Source: @moosleemargh Instagram

Over the past few years, we have seen the emergence of a number of Muslim illustrators who use their work to highlight real issues faced by Muslim communities. We are delighted to see two of our favourites come together and collaborate to talk about ‘train track anxiety’.

Train track anxiety became a thing in 2015 after it was reported that a man tried to push a hijabi Muslim woman as a train approached on the London underground. The woman, fortunately, bounced off the front of the driver’s door at the front of the train and landed back on the platform. The man was then charged with attempted murder. The story shocked many and to this day many Muslim women seek precaution when waiting for a train by standing back.

@moosleemargh and @yesimhotinthis have come together to illustrate the experience, showing a Muslim woman in worry as a train approaches and being comforted by another sister.

Source: @moosleemargh Instagram

The illustration has garnered a number of comments from fellow Muslims who have experienced the same feelings and have found comfort in solidarity and knowing they are not alone.

“I didn’t realize other people had this fear! Both reassuring and sad”

– @halebonez

“This is me whenever I go to London!! This is why I love that they have the barriers at some stations now”

– @melaninmodesty

“Sad that I have the same fear near train/subway tracks…but also comforting to know it’s not just me ???? may we all be safe and secure always iA”

– @amnaomnomnom

“This particular issue is very real for me, I travel on the London underground almost daily and walking/being too close to the train tracks makes me dizzy with nerves because I’m paranoid that some horrible person is going to push me. It’s a sad reality for some of us and something that I wanted to highlight so that others may understand and the rest of us may find solidarity.”

– Nasima, creator of Moosleemargh

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Related

Awrah, the Short Documentary Exploring What Modesty Means to Young Muslim Women

Project Ribcage: The Series Working to Elevate the Self-Image of Muslim Women

Muslim Sisterhood: The Photography Project documenting sisterhood

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“Sisterhood is being there for each other. I loved doing this collab. I’ve been a huge fan of @moosleemargh since I started my account almost a year ago. She makes beautiful art from a unique perspective. Big hugs from across the pond.”

– Huda, creator of YesImHotInThis

Here is what Twitter had to say:

https://twitter.com/hanxine/status/970627755590209537

https://twitter.com/fattyturna/status/970628141805985792

https://twitter.com/Rabeb_Othmani/status/970628708339015680

https://twitter.com/SnowDesi/status/970629560336297984

https://twitter.com/fuIani/status/970635448426082304

https://twitter.com/farhia_94/status/970639955918716929

https://twitter.com/gaROOAAAR/status/970650041525391365

https://twitter.com/akxx95/status/970660602514411520

https://twitter.com/Maaiysa/status/970666260265619457

https://twitter.com/pocobookreader/status/970674640464039937

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf1AQlHB7ty/?taken-by=yesimhotinthis

While no one should feel this fear while going about their day to day lives we hope that this helps sisters find strength!