Muslim French Students Challenge Stereotypes About Hijab and Faith

While the debate on the veil continues to fuel controversy, Faïza and Sofia each assume their choice. French women of Muslim faith, both young women perceive the veil as a religious sign among many others and, above all, as a personal approach and not as a constraint.

Faïza, 21, a student in Hispanic Literature and History, has chosen not to wear a veil, but admits to being in full solidarity with women who do. Even without wearing a headscarf, "I am constantly questioned about my religion, I am labeled a ’moderate Muslim’," she says. And yet, according to her, "the Muslim woman, like other women, is diverse, plural and has the freedom to make the choice. In Islam, there is this concept of free will and so everyone chooses to practice their religion as they see fit," she affirms.

For her part, Sofia, 25, a medical student, who wears the veil, evokes a personal choice. According to her, wearing the veil does not augur the degree of faith of the one who wears it. "The fact of wearing the veil scared my parents and my loved ones who feared that I would suffer Islamophobia. It is very limiting, the fact of being defined by one’s clothing or even worse, one’s religion. I am labeled a political Muslim," she laments.