Recognize World Hijab Day

Senate Resolution No. 281 BY: Senator PERSAUD RECOGNIZING February 1, 2019, 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 proud to recognize Friday, February 1, 2019, 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 Friday, February 1, 2019, 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.