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Hijab Mural
Submitted by Ailya

Ailya took a poem about Hijab, printed it several times, cut out the words and used the words to form a silhouette of a girl in Hijab.
This Mural was on display at her High School and received very positive response from both the students and teachers.
The mural drew people's attention to the reality of the concept of Hijab!
Art is a wonderful form of conveying a message!

The poem on the mural is called "Who I am"

         What do you see
         when you look at me
         Do you see someone limited,
         or someone free

         All some people can do is just look and stare
         Simply because they can't see my hair

         Others think I am controlled and uneducated
         They think that I am limited and un-liberated

         They are so thankful that they are not me
         Because they would like to remain 'free'

         Well free isn't exactly the word I would've used
         Describing women who are cheated on and abused

         They think that I do not have opinions or voice
        They think that being hooded isn't my choice

         They think that the hood makes me look caged
         That my husband or dad are totally outraged

         All they can do is look at me in fear
         And in my eye there is a tear

         Not because I have been stared at or made fun of
         But because people are ignoring the one up above

         Maybe the guys won't think I am a cutie
         But at least I am filled with more inner beauty

         See I have declined from being a guy's toy
         Because I won't let myself be controlled by a boy

         Real men are able to appreciate my mind
         And aren't busy looking at my behind

         Hooded girls are the ones really helping the muslim cause
         The role that we play definitely deserves applause

         I will be recognized because I am smart and bright
         And because some people are inspired by my sight

         The smart ones are attracted by my tranquility
         In the back of their mind they wish they were me

         We have the strength to do what we think is right
         Even if it means putting up a life long fight

         You see we are not controlled by a mini skirt and tight shirt
         We are given only respect, and never treated like dirt
              
         We are the ones that are free and pure
         We're free of STD's that have no cure

         So when people ask you how you feel about the hood
         Just sum it up by saying 'baby its all good'

-Author Unknown