California, 29 Rajab 1436/18 May 2015 (MINA) – A California Muslim student has been praised for making a simple and hilarious high school yearbook quote that sheds light on her Islamic hijab in a creative way.
“I didn’t expect it to get that viral,” Rafika Alami, a senior at Summit High School in Fontana said, On Islam quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.
“I’m really excited and happy. It’s a great way to end my senior year.
“I wrote it because I thought it would be funny. I meant it in no way offensively.”
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The 17-year-old Muslim student mixed humor, religion and culture in a quote that was attached to her yearbook picture.
“Only reason I wear this is to give you females a chance,” the Summit High School senior wrote.
The quote that refers to hijab, worn by Alami since sixth grade, went viral on Tumbler and Twitter.
Tweeted under the nickname Fefe, the unique quote has been retweeted more than 20,000 times.
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While most of the reactions were positive, the Muslim student got some racist comments.
“The funniest and probably the smoothest reaction I got was from two people,” she said.
“They quoted my tweet and said ‘Will you give me a chance?’ It was cute.”
When asked if any senior could top her quote, confident Alami said, “I’m not sure if they can, but I challenge everyone to try.”
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Since the 9/11 attacks, US Muslims, estimated between 6-8 million, have complained of discrimination and stereotyping in their communities due to their Islamic attire or identities.
Additionally, a Pew Research Center study, Public Remains Conflicted Over Islam, has revealed that the majority of Americans know very little about Muslims and their faith.
A Gallup poll also found that the majority of US Muslims are patriotic and loyal to their country and are optimistic about their future.
Another Economist/YouGov poll found that a 73 percent of Americans believe that US Muslims are victims of discrimination amid recent attacks against the community. (T/P006/R04)
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Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)
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