A beauty contest for Muslim women? This was the first reaction I got when I asked my friend if he knows anything about the World Muslimah 2013. Unlike the more famous Miss World and Miss Universe, World Muslimah is ordinary beauty pageant. This contest was for Muslims only and the contestants wore headscarves and floor-sweeping gowns that covered their chests and shoulders.
Only on its third year, the pageant crowned Obabiyi Aishah Ajibola of Nigeria the Annual Award in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, 18 September 2013. Ajibola and the other top finalists shared their thoughts on the importance of motherhood, the dangers of the Internet, and the value of Islamic finance. They were vying for the "crown of modesty," a golden statue of a woman giving thanks to God and an all expenses paid trip to Mecca.
Organizers say World Muslimah is aimed at showcasing women who are smart, stylish, and display good Islamic morals. It is billed as an antidote to the Miss World pageant, which is taking place this week just 730 miles away on the resort island of Bali.
"This is an international event to appreciate women who have talent, dedication, and a reputation in their communities for being young, but also giving back to others," says Eka Shanti, the pageant's founder.
She says the pageant is based around sholehah, an Islamic term meaning someone who is pious, has good morals, and observes Islamic rules and codes. She calls it a "formula," for understanding the ideal woman, "regardless of your religion."
It is not intended as a challenge or in opposition to Miss World, says Ms. Shanti, but as a way of expelling negative stereotypes about Muslim women.
"People think we are against Miss World," she explained. "What we're against is nudity. For the sake of education, I want to give another example."
If you are a Muslim woman in full hijab with 18-27 years of age, have the ability to read Quran properly, has achievements in sports, academics, art, and culture. Willing to travel around the world for social, empowerment, and education programs then you are probably eligible to register to become the next World Muslimah.
Only on its third year, the pageant crowned Obabiyi Aishah Ajibola of Nigeria the Annual Award in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, 18 September 2013. Ajibola and the other top finalists shared their thoughts on the importance of motherhood, the dangers of the Internet, and the value of Islamic finance. They were vying for the "crown of modesty," a golden statue of a woman giving thanks to God and an all expenses paid trip to Mecca.
Organizers say World Muslimah is aimed at showcasing women who are smart, stylish, and display good Islamic morals. It is billed as an antidote to the Miss World pageant, which is taking place this week just 730 miles away on the resort island of Bali.
"This is an international event to appreciate women who have talent, dedication, and a reputation in their communities for being young, but also giving back to others," says Eka Shanti, the pageant's founder.
She says the pageant is based around sholehah, an Islamic term meaning someone who is pious, has good morals, and observes Islamic rules and codes. She calls it a "formula," for understanding the ideal woman, "regardless of your religion."
It is not intended as a challenge or in opposition to Miss World, says Ms. Shanti, but as a way of expelling negative stereotypes about Muslim women.
"People think we are against Miss World," she explained. "What we're against is nudity. For the sake of education, I want to give another example."
If you are a Muslim woman in full hijab with 18-27 years of age, have the ability to read Quran properly, has achievements in sports, academics, art, and culture. Willing to travel around the world for social, empowerment, and education programs then you are probably eligible to register to become the next World Muslimah.