US Muslims fear wearing hijab under Trump presidency
Hijab. File photo
The idea of Donald Trump being elected as President of the US still hasn’t sunk in among many American voters, and some religious groups, particularly the Muslim community, are already dreading his upcoming term.
According to The Independent report, some Muslim groups are already experiencing “tremendous levels of fear,” with some saying they had been warned not to wear their traditional hijabs in public.
The Republican representative has been vocal with his criticism of minority and religious groups throughout his campaign and even pledged a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims” from entering the United States.
Social media users riddled with anxiety took to Twitter to express their sentiments, with many fearing a rise in Islamophobia.
Screen Grab from Twitter
The President-elect is also remembered for spewing phrases including “Islam hates us” and claimed the religion is defined partly by “tremendous hatred.”
Screen Grab from Twitter
A spokesman for the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations, meanwhile, described the anguish of American Muslims following Trump’s victory.
“There are tremendous levels of fear given the anti-Muslim rhetoric we have seen from Donald Trump during this campaign,” the representative was quoted as saying in the report.
“Now we have to wait and see if it was all an act or if he’s really going to carry out these bigoted policies. We will continue to defend the civil rights of all American regardless of who is in office.”
Nihad Awad, the group’s executive director, echoed his sentiments, but also took a brave front against the injustices that he believes is sure to come.
“The American Muslim community will continue to mobilize to challenge bigotry, to uphold justice and to protect the freedoms and rights of all Americans,” he said.
“American Muslims are here to stay. We are not going anywhere, and we will not be intimidated or marginalized.” Khristian Ibarrola
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