The New York State Senate

J370

Senate Resolution No. 370

BY: Senator PERSAUD

RECOGNIZING February 1, 2017, as World Hijab Day

WHEREAS, The people of the United States and the great State of New
York who come from a variety of backgrounds are united in certain
foundational beliefs such as affirming the inherent dignity of all
persons; the right of every person to be treated with respect, and the
right of all citizens to practice their religion freely; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
recognize Wednesday, February 1, 2017, as World Hijab Day to be
celebrated on the steps of City Hall in New York, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Hijab, a traditional veil which covers a woman's hair
and chest, has been very important to the history of Islam; it is meant
to promote dignity and respect for women while maintaining modesty and
respect for religious faith; and

WHEREAS, World Hijab Day was started by Nezma Khan, a resident of
the Bronx, as a day set aside for women of different cultures, who do
not normally wear the Hijab, to experience wearing one for the day; its
purpose is to encourage religious tolerance, cultural understanding and
international solidarity; and

WHEREAS, On February 1, 2013, the world celebrated its first annual
World Hijab Day in recognition of millions of Muslim women who choose to
wear the Hijab and live a life of religious faith; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, World Hijab Day has participants from
all over the world; and

WHEREAS, To combat prejudice, leaders in the American Muslim
community are working tirelessly to show that the wearing of the Hijab
is a choice, a freedom, and a blessing, as well as to educate their
fellow citizens about Islam in ways which are relevant and meaningful;
and

WHEREAS, One of America's greatest strengths as a society has been
our ability to embrace our different faiths and allow their members to
express themselves freely; in this spirit, World Hijab Day encourages
the wearing of the Hijab as a proud display of religious faith and
communal bonding which will make us stronger as a nation and more
accepting of others; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor those
important events which remind us of the rich and diverse heritage of our
great State and Nation while encouraging greater religious tolerance and
understanding in our communities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize Wednesday, February 1, 2017, as World Hijab Day; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Nezma Khan, Founder, World Hijab Day.