaj continues to inspire women and girls everywhere to break boundaries. #Shero #YouCanBeAnything #GlamourWOTY pic.twitter.com/oV0e6ClgL6
— Barbie (@Barbie) November 13, 2017
Well, it seems like the Western World is on a bit of a roll. Why? Because Nike just announced the release of Nike Pro Hijab.
That happens to be Nike’s new Hijab line.
The Nike Pro Hijab is dropping December 1st at selected retailers pic.twitter.com/O97SgHzgra
— Fashion Waves (@WavesOfFashion) December 1, 2017
This initiative is supposed to be a step forward for female Muslim athletes. It’s also supposed to be an inclusive gesture, to allow women of faith to partake in sports.
The pictures have been released, too…
…and Nike’s newest initiative looks pretty darn great.
The news spread on social media, too. Some considered the collection to be amazing.
YES NIKE! ??
Their new Hijab Pro collection is amazing! Finally we have suitable & stylish sportwears for Muslim women. @Nike #NikeProHijab pic.twitter.com/dxHNbifLVU
— Impression ? (@MyImpression_) December 1, 2017
Others appreciated the acknowledgment of the otherwise ignored Muslim women around the globe.
Finally, Nike just did it & acknowledged that there are 2 Billion Muslims in the World (3 million in the USA) and made a sports hijab that works.
See @IbtihajMuhammad belowhttps://t.co/cseH7A6vmJ pic.twitter.com/6YGzaZMW5Y— Jeremy Luban (@LubanLab) December 3, 2017
Some pointed out how it was about time such a step was taken.
??????????????????????????It's about time… #NikeHijab #EquityCheck ?????? pic.twitter.com/grGVub1feO
— ColorBraveJCPS (@ColorBraveJcps) December 3, 2017
People were already sold on the idea of Nike’s Hijab line.
The Nike hijab is out guys
Idc about being a slave to capitalism I’m gonna cop— ??mhajweeba ?? (@jojobaoiI) December 2, 2017
Though there were some who were a bit more negative, firmly believing that the brand was pandering to Muslims…
Nike pandering to the hijab propaganda machine…nothing to do with religion, everything to do with Muslims stamping their Islamic footprint on our infidel asses#BoycottNikepic.twitter.com/Jgx1ZpMudr
— Kelly (@OkKelly22) November 25, 2017
…others were quick to highlight how they were shocked by the Islamophobic comments they saw.
I first saw the @Nike Pro Hijab today which is great for inclusion in sports imo. But the hate speech in their comments in shocking ? pic.twitter.com/cyOuW6dE0q
— NomaEconomy (@Kalushikazi) December 2, 2017
Some even expressed their disappointment over the same.
Nike put out their official ad for their Nike Pro Hijab’s and I knew I shouldn’t have read comments ? a bunch of people joking out explosions and terrorism…..stay classy America.
— mandy ⚯͛ (@thecommonmandy) December 3, 2017
Whatever the general sentiments may be, it’s truly great to see that some brands are adopting a more inclusive approach.
With the current wave of Islamophobia that has arisen, it is imperative that Muslims have a voice on bigger platforms. Moreover, it’s truly an empowering move for all those women who wish to pursue sports and be comfortable in the attire of their choice.
What do you think about this? Let us know in the comments.
Cover image via: Nike