What It's Really Like Being A Muslim Woman In America | Skin Deep | Refinery29

This week on Skin Deep, we highlight influencer Shahd Batal’s journey to rediscovering her religion and heritage in L.A. She meets with like-minded people who celebrate various aspects of her culture every day. Watch this episode of Skin Deep for insight into living as a Muslim woman in America!
ABOUT SERIES
Skin Deep is a docu-style beauty series, where influencers immerse themselves in different cultural epicenters of Los Angeles in order to uncover beauty traditions from around the world. Beauty is deeply personal and, at times, passed on through generations and cultures.
ABOUT REFINERY29
Refinery29 is a modern woman's destination for how to live a stylish, well-rounded life. refinery29.com/
RELATED CONTENT
Desi Perkins Explores Latino Beauty in L.A.
• Desi Perkins Explores ...
Why Arnell Armon Almost Stopped Making Hair Videos
• Why Arnell Armon Almos...
Jasmine Brown’s Hair Transformation Journey
• Jasmine Brown’s Hair T...
SEE MORE REFINERY29 VIDEOS
refinery29.com/video
SUBSCRIBE TO REFINERY29
Subscribe to the Refinery29 channel: bit.ly/subscribe-to-r29
For the latest trends and videos, visit: refinery29.com
Like Refinery29 on Facebook: / refinery29
Follow Refinery29 on Twitter: / refinery29
Heart Refinery29 on Instagram: / refinery29
TALENT
Follow Shahd Batal on Instagram: / shahdbatal
Follow Unbothered on Instagram: / r29unbothered
Follow OnHerTurf on Instagram: / onherturf
Follow Refinery29 on Instagram: / refinery29

[@refinery29]

What do you relate to most about Shahd's experience? Share your stories with us here!

[@daniaazhar5367]

I'm amuslim too but I don't wear scarf cuase I'm only 13 and I do live in Pakistan where most of people doesn't wear hijab

[@lonesomeluv5161]

im a muslim sudanese girl and i started wearing my hijab when i was 12, my mom thought i was too young but that was a good time for me at least. i was raised in saudi arabia and im currently going to a college in the united states, i was looked at differently from time but i always rock my dark skin, henna, and hijab! i've always felt insecure as a kid cause all my friends in the saudi arabian school were a bit more light skin. but now i'm feeling proud of my muslim afro-arabic origin.

[@rugarerugaramujuru7736]

Please do an Aliyah transformation you could use the women from the Cardi b or the Rihanna transformations.thank you❤

[@flawedandbeautiful4166]

Please do a story on Anni Cyrus next

[@wesaladam7741]

I’m a Sudanese Muslim hijabi! I’m turning 14 tomorrow and I’ve been a hijabi since I was 9 in the 4th grade. It was completely my decision, when I told my mom I wanted to wear it she was all for it and supported me, she’s a hijabi herself and always has been, and it’s been pretty much smooth sailing. I lived in New York City (Brooklyn) up until about a month ago, now I live in Albany. It’s been a easy journey, because I’m pretty confident in myself and don’t really care what others think of me😁

[@shahdbatal]

Thank you for letting me share my story ❤️

[@imanissa121]

(Sorry for my English I’m 🇫🇷)You are a very good person I love u❤️ and you inspire me

[@aieshabegum994]

Hey guys! It's shahd. Would be what she says ❤

[@Rinrin_98]

It's beautiful

[@qt3191]

You’re so beautiful

[@Missmelek97]

sooo proud of you ❤️✊👏

[@Anniloves21]

One of my dearest friends is muslim and wears hijab. I love her so much and know this video would make her proud. You are amazing and beautiful. People who don't educate themselves about different religions are scared. A very sad thing

[@lonesomeluv5161]

❤️❤️

[@likeliterally7077]

gay people can educate themselves as much as they want on islam. that won't change the fact that the only countries to execute gay people are islamic countries.

