We immigrated to Canada fourteen years ago. It was the year that affected world peace in the worst way possible; it was the year 9/11 happened. A bunch of suicide bombers claiming to be “Muslims” hijacked a plane that eventually crashed into the Twin Towers. Hundreds of people lost their precious lives and many families were left to live with a hole in their hearts without their loved ones. There have been many conspiracy theories about this incident, some claiming it to be an inside job, however what emerged as a result of the horrific incident is a term, or concept, called: Islamic terrorism.
Although we weren’t in the United States, it was a rather scary time period in Canada as well where incidents of random people pulling hijabs off Muslim girls’ heads were being reported. I used to cover my head in those days, not with a hijab per say but, with a dupatta every time I went outdoors. I was recommended by a few women in the community to stop doing it for the sake of my safety and security. They wanted me to “assimilate” into the “Canadian society” where no one could identify me as a “Muslim”.