Four Kiwi-Muslim artists reflect on their work, identity, and the month of Ramadan
Meet Ilham, Rae, Saynab and Hannah
On the 3rd of April, Muslims around the world welcomed Ramadan, our most holy month of the Islamic calendar. It’s a month of spiritual reflection, and even though we fast from eating or drinking anything (yes, not even water), and control our impulses from sunrise to sunset, it’s the time of the year many look forward to. There are exceptions of course, for people who are sick, need medication, pregnant, menstruating, or traveling. I’ve been fasting for eight years now, and every year I learn something new about myself and the world around me. Even when I wasn’t well enough to fast, I couldn’t escape the calming vibes the month brought on.
Saying no to that Monday morning coffee teaches patience.
Not drinking water in the midday heat, knowing that water is a human necessity so many in the world don’t have access to, teaches gratitude.
Controlling your hangry self teaches resilience.
I spoke to four Muslim women in Aotearoa, all extremely talented, up and coming women carving their spaces in the art, fashion, and culture industries in Auckland. Here is what they have to say about being Muslim in this country, their experiences, and what this month means to them.
Left to right :
Ilham. Artist, small business owner. @areatedby_i and @rahayahcollection
Rae Sacha, makeup artist @rae_makeup
Saynab. Photographer. @saynab.muse
Hannah. Design developer, design researcher, stylist. @hannahwearsthings
What made you choose this line of work?
Hannah: I chose to work in the fashion industry because of my love for fabric, colour and styling. I got this passion from my mother, who I've always admired for how she dresses and how she does it modestly. I didn't do quite well with sitting down in big lecture halls, especially at the age of 18. I needed to work with my hands and be in a creative industry. So after years of exploring university degree pathways, I decided this is what I wanted to do.
Saynab: I am a Deaf Muslim woman, so I chose to study photography and work as a photographer because it is my way of telling stories that are visual. I work on photography projects that tell stories about Muslim culture. This is very important to me. I want to show New Zealand and the world what Muslim culture is about, and that it is peaceful.
Ilham: [Stereotype ahead] - most Muslim parents want their children to be engineers, doctors, or lawyers, right? Well, I am neither. I chose to pursue a future in creative technologies; disappointing, right? I don't think so. To be fair, I chose this pathway as it was something I am passionate about and will live my life doing it, so I might as well enjoy it and give it my all. I was interested in performing arts, painting, and graphic design. I felt like art provided a medium to express myself, and I was good at it. With time, I was able to refine my skills.
I am currently studying for my master's degree in Creative Technologies, a multi-disciplinary programme across the business, computer science and arts. I chose this line of work so that I can equip myself with the right resources and skills to create a business. I currently own a small business that has been launched recently. It focuses on the empowerment of Muslim women wearing hijab; an instant hijab that takes a minute to wear, with a silk/satin lining interior that promotes healthy hair growth.
Rae: I have always had an interest in fashion and beauty from a young age. My childhood home was above a convenience store and I remember flicking through the pages of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar and feeling inspired by the beauty images. No doubt that was a subtle nudge for me to step into the beauty world.
“I have always had an interest in fashion and beauty from a young age. My childhood home was above a convenience store and I remember flicking through the pages of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar and feeling inspired by the beauty images.”
Rae Sacha, photographed by Holly Burgess
What has been a highlight in your career so far?
Hannah: A highlight in my career is making connections with others similar to you, who have the same passions and goals. I've only begun working in the industry this year, but I am looking forward to my journey and all the paths it may possibly go.
Saynab: I love all the exhibitions that I have been involved in around Auckland and Wellington. My main highlight is publishing my photography book, Imaanshaha, through PhotoForum. The book is about migration to New Zealand.
Ilham: The highlight in my career so far is the launch of my business. So many sleepless nights, research and hard work went into it and to see it come to life has been an amazing experience. I would do it all over again, and I consider it a wholesome experience as I have been preparing for this for several years. I advise anyone who has a passion for starting their own business to just do it. There is nothing to lose. Even failure turns out to be a lesson.