[@oya.g4806]

@@flawedandbeautiful4166 taking half what men takes does not mean that we are not appreciated .. because we have different preperations in marriages that recquire giving the man more Did you know that a man has to cherish and bring his wife everything she needs even her mani and padi Men give their women a mahr which is an !ount of money for herself in addition to gold which in all worth more than an engagement ring A man should get her a house and pays for everything she needs So knowing that men had to pay for all of that , they take twice what women take ... You shold study also why we get half what they take before you say that

[@oya.g4806]

@@likeliterally7077 gay is prohibited in islam as that is unnatural to islam ..women are for men ..thats it Allah says in quraan that he made from everything two sexes to combine to match with each other

[@likeliterally7077]

see Anniloves21 ? ^ that's what you are supporting. congrats. hope you don't have any gay friends.

[@sahararash6912]

She’s gorgeous mashaAllah ♥️ support to all my Muslim sisters I love you all!

[@abeerasim1650]

love you😍😍😍

[@andrzejgrabinski8262]

Sahar Arash She’s gorgeous but she's dumb, and please stop commenting "mashaAllah" cuz not everyone knows what that means

[@abeerasim1650]

@@andrzejgrabinski8262 dumb so you sees dumbness your such a cheap person and you know you are really mad the majority know what's the meaning of MashAllah so you get lost from the comments

[@abeerasim1650]

@@andrzejgrabinski8262 Lol you have only 7 subscribers

[@sahararash6912]

madguy Stop being cancer omg

[@justasmr9315]

I'm a muslim , born as muslim, and i started wearing hijab at the age of 16 (NOW I'M 20 Y.O) AND IT WAS THE BEST THING I'VE EVER DONE I BECAME SO CLOSE TO ALLAH AND I FELT SO PROUND AND I'M DOING THE RIGHT THING AND IT ALSO GAVE ME TOO MUCH SELF CONFIDENT

[@lorreallorreal161]

Shawn Mendes mashaallah tabarak allah for you you seriously don’t know how great you are in allahs view

[@justasmr9315]

@@lorreallorreal161 i used to go to the mosque in ramadan ( AND STILL) and prayed and begged allah to make me love the hijab and thanks to the hidaya of allah , it actually happened and i started wearing it that ramadan and loved it so much NOW EVERYDAY I THANK GOD FOR THIS NI3MA COS THE FEELING I FELT AFTER WEARING IT WAS ANOTHER LEVEL SUCH A BEAUTIFUL FEELING OF PEACE AND RESPECT AND LOVE OF THE GOD

[@Babvgurl3]

Omg i litteraly have a fanpage for my Muffin it's @nuggetshawn and im MUSLIM

[@lorreallorreal161]

Shawn Mendes allah loves you so much barak allah for you my sister

[@justasmr9315]

@Hawaa Sarwary HAHAHAHAHAHAH THIS IS A FAN ACCOUNT LOL

[@lonesomeluv5161]

she's so pretty tho!!! sudanese girls are always pretty tbh

[@wesaladam7741]

titi _ in Sudanese and that’s so kind of you to say!

[@bloxygigi7736]

thank you!

[@Ihavemadeit999]

titi _ thank you So much 💖

[@ohnoitssara2441]

Sudanese girls are pretty and Pakistani girls and like me Persian girls tbh we all are pretty no matter what religion

[@lonesomeluv5161]

@@ohnoitssara2441 yea i agree!! all of us girls are pretty, no matter what religion, nationality, or race. 😊

[@AyshaHarun]

Absolutely LOVED this!! Shahd habibti, you make me so proud ❤️❤️

[@refinery29]

+ayshaabdul Thanks for watching!! :)

[@nahlaahmed6633]

I love your video sm

[@Unknown-dw4mv]

hhaha my name is aysha tooo and thats also how u spell my namw toooooo

[@magblox7784]

Aysha Abdul I made u to 1k likes ;)

[@adelsaidi2160]

good morning ..............you have to live in arabic country to know the meaning of islam

[@YasmineSimone]

This was so inspiring!! I love you Shahd❤️

[@adelsaidi2160]

good morning ..............you have to live in arabic country to know the meaning of islam

[@thelivingfictionist4937]

@@adelsaidi2160 No you don't. Most Muslims aren't even Arab. The largest Muslim populations live in Asia. There is also a huge population of Muslims in West Africa, East Africa, and North Africa.

