🕌 “I Am Muslim — And I Prefer to Teach with My Headscarf On”
Interview with Fatima Zibouh, a Muslim Teacher in France
📖 Source: Rahyafteha.ir
🎙️ Originally published by Matin Primeber Magazine

Fatima Zibouh is a French Muslim teacher who insists on wearing her hijab while teaching — a choice that has sparked controversy in a country where the judicial system and much of society remain deeply opposed to visible expressions of Islamic faith in public institutions.
Despite criticism and pressure, Fatima continues to stand by her values, seeing her hijab not as a symbol of division, but as one of faith, freedom, and dignity.

🧕 “My Hijab Protects and Defines Me”

“I am Muslim, and I prefer to always wear my headscarf while teaching,” Fatima said. “My hijab covers me and protects me. The recent court decision allowing me to wear it in class was unprecedented — but it’s a positive step, showing that freedom of belief and expression can coexist with professionalism.

People must understand that a teacher wearing a hijab can educate as well as anyone else. It has nothing to do with her ability or intelligence.”

⚖️ On Neutrality and Secularism

Fatima acknowledges that the concept of neutrality in France’s secular system is often misunderstood:

“Neutrality is not a fixed idea — it must evolve with society. The real challenge is to maintain professional impartiality without suppressing personal identity. I don’t believe that a headscarf prevents me from being a fair and dedicated teacher.”

👩‍🏫 Gender Equality and Education

“My appearance matters to me, but not as a form of vanity — it’s part of my womanhood. Every day I fight against gender inequality and discrimination, not only in how I dress but through my actions.

Instead of obsessing over a piece of fabric on women’s heads, we should focus on real educational challenges — the lack of classrooms, social inequality, and the quality of education.”

💬 Responding to Feminist Criticism

Some French feminists, like Elisabeth Badinter, claim that the hijab is oppressive to women. Fatima strongly disagrees:

“Even within feminism, there are diverse voices. The real issue is discrimination against women who wear hijab — women who are qualified but excluded from jobs and reduced to housework.

Feminism should stand for the freedom to choose what to do with one’s own body.
Whether a woman decides to cover or uncover, it must be her choice. That’s the real meaning of equality.”

🧩 On the Niqab and Religious Extremism

“Personally, I prefer the term niqab to burqa, though it’s rarely seen in Brussels. I don’t like it, because it doesn’t represent Islam — it’s a patriarchal tradition from countries like Afghanistan or Saudi Arabia.

True Islam has no place for such oppression.
Freedom in public space should be preserved, but laws must not stigmatize specific communities under the pretext of security or order.”

🚫 Against Extremism and Salafism

“You only need to see my activism in anti-globalization, feminist, and anti-racist groups to know I reject Salafist ideas completely.
I am tired of people associating hijab-wearing women with fundamentalism — it’s ignorant and unfair.”

💬 Final Words

“I am proud of who I am — a Muslim, a woman, and a teacher. My hijab does not make me less capable; it simply makes me me.
France must learn that true freedom means allowing diversity, not silencing it.”

🌍 This interview with Fatima Zibouh highlights the ongoing tension between secularism and religious freedom in France — and the courage of Muslim women who stand firm in both their faith and their professions.

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