Madihah Haq is showing us that faith and passion can coexist
Whether it’s photographers or scientists, politicians or boxers, Ummahsonic we’ve covered a lot of women who have broken stereotypes and boundaries. Therefore, we were really happy to see that Madihah Haq, was wearing the hijab with pride as a finalist for Miss Lancashire.
Currently studying for a degree in bio-medical science at the University of Central Lancashire at the University of Central Lancashire, the Muslim teenager has harbored dreams of modelling all her life. Haq saw entering the competition as an opportunity to breakdown stereotypes, she explained; “Wearing a hijab defines me and my religion but it does not stop me from living my dream.” In fact, Madihah is only the second your woman to wear a hijab in the competition, “Many girls feel as though they cannot pursue their dream due to feeling restricted from wearing it…I am the same person with and without the hijab. My personality, my character, my attitude and mindset are still the same – a headscarf does not change who I am, nor does it stop me from pursuing my dreams.”
Madihah told us exclusively, “I feel like I want to get the message out to the other girls that wear the hijab as well because I know quite a lot of girls who feel they are restricted from taking part in beauty pageants because they think that the hijab is going to stop them.”
However, Madihah is not content at just acting as an inspiration, she has also raised more than £500 for Variety, a children’s charity which helps support children and young people throughout the UK who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged. Her efforts were well received by the judges and she came away winning Miss Charity.
At Ummahsonic, we think that Madihah is an absolute inspiration and it’s great to see that she is able to combine both her passion and faith. We think she summed it up brilliantly when she says “I believe that you can still wear your hijab and still do whatever you want in life. As long as obviously, you remember your religion. It shouldn’t stop you.”
If you want to find out more aboutMadihah make sure you check out our video.
The event, which took place at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, was put on by London-based Doctor, Fahreen Mir, and human rights barrister, Sultana Tafadar.
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