[@adelsaidi2160]

there is a lot of defference between muslim and arrabic muslim.. in arrabic country we have school for islam and this scholl exist for 1400 years

[@adelsaidi2160]

we are musllim vefore them.. we spak arrabic..they don t spk arrabic.. we have islam ibside ib blod it is genetique

[@adelsaidi2160]

islam don t exist.. it is exist only in north africxa and arrab orient the others know nothing about my religion

[@shutupsavannah2195]

I love that y’all had two Muslim women talking instead of having someone interviewing with a bunch of ignorant comments. I definitely feel what you said about Minnesota, I just moved to the northwest for school and I think there are like 5 hijabis on my whole campus and it’s such a difference from the about of Somali/Muslim culture in the twin cities

[@purplespray3768]

I live in Kenya, once I got hot chocolate and someone had written "I love Allah" with the chocolate syrup.

[@maysal2801]

cuuuuuuuuuuuuute

[@anonymous-yo4qs]

Wowwwwwwwww Ma Shaa Allah 😍

[@natashawparrish2099]

Aaww that's really nice. From a fellow kenyan.

[@Nico.Robin7]

That's mad cute.

[@senjagt]

thats so sweeeeettttt

[@melissadawn5037]

This may be to light hearted of a question, but... I'm a music teacher in SE Minnesota, I see so many women & girls in my community with beautiful hijabs and flowing fabrics. Is it OK to compliment them or would it be insulting because it's a religious choice of cover? Personally I like when any of my clothing or jewelry that reflects my Christianity is commented on, I feel like the person is complimenting the art as well as recognizing/respecting my faith.

[@lonesomeluv5161]

it's ok to compliment them! complimenting a hijab is just like complimenting hair. xx

[@n.s.7174]

I think that any Muslim woman would absolutely love it if you complimented them, as hijab is a form of beauty that is often overlooked. Your act of kindness will definitely be appreciated.

[@banandababa]

You will probably make them really happy. Everyone loves a compliment :)

[@doctorchaimaachanel8974]

It s not it s actually very refreshing nd touching and like fresh air 😘😘😘😊

[@fraggiedipz5607]

of course you can! :)

[@justjay9301]

I’m almost 16 and I’m proud to say I’ve been wearing my hijab since I was about 4 or 5. I always have a hint of fear when leaving the house, but I’m learning to not mind it as much!

[@mars2101]

She's so pretty and her strong faith in her religion is what makes her so attractive.

[@sistersr123]

Mexican arab?? That's so cool and beautiful wow

[@sams517]

Samina Rasib there’s a youtuber on here named Daniela biah who is Palestinian and Mexican

[@sistersr123]

@@sams517 I know danielah but didn't know she was half Mexican cooool wow

[@DrAdnan]

Omaya Zein is a famous youtuber who is also Arab-Latina.

[@avianacash8497]

Samina Rasib scot

[@itslaura8403]

@Darth Shadow yeah so cool

[@fatmaatma5280]

As a muslim I can understand how when she says she felt good when someone went out of thier way to make her feel welcome and accepted when usually everyone wants to comment how why we want to accept being oppressed or why we wear it. Its a personal choice and why anyone should have right to pass comment on it eludes me. I understand when she says people judge you by looking at what you wear without even knowing us. Hijabi women are the friendliest, honest and most loyal women you could know.

[@refinery29]

+fatmaatma Thanks for sharing your experience with us!!

[@manisyaya3199]

That's right. Its kind of funny how they might say some women are forced to wear then those same folks force us to take it off. Smh. To each they own I feel. I don't disagree that some women are forced but many are not. And just cuz some are forced that doesn't make Hijab a symbol of oppression.

[@sppecials606]

Fatma Atma@ if hijabi women are "the friendliest" why don't they go out or in general socialize with a non muslim male friends?

[@abigailmarughu3403]

but why don't men wear it?

[@robloxtea6124]

Sppecials many do..

[@aasiyamir9977]

the last gurl interviewed had a rlly calming voice

[@robloxtea6124]

Ikrrr

[@andrewtorres4032]

In my eyes You are a beautiful human being. A intelligent human being. I'm half Mexican and half German. I was bought up in a small California beach town. My parents taught myself and my three older brother's to respect everyone. In so glad I found your Vlogs. Bless you and your family Always Andrew

[@robloxtea6124]

Andrew Torres aww 🥺 thats so sweet

[@sourayasaidi2629]

Thank you Sir this is so sweet of you!

[@MuskaJahan]

🌹🌹🌹 It's so lovely to see other Muslimahs getting opportunities like this! Keep it up Shahd!

