Images

This hijab-wearing Muslim is the first to compete in Miss England

This hijab-wearing Muslim is the first to compete in Miss England

Maria Mahmood hopes to change the negative perception of Muslims by participating in the beauty pageant
30 Mar, 2018

She's 20-years-old and she's hoping to change mindsets about Muslims through a beauty pageant.

Maria Mahmood is a psychology student from Birmingham who is the first hijab-wearing Muslim to compete in Miss England - now that she's through to the semi-finals.

"Muslims are associated with negative things like terrorism. I’m determined to do my bit to challenge those views," Maria told The Mirror.

"It's pretty rare for a Muslim woman to be in a beauty pageant but there’s nothing to stop us entering. I entered Miss Birmingham and the organisers were delighted to have a hijab-wearing Muslim in the competition. They fast-tracked me through to the final where I competed against 30 girls and came second. I couldn’t believe it," she said.

Maria hopes to become a social worker. Photo: The Mirror
Maria hopes to become a social worker. Photo: The Mirror

Though her family, friends and the Muslim community at large are supportive of her, she is aware that not all will approve of her decision.

"When I came runner-up, they were delighted for me. I’ve got three brothers and they’ve also been so good. Most people have been supportive. There have been a few negative comments and I’m fully expecting some criticism from old-timers and conservatives. But what I’m doing is empowering for Muslim women. I’m anticipating most people will back me," she added.

The 20-year-old is a psychology student. Photo: The Mirror
The 20-year-old is a psychology student. Photo: The Mirror

Speaking on the swimwear round, she said: "Obviously, I’m not going to parade on stage in a bikini as that is going against my religion and beliefs. I’ll wear a burkini."

The Miss England semi-final will be held in Newark, Notts, in July. If Maria bags the title, she'll be competing in Miss World.

Comments

Khalid_Toronto Mar 30, 2018 05:25pm
Hijab and then all that make up. Confused soul. I am not judging but either do one or the other. Don't turn it into a joke.
Recommend
F S Mar 30, 2018 05:40pm
Really?? This is not hijab for cryin' out loud. it's a scarf. Learn the difference people. These are two different things..
Recommend
Zafar Ahmed Mar 30, 2018 06:05pm
She is going to win the competition, for sure !
Recommend
THE MORNING STAR Mar 30, 2018 06:34pm
You go girl. Best of luck.
Recommend
Sana Mar 30, 2018 06:43pm
For positive image we need education, honesty, hard work to build a society which is compassionate, has strong economy, a strong judicial system and a robust army to protect us from external threats !!
Recommend
Saif Zulfiqar Mar 30, 2018 06:48pm
Nothing wrong if she can win the beautiful contest fully dressed.
Recommend
Waheed noor Mar 30, 2018 06:50pm
Why bother with this western thing?
Recommend
RationalBabu Mar 30, 2018 06:53pm
How long before some learned mullah declares a fatwa?
Recommend
Prapur Mar 30, 2018 07:03pm
Congrats. Beauty also means healthy & not obese which leads to many diseases. Why she can’t wear England summer dress? Hijab is not the the questionable but ideology is for sure. How you treat other’s faith has lot to do with Islamic faith than just culture.
Recommend
Ahmed ulIslam Mar 30, 2018 08:26pm
it doesn't matter whether you cover your head or not. what matters is what is inside.
Recommend
Adeeb Mar 30, 2018 09:33pm
This is time to give new meaning of this pageant contest of being human and not just a showoff of skin and curves.
Recommend
S.A.Khan Mar 30, 2018 10:07pm
I do not understand the fuss on wearing hijab it is a garment worn in the Middle-East as women hats in other parts of the world. Some design of hats are atrocious to my way of thinking
Recommend
Azad Mar 30, 2018 10:44pm
Good for her but doesn't wearing so much makeup & tightly fitted clothes defeat the purpose of wearing a Hijab?
Recommend
Khan Mar 30, 2018 10:59pm
Class
Recommend
Waheed Noor Mar 30, 2018 11:07pm
Most people seem to think the Western countries are somehow opposed to these Hjabs, Veils or Niquabs. Actually they are not but they want people to follow the law by not covering face when being photographed for a driver's license for eg. I have been living in the USA for decades. What people are opposed to is the lack of freedom to choose or the women being forced to wear these while men have no such requirements.
Recommend
Anwar Mahmood Mar 31, 2018 03:57am
Some girls can look more pretty when covered in hijab than when exposed face. The choice is hers to see how she can win.
Recommend
Saba alkhairy Mar 31, 2018 08:42am
Think you look beautiful! You go girl!
Recommend
Sadia Sami Mar 31, 2018 11:03am
I think it's very courageous to take such step , good luck
Recommend
Cuban cigar Apr 02, 2018 11:38am
Hijab means spatial partition or curtain which contradicts the display in a contest maybe it should be changed to a bandanna and a fashion statement, good luck to her. We
Recommend