.svg)
For decades, the hijab was misunderstood by the West as a symbol of oppression. However, as we move through 2026, the narrative has shifted dramatically. The hijab is no longer just a religious obligation; it has become a global symbol of resistance against the commodification of women's bodies. From the boardrooms of Dubai to the boxing rings of Paris, and the digital detox of former superstars, influential women are proving that covering up is the boldest way to stand out.
This is not just a list of names; it is a chronicle of a quiet revolution.
The Radical Shift: Trading Fame for Faith
The most viral stories of late 2025 and early 2026 haven't been about who stepped into the spotlight, but who stepped out of it to find God.
Halima Aden: The Ultimate Sacrifice
While the world knew Halima Aden as the first hijab-wearing supermodel to grace the covers of Vogue and walk for Yeezy, her story took a profound turn in July 2025. In a move that shocked the fashion industry, Aden announced she was donning the Niqab and stepping away from the public eye entirely.
"Niqab on. Voice off," she declared, archiving her social media presence. Aden’s journey from breaking barriers in fashion to prioritizing her spiritual relationship over worldly applause remains one of the most powerful statements of the decade. She didn't just wear the hijab; she proved that faith is non-negotiable, even when the world offers you millions to compromise.
Nuray Istiqbal (formerly Rae Lil Black): The Unlikely Convert
Perhaps the most viral transformation of 2025 was that of Japanese influencer Nuray Istiqbal. Formerly known as Rae Lil Black, she stunned her millions of followers by announcing her conversion to Islam after a soul-searching journey in Malaysia. By 2026, Nuray has fully embraced modest fashion and the hijab, using her massive platform to educate her audience about the peace she found in Islam. Her pivot from a controversial past to a life of piety challenges every stereotype about who can be a Muslim, proving that redemption and guidance are open to all.
Zarnish Khan: Leaving the Glitz of Lollywood
Following in the footsteps of Zaira Wasim and Sana Khan, Pakistani actress Zarnish Khan recently bid farewell to a lucrative acting career. After performing Umrah, she scrubbed her social media of her showbiz past, choosing to use her influence solely to promote Islamic values. Her decision highlights a growing trend among South Asian celebrities who are finding that the glitz of the entertainment industry pales in comparison to the spiritual fulfillment of the Deen.
The Titans of Industry: Leading with Values
While some retreat for spirituality, others wear their hijab as they lead nations and billion-dollar empires.
Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg: The Matriarch of Business
A titan in the UAE, Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg continues to dominate in 2026. As the Managing Director of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, she isn't just running a family conglomerate; she is shaping the future of Dubai. In June 2025, she spearheaded a massive AED 14 million contribution to the 'Dubai Schools' project, ensuring the next generation receives top-tier education. Wearing her traditional veil, she remains a fixture on Forbes' power lists, proving that a woman can command boardrooms without compromising her cultural or religious identity.
Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr: The Architect of the Future
Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr remains the driving force behind the digital transformation of the region. As the former Director-General of Smart Dubai, her legacy continues to ripple through the city's "Paperless Strategy." In 2026, she stands as a global thought leader in digital governance. Her presence on the global stage dismantles the myth that Muslim women are behind the times; in Dr. Aisha's case, she is the one writing the code for the future.
Tina Rahimi: The Fighting Spirit
History was made at the Paris Olympics when Tina Rahimi became the first hijab-wearing boxer to represent Australia, securing a bronze medal. Rahimi’s influence extends far beyond the ring. She fights two battles: one against her opponent, and one against the stigma that Muslim women are passive. Her victory is a message to young girls everywhere that their hijab is not a hindrance to physical excellence—it is their armor.
The Influencers: Modesty in the Digital Age
Retta Adnan & Suzan AlSadi
The digital space continues to be dominated by women like Retta Adnan and Suzan AlSadi. Retta, a beauty mogul, and Suzan, a co-founder of Rozan Designs, are redefining "modest fashion" not as a niche, but as a luxury standard. They balance the tightrope of modern trends and religious obligation, showing millions of followers that you can love beauty and fashion while loving God first.
Hijabis Unsilenced
As we celebrate the "Hijabis Unsilenced" theme of the 2025-2026 World Hijab Day conference, it is clear that the hijab is more than a piece of cloth. It is a flag planted in the ground. Whether it is Halima Aden choosing silence, Nuray Istiqbal choosing a new life, or Raja Al Gurg choosing to lead, these women share one common truth: they answer to a higher calling, and in doing so, they have become the most influential voices in the world.
.jpg)