[@lonesomeluv5161]

i like your videos!! new sub✨✨

[@thatgirlinthesouth]

Muska jahan 😍 happy to see your comment here

[@ahemdabdi9541]

Mashallah I say alhamduillah I'm muslim!

[@robloxtea6124]

Your Songs okay then what are we supposed to be born as? Baby goats?

[@abaspillai3953]

Assalamualaikum www.yayasanms.com

[@EmmaIsAmme]

this video reminded me of why i want to revert

[@kukunuta9047]

Welcome to islam my dear soon to be my sister😍❤

[@beigelover95]

Ema F ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@hening2212]

Welcome❤️✨

[@jannaabdelsalam2855]

we welcome everyone and anyone and yoy are welcome if your comfortable with it and its your personal choice 💜💜💜

[@lorreallorreal161]

Ema F welcome my sister you are amazing if you choose to convert it’s totally your choice but especially especially especially if a Christian person converts to Islam that is so great in allahs view he will forget every bad thing about you it’s even in the Quran and also if you where hijab it’s even better the converting to Islam is the best thing in many peoples life my sister everything is totally up to you just giving you some things to acknowledge

[@blurlb]

My friend is Muslim and she has such beautiful long hair when she occasionally shows it

[@abigailmarughu3403]

to who?

[@h2have643]

25,000 subscribers with no videos challenge why are you bothered it’s literally none of your business.just trying to look for an opportunity to judge 😂 .

[@rosie5348]

25,000 subscribers with no videos challenge none of your business

[@dianneeuphrosyne2779]

@@abigailmarughu3403 just wanna tell you that muslimahs wear hijab to hide 'theirs' from men also when they pray. It's fine if they show it to women, but it's also fine to show it to their family like father or brother not cousin. Find out more i think

[@zd2686]

@@dianneeuphrosyne2779 Yeah Muslim women who weir the hijab covers their hair from men. But to be more specific they cover it from men they can marry and have a relationship with (plus during the prayer; salah/namaz as you said). This means that only their fathers, brothers, uncles, grandpas are allowed to see their hair. I don’t mean any disrespect really I agree with everything you said. Just wanted to add the marriage thing, because it is a lot easier to describe it that way❤️

[@rebeccaimanscott2011]

I am black British Caribbean and only Muslim in my whole family and I have been Muslim 15 months I have only just started to wear the hijab my family and friends are supportive. I am proud to be a Muslim.

[@rebeccaimanscott2011]

Moroccan girl thank you sis

[@nm-me5zq]

Glad that u have such a good family 😍

[@NOTIME4THIS]

AWESOME! I would wear it and I am not Muslim. You have a BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT! BE YOURSELF ALWAYS!

[@ImenBen12]

And you're a beautiful lady! Loved your comment :)

[@agirlyhasnoname]

I watch a lot of Black Hijabi youtubers I like you am not muslim either but I wrap my hair up at times and It's a good feeling. So if you want to you can

[@saidomohamed8333]

thanks for support the Hijaab and her

[@vannakinder352]

Personally, as a Muslim who does not wear it, I would not feel offended if say a Christian wears it, hijab is an extension of modesty. There are some Sikh women who wear something similar to a hijab called a Purdah as well as Orthodox Jewish women who cover their hair. If you want to that is fine. My modesty is different, as I believe it is performative, for instance, I only buy second-hand or Walmart mostly unless I need strong boots or Eid dresses. I do this to reject the fact that I should be judged based on what type of clothes I have or whether or not I come from money.

[@mahdithehottie]

I am muslim and also live in LA. I've been further from my religion because of the lack of seeing it here! Its so refreshing to see another sister embracing who she is which is lightening to me to the same :)

[@agirlyhasnoname]

If you haven't seen her channel I highly recommend it. I am not Muslim but her content is pretty great

[@lulualj6790]

Mahdiyyah Wilson May Allah give you strength and bring you closer enshallah 💕

[@allyxx2128]

You can always take islamic classes. Are they available in L.A

[@thelivingfictionist4937]

Try to find company with Black Muslims or Muslims who aren't brainwashed. Sorry to say, but many Arab Muslims are racist.

[@halfvolley11]

Come to Toronto, Canada. They are everywhere.

