MAPLE GROVE, Minn. — On a frigid January morning with temperatures dipping to subzero levels, Ruqayah Nasser experienced the thrill of snow tubing for the first time at a local Minnesota park. Ice crystals settled on her eyelashes, parka hood, beanie, and headscarf as she took a brief respite. Nasser, who recently relocated to the Twin Cities from Chicago and whose roots trace back to Yemen, was among a group of two dozen participants gathered to engage in seasonal activities aimed at bringing Somali-American Muslim women outdoors, cultivated by a mother in Minneapolis.
“They understand my lifestyle. I don’t have to explain myself,” Nasser shared, emphasizing how her faith is central to her identity. The hijab, being a prominent symbol of the Muslim faith, often invites mixed reactions. While many women wear it as an expression of modesty and religious devotion, some view it as a marker of oppression. In various sporting arenas, athletes adhering to Islamic principles have frequently faced challenges regarding necessary accommodations that respect their beliefs and practices.
Driven by a desire to foster safety and community among women, particularly those who wear head coverings, Nasrieen Habib initiated a hiking group three years ago after sharing a post on social media. The initial response from just nine women has blossomed into the Amanah Rec Project, boasting over 700 members today. The initiative includes a dedicated space for Muslim women to promote sisterhood and modesty, as well as family-oriented events. Participants engage in weekly outings and plan longer excursions while also providing education on appropriate winter apparel—a common hurdle for many immigrants—alongside discussions on health and environmental sustainability, framed through an Islamic perspective.
“It’s about living life in accordance to a set of beliefs and rules, which includes caring for our environment,” Habib stated as her young son enjoyed a break from tubing at Elm Creek Park Reserve. She highlighted the urgent need to address climate change, particularly its impact on marginalized populations in the Global South.
Ruun Mahamud and Nawal Hirsi, two sisters who immigrated from Somalia as children, found solace in Minnesota, which has become a thriving hub for East African refugees and a vocal Muslim community since the late 1990s. Representative Ilhan Omar notably became the first U.S. lawmaker to wear a hijab on the House floor, and Minneapolis was the first major city in the nation to enable public broadcast of the Islamic call to prayer from its mosques.
While Hirsi feels “safe and accepted” in her hijab, she values the additional camaraderie gained from the group. “I love being outdoors, and participating in this group has helped me feel more comfortable,” she remarked. Her sister, Mahamud, echoed her enthusiasm, exclaiming how marvelous the tubing experience was, captured by their daughters on their phones.
Incorporating a love for nature and physical activity into their children’s religious upbringing is essential for the sisters. “Maintaining one’s health is an aspect of our beliefs,” Hirsi affirmed.
According to Umer Hussain, a professor specializing in the intersection of religion and sports, Muslim women donning hijabs face numerous obstacles in engaging with sports. These span from mixed-gender activities to family disapproval for participating in certain types of physical engagement. Initiatives like Habib’s focus on empowering these women and raising awareness about necessary accommodations, including the need for single-gender spaces and prayer areas.
“The most significant barrier for women is gaining access to venues that respect our religious practices while maintaining our modesty, in line with Islamic principles,” Habib noted, which shows the substantial need for such community efforts.
Makiya Amin appreciates the hiking group for fulfilling a long-standing desire to connect with other outdoor enthusiasts. “When she announced the hiking group, I felt like I had found something I had been yearning for,” Amin said as she ascended the tubing hill clad in a long skirt and a vibrant headscarf.
For Isho Mohamed, the group has provided not only outdoor adventures but also a platform for meaningful conversations, especially as someone who typically avoids leaving her home. “It’s a safe space that encourages me to step out of my comfort zone,” she reflected, mentioning how outings merge discussions about their immigrant experiences with spiritual connection and prayer.
Jorida Latifi, originally from Albania, commented on the camaraderie felt within the group. After joining over a year ago, she partakes in activities almost weekly. “With my Muslim sisters, they really comprehend what you experience regarding clothing and hijabs,” she said, expressing how it feels akin to being surrounded by family.
