As part of Ramadan challenges organised by the New York-based World Hijab Day Organisation, non-Muslims in over 25 countries observed the annual Fast for Unity. The challenge is in solidarity with Muslims across the world and against rising Islamophobia.
The World Hijab Day Organization is a non-profit group that aims to counter discrimination against Muslims.
The fasting challenge prompts non-Muslims to fast for as many days as they want during Ramadan. It can be one or two days. It can be 10 days or all 30 days to experience how Muslims fast and go on a spiritual journey of self-reflection, and self-discipline. Participants will be taking a stand against Islamophobia, reported Arab News.
The challenge began on April 2, the first day of Ramadan.
British Singer Kate Stables participated in the challenge for the second year. She wrote on Instagram that there is a lot to learn from changing gear completely for a month. "As the name suggests, #FastForUnity is an initiative to dismantle Islamophobia and to join us together in our communities regardless of religion or differences". She added that everyone should have more acceptance and empathy.
Another challenge, the 30-Day Ramadan Hijab Challenge is also being observed by many across the world in order to raise awareness against the discrimination faced by hijabis. One of the participants from Belgium wrote on Instagram that everyone deserves to wear what they want to wear.
The organisation World Hijab Day was founded in 2013. It has also launched a campaign to raise money to support the efforts to foster healthy environments for Muslim students in the US. The non-profit has seen an increase in donations during the last 10 days of Ramadan, reported Arab News.
The donations will be used to create educational workshops for schools to promote safer and more inclusive environments for Muslim students.