[@Hetsupshut3]

Guys, there are so many people that are muslim from every culture and place in the world. There are a lot of Muslims! Don't feel so alone. On top of that, there are millions of people curious about Islam everyday and end up reverting. You're not alone. We all are in this together. And one day, we will all be together in Paradise in shaa allah.

[@timdrawing775]

@C K Pari okay culture is different from religion (Islam).. You shouldn't judge a religion according to culture.. Also in Islam woman should never be forced to wear hijab.. They should be wearing it only because they want to.. And to get close to alllah nothing else.. Those countries that force women to wear it are wrong and there's nothing like that in our religion

[@vannakinder352]

Yeah I never tell other Muslims I am Muslim sometimes bc of the haram police

[@amandaa3713]

@@vannakinder352 That makes two of us :)

[@Imx3STEELhere]

My East African Sis!!! So proud, representation is VITAL ✌🏾❤️

[@xiomaragamez7991]

Why are all Muslim women so pretty.

[@darwiishadsomaalieed8672]

The beauty comes from inside which reflects to outside.

[@ojitosrodriguez114]

Lol we cover up for that very reason though.

[@randomperson8658]

Allah blessed us.

[@abigailmarughu3403]

@@ojitosrodriguez114 that's so stupid. You should teach men not to sexualize women not for women to cover themselves up for that reason.

[@td2222]

@@abigailmarughu3403 she was talking about the male instinct. Instinct isn't "teachable". That said, Allah c.c. commands men in the Quran to "lower their gaze".

[@SamMKKK]

Holy moly. She’s so beautiful.

[@nabz2279]

Samantha-M. ♥️♥️

[@robloxtea6124]

Masha Allah

[@elf1158]

This is just really beautiful. It’s wonderful how Muslim women are able to be more and more portrayed as self confident, I really support this!💪🏽🧡

[@agirlyhasnoname]

My favorite KZbinr Shahd . She puts out such amazing content and she's just such a laid back person

[@missiworld]

Salaam! I love that you guys did this video. It really exposes what it's like to be muslim but also how we are still women who like to be beautiful and have opinions about our bodies and how we adorn or display them.

[@neonpee]

i remember seeing your comment under some sharia law in indonesia video, and reading your comment truly restored my faith in humanity. idk you but ily :D

[@missiworld]

@@neonpee omg, I know exactly what video you're talking about! I'm glad I could bring just a little more positivity to you. :)

[@zainhottson7393]

U r shi'a right..

[@missiworld]

@@zainhottson7393 No, I'm Sunni, but I promise you I'm not the type to judge which type of Islam others follow. We each say the Shahada; we're all Muslims; we're one Ummah.

[@adelsaidi2160]

good morning ..............you have to live in arabic country to know the meaning of islam

[@Fama8784]

I agree with freedom. Freedom of having or not having hijab. As an Iranian girl who lived in a country that hijab is compulsory; I should confess I don't like hijab. I didnot choose it, nobody asked me if I want it or not. I was fed up with all rules that was imposed to my mind and body all years long. A huge backlash from me and many girls like me. Maybe if we had a chance to choose, we may like it .Anyway, I am happy to see people who have right to choose what they like to put in America, wish you success.

[@zainabraibati1908]

I sincerely hope and pray you get your freedom, as there should be no compulsion in Religion. I'm personally very blessed, that I got to fall in love with the hijab almost two years ago, and chose to wear it myself. I wish every girl could just wear what she wants to-whether that's rocking a hijab or letting her hair free. I wish you a future, where love and tolerance will prevail over compulsion. Peace

[@Fama8784]

@@zainabraibati1908 Wish peace and love for you and all elements of universe. 💕💕💕💕

[@zainabraibati1908]

For you too, sis !

[@refinery29]

+f.maliz Thanks for your input!!

[@fatmaatma5280]

It is very unfair when govt makes you follow a mandatory rue.when it is clearly a choice in religion. Whether u wear it or not should.be a conscious choice. You Wear it for Allah not for a a govt so intention is important. So sad that some countries dont realize it. Im glad as a pakistani my country imposes no such rule. Hence I love the hijab as I was given the choice to choose and weae it on my own terms. It hurts me to see women who hate it in retaliation as it only represents oppression to them while to me its liberation as only I dictate wht I want to wear. Its so sad that two muslim women have such contrasting narratives. This is why I am not a fan of extremely conservative dictatorial regimes.

