Latifa Abouchakra moved many in her tremendous speech, as a first-time delegate and speaker, beginning her address in the name of Allah.  She represents the Ealing division in London.

“Muscular liberalism is just another name for racism and Islamophobia. This stance on Islam has lead them to primary schools to ascertain why these young girls wear the hijab, as it could be interpreted as a sexualisation of these young girls. I say shame on offsted for victimising young girls, for choosing to wear these article of clothing. there is no such measure made for other religions or other articles of religious wear.  This signals to the British public and emboldens groups, like EDL, BNP other fascist and racist groups that women are oppressed by Islam. I’m here to state to all people who choose to practice their beliefs openly that we are not oppressed by our faith, Islam is not one homogenous bloc, there are Muslim women who do not wear the hijab, and that is their interpretation of their faith.

The Quran beautifully states, “There is no compulsion in religion.  لاَ إِكْرَاهَ فِى الدِّينِ”

My faith has given me the right to choose 1400 years before the universal declaration of human rights told me I could. A fun fact for you conference, my dad didn’t want me to wear the hijab, I chose to, those of faith should have the right to choose their articles of faiths. Practising my right to freedom of expression through the hijab, empowers me and other women like me, to know that we are able to make decisions for ourselves. Through the hijab, it empowers me and other women like me, to overcome the social expectations of sexualisation that is relevant and has currently resulted in many cases of anxiety and worse.  I can speak for myself and others like me, at school I was able to focus more on the thoughts that were running through my mind than how good I looked to the world. ” Watch the rest below…

Beautiful speech on the hijab from a sister. May Allah grant her dreams to come true. Ameenhttps://t.co/nkricy1woa

— Zayd (@ZaydFM) June 20, 2018