[@awteeyahabduladdarr7656]

Thankyou.. I'm 10 years old I've been wearing my hijab my whole life. When I was younger kuds would always pull my hijab off .adults would tell them don't touch it or do that anymore when I told but it never did anything because they kept doing it. P.s no kids would stand up for me or say that's wrong they just laughed at me.... ⬇️ like if you can relate

[@aali7359]

Please stay strong sister you're doing well! Don't forget that you're not alone

[@sadiyaui]

It'll make you more confident and strong and she did yourself in the future. Don't let them get to you!

[@awteeyahabduladdarr7656]

@@sadiyaui thankyou

[@reflectionsinthebible3579]

that’s terrible and you should go to your principal and school counselor because that should not be allowed -A Christian.

[@sadia4932]

Luv ya all my Muslim sisters ♥️♥️

[@nabz2279]

Sadia ♥️♥️

[@dorothea118]

Love you too ❤

[@daliaomar3223]

Thank you refinery29 for shedding the light on us muslims. It’s truly great what Shahd do in order to change the stigma about muslim culture! Seeing these beautiful muslim ladies killing the game really makes me amped up for the future!

[@refinery29]

+daliaomar Thank you for supporting our mission & watching!!

[@fantagedsignedx6321]

Somali

[@Loola345]

@@fantagedsignedx6321 what?

[@shine5604]

These women are truly beautiful. My friend, Rabia, is Muslim and she’s expressed a lot of similar things to me. I love learning and hearing about other cultures in order to relate and better support them. Thank you for your story!

[@azhars104]

I love this story! My family and I are Muslim so this really hit home 💕

[@fareedahossny]

Am a Muslim that doesn't wear a hijab and my friends know so one time they said that they will bring another friend so i asked if she knows am Muslim they said oh yeah so we were going to the mall and i was introducing myself and she screamed and said TORIRSTE and the guards of the mall came and they asked whats wrong and she said that am muslim the guards said it's okay ur the one that going out of here for being racist since then i felt so safe that people know not all Muslims are Torirests and people like her were raised wrong and should understand before they talk.

[@eceacar1741]

TONGUE POP if you wore a hijab you would've been kicked out probably. America.... Sad

[@eceacar1741]

Are you American?

[@fareedahossny]

@@eceacar1741 half American and half Egyptian

[@StarrySoakedSky]

Aj Acar you won’t be kicked out of an American mall for wearing a hijab? What malls are you going to?!

[@TigTig-Kitty]

Do you mean terrorist?

[@erindunn6171]

Nothings wrong with being a muslim

[@maryam-rl5ol]

Gilberto Fernandez oh my god in EVERY SINGLE islamic video there is someone disrespectful like you in the comment section talking about how you dislike islam. keep your comments to yourself

[@nuralizazakaria8510]

@Gilberto Fernandez So? nothing special about it, there are also devout christian who left christianity or devout jewish who left judaism. People change their mind al the time.

[@rosie5348]

Gilberto Fernandez k.

[@andypham6335]

Gilberto Fernandez Congratulations, you just made the biggest mistake in your life

[@rosie5348]

You aRe wHat y0u think i am. 🤦‍♀️

[@kevinnapier1014]

Thanks for posting this Team! Very informative, and relevant!

[@dineomaboe-khambule7963]

I'm so thrilled to see Shahd tell her story! I follow her KZbin channel and this was affirming.

[@VampireDiariesBiebs]

More power to you girls!! This made me so proud

[@nomadprincess7370]

My favourite youtuber ever!! Love shahd's style, aura and her positivity 💜💜

[@refinery29]

+nomadprincess So do we!!

[@nabilakhalil8224]

Thank you so much for making this video! And I hope that the people that think wrong about our beautiful religion have better understanding now!! And again really nice video!

[@sergiovaldez9327]

Knowing more about other cultures from the perspective of a member of it is incredible. We can learn about its journey in culture, how it is represented and its impact on society. Also, it's very interesting that you talk about the cultural shock of coming to the other side of the world. Having to fight or work on accepting who you are and who represents you is wonderful.

[@JarellasCorner]

I absolutely loved this so much .... well done Shahd so proud 💕💕💕💕💕

[@saltedcaramelz3583]

i started wearing hijab 2 years ago and there were like 3 hijabis in my class we were seen so diffrent but we never cared and we also talk about our religion with full of confidence.

[@BB-vj7ug]

OMG I LOVEU THIS IS SOOO BEAUTIFUL!! WAUW

[@tahsinrahman8978]

The thing I find so incredible about wearing the hijab is that the influence it has on others too, I remember back in 2013/2012 when I was in school my friends didn’t wear hijab and started to during those years and I was like how come you guys started to wear hijab and they said bc of you, I felt so proud of myself bc it was a shock for me since they would always show their hair but the transition tho, bless them.

[@blueberrygirl7538]

This video is so inspiring and empowering I loved it and i want more

[@refinery29]

+pastelgirl Stay tuned on Saturday's!

[@weare4girls834]

I’m a Muslim and I’ve been to LA and i met lots of friendly people over there and I’m looking forward to visiting it again .. spread peace and positivity

[@princess6988]

i love this. i love you. thank you for this, youre amazing habibti

[@hazelcetemen9953]

I am Muslim Turkish and live in NYC and I’ve been contemplating for so long if I want to start wearing a hijab, thank you for this video :)

[@refinery29]

+hazelcetemen Thank you for watching!!

[@shahiistaibrahim2425]

Shahd batal omg omg omg love thiiissss ! I love you so much !!! You go girl ! I’m so proud of you ❤️

[@sabanaparveen9206]

Is humanity dead? No one is watching from the world

[@dreimingwideawake]

This was so sweet and thoughtful. Thanks, Refinery29 and Shahd. As a hijabi in California I always feel uncomfortable going out (and actually don't a lot of the time - it's just emotionally exhausting) because I fear that even if I'm not attacked, there will be all kinds of assumptions about me (I came to the US recently, don't speak English, am closed-minded, etc.). It's hard to feel like you can't just be who you are, but will only be seen as a stigma.

[@refinery29]

+dreimingwideawake Thanks so much for watching!!

[@impatriciaparker]

Thank you Shahd for this vid! I love it and you4 channel! Continued success! ❤️

[@hanna96]

omg I'm from Sudan too 💕 Sudanese squad 🇸🇩

[@mfzv87]

These stories are so heartbreaking 💔 thank you for your bravery to share your stories.

[@refinery29]

+mfz87 Thank YOU for watching!!

[@oceanblues787]

Thank you for speaking your truth, and the truth that most of us Muslim women share! ❤️

[@maimunamay6198]

Love this💖💖

[@chrissiec2123]

I've come across Shahd's channel a few months ago and I'm surprised I'm just discovering this video of her on Refinery29. I really liked this video because of how much I was able to see her open up about Islam and discuss it with other people (not that I'm saying she doesn't already do this on her channel though).

[@laylahenderson8680]

I love this video!! It is so amazing and so inspiring. Refinery29 is my favorite channel on KZbin 💛💛

[@roselover5735]

Tbh I sometimes stare because I am so interested in them and honestly wanna go talk to them 😅😅❤️

[@palahcomel]

Just go and talk to them. They don't bite 😂. Stranger usually don't talk to me not because of my hijab but because of my unapproachable face 😂.

[@mimimartina2631]

Aww I think if you geniunely want to talk to them, should, most muslim women would appreciate the friendliness

[@kb-qq4zl]

Rose Lover Awh ❤️ talk. The first I’d do is probably give you a hug or say something funny coz I’m all about laughs and jokes 🤣

[@lola96272]

Please go and talk to them

[@saharamer978]

Shahd i’m sooo proud of you girl, I’m from Saudi and I really respect you, you go girl 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤️

[@WonderGirl9]

Beautifully said! It's not easy for Muslim women nowadays but that won't stop us from being proud of who we are. I am also not afraid to be who I am, like my fellow Muslim sister said. I also love doing henna and I have been practicing to get better at it.🧕

[@user-yg5ms4fr5f]

Wow Shahd, I am SO PROUD of you, excellent, excellent job!

[@muxajetaptocom]

way to go Shahd, this was great!! yay for muslim women being represented, respected and valued for who they are!!

[@refinery29]

+healthymadness Thanks for your lovely input!!

[@AlexisMaria]

Omg I love love love Henna and it's so beautiful watching and hearing the backstory on it! :)

[@Reem-cy1vb]

With everything going on nowadays, it is very refreshing seeing videos like this on KZbin. Thank you shahd, Refinery29, and everyone that was involved in the making of this video. Keep up the good work!

[@refinery29]

+glamt Thanks for being a part of it by watching!!

[@sages999]

omg shahd!! i adore her so much 💕

[@joannabrown9577]

You’re absolutely beautiful and keep up the good work ( on speaking out about your beliefs and culture). God bless

[@bintajalloh562]

It's so cool to see a hijab sister been so confident towards doing her hijab in the US

[@simplykhadijah]

Thank you soo much for this I also started wearing my hijab middle of freshman year so 4 yesrs ago couldn’t be grateful and i really feel apt of this so thank you much love and got me as a supporter and subscribe

[@mariyamkhwaja2364]

I’m a Muslim and I think this has really happened me to open up about showing pride

[@catluvr8781]

I love refinery29 for making these type of videos :) #R29SQUAD

[@refinery29]

+claire Thanks for hanging out with us!! #R29squad

[@zeinabtaha3854]

it’s wonderful seeing another Sudanese woman speaking of her religion and culture! thank you for sharing your story, Shahd!

[@naila6603]

I’m just liking every comment because I know it’s postive, this is a great example of what KZbin should be

[@fatimaalameri5118]

Omg love that for you shahd ❤️

[@hadeelkhalidxx]

YASS GIRL REPRESENT✊🏾

[@lollikiss25]

I feel the same way about my African head wraps. I was going through emotional turmoil and turned to my culture for stability

[@mvy01]

I LOVE SHAHD SOO MUCH. SHES THE ONE WHO INSPIRED ME TO MAKE KZbin VIDEOS AND I LOVEEEE HOW SHE GOT THIS OPPORTUNITY 💓😊love you sm and keep making your Muslim sisters proud

[@rudainamohamed8826]

Love the message of this video!

[@refinery29]

+rudainamohamed Thanks for checking it out!!

[@ohkay680]

Omg yess my fave SHAHD

[@fahsuhaimi9053]

so SO inspired by this. love it

[@lamaahusseini]

Amazing, they did such a great job at sharing their experience!

[@asiasuleiman895]

fearless gracious strong women👏👏❤

[@yizzy.253]

I love wearing head wraps even though I’m not muslim. I mainly wear them at church or when I’m praying.

[@zahoor4488]

Salam Ma'am, please read the Quran translation in English ,And accept islam if you will not accept Muhammad saw is the last messenger of Allah and Islam after death you will go in the hell forever. please read the Quran translation in your local language come to know the truth .

[@anajadorcas5113]

Beautiful!! Your story, you! 💓💓💓

[@ahemdabdi9541]

SHAHD I LOVE HER VIDEO'S LIKE CRAZY!!

[@gaddabiamel486]

support to all my Muslim sisters I love Islam

[@insertusername4079]

I love your username

[@PrettyHoriFob]

This is beautiful, with women coming together but it does hurt too see how people can be cruel towards others. Especially when they are deliberately going out of their way to emotional or physical project their hate onto someone so innocent.

[@haneythangpossible3950]

I love this so much. I am so excited to practice this

[@shaza8966]

Yesss well done Refinery29!!!!!!!! Diverse, authentic stories for powerful innovative content! Thank you for showcasing us❤️❤️❤️

[@aesthete7227]

*THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL 💛💛💛💛*

[@refinery29]

Thanks for watching!!

[@asoto7122]

Respect & blessings.

[@selma8337]

Tank you so much for this video it helped me so much

[@salmajacob8988]

Thank you sharing your story Shahd! 🤗 I agree that if we speak up and share the beauty of our religion with others, we can all get along.

[@esperanzacasares9056]

She is Sooooo Beautiful!😢

[@samabenamer9452]

finally!!! i was looking forward to this video and it's even better than i expected!! thank you refinery 29 for supporting women of all backgrounds

[@refinery29]

+samabenamer Thank you for being a part of this by supporting!!

[@nursejulie3636]

So happy I subscribed. Thank u such inspiring videos.

[@tiffanyfleming8886]

The fact that you started off with the manicure and educated the viewers!!! I’m about to order now.