Rae: This is always difficult to answer as I have worked with so many incredible talent and creatives so far in my career. Some standouts for me is having my work featured in Vogue Australia for the closing announcement of Georgia Alice. I've always been a huge fan of her clothing so it’s special when there’s meaning attached to my work. I’m incredibly inspired and lucky to work with my industry friends Holly Burgess, Rob Tennent and Apela Bell who always trust my work creatively. And lastly, collaborating with Diet Paratha for a Vogue India feature was so special.
“I am a Deaf Muslim woman, so I chose to study photography and work as a photographer because it is my way of telling stories that are visual. I work on photography projects that tell stories about Muslim culture. This is very important to me. I want to show New Zealand and the world what Muslim culture is about, and that it is peaceful. ”
What challenges have you faced as a Muslim in your line of work?
Hannah: A challenge that I am currently facing, besides having no available prayer room or Ramadan working hours, would actually be in not feeling confident enough to dress more modestly. I've recently been dressing more modestly during the weekends, but surprisingly I am finding it difficult to practise it during work. I’m afraid of the looks or judgments, or just not being the type of 'Muslim' they wanted to hire. I may be completely wrong about my own assumptions of them, I probably am but working in a predominantly non-Muslim workplace I think it's natural to feel this way.
Saynab: I live in both the hearing and deaf worlds. It has been hard to communicate with hearing people about my work but I can lip read. I am trying to show both the hearing world and deaf people that we can do it, Muslim and deaf people can do anything. It is important to me to show them proof of this through my work.
Ilham: There has been a lack of representation of Muslim Women in STEM, leadership and entrepreneurship. There weren't many Muslim entrepreneurs for me to look up to growing up, whether in my family, community, or the media. I have seen a lack of representation due to being in environments where I felt left out as I was the only Muslim woman in attendance.
I think that has made it more difficult for Muslim women to pave their own way to success, and sometimes it is not only our workplace that can be like that, but for some of us, our ethnic and religious communities can be an obstacle to our success. Islam is not against women working or engaging themselves in business-related activities. However, sometimes people bring personal bias, opinions, cultural aspects and converse them into religious ones.
Rae: I am fortunate enough to have built a network of clients and friends in the industry who are supportive of who I am and what I do. For me, my religion hasn’t been a barrier as much compared to me being a POC and a woman. However, I am aware of Muslim women who observe the hijab and are faced with challenges in their workplace. I think the terms inclusivity and diversity are easily thrown around, but not completely honored. There’s still a lot of work to be done in that sense.
“I’m afraid of the looks or judgments, or just not being the type of ‘Muslim’ they wanted to hire. I may be completely wrong about my own assumptions of them, I probably am but working in a predominantly non-Muslim workplace I think it’s natural to feel this way. ”
@hannahwearsthings
How has your faith supported you in your creative pursuits?
Hannah: My faith is what gives me purpose in the industry. I remember being young and always looking for a fashionable hijabi I could relate to. Because of my faith, I am able to connect with young Muslims and become a part of the representation for them that was completely non-existent when I was younger.
Saynab: Because of my faith I have felt confident and proud to join more exhibitions because I want to show New Zealand who I am.
Ilham: Personally, I sense that the Muslim population are not considered in technological or innovative advancements. As a Muslim woman, I can offer substantial experience and knowledge in the creative industries. I believe other Muslim women or men can do the same, provided they are given the right resources and platforms with the freedom to expand their creative skills and thinking.
My faith has supported me in my creative pursuits as I am currently researching sportswear for Muslim women. My focus is designing a garment inclusive of the hijab. Sports and fitness can reduce Islamophobia, help mental health, build strength, and help adjust resettlement to a new country. The garments will help Muslim women by providing the right design considerations so the clothing can promote physical health—in turn, helping other areas of life, including mental well-being, social and community values, to their lives.
Rae: My faith is like my compass and my anchor. Whenever I’m approached for work I like to determine whether the job and the story attached to the shoot aligns with my personal ethics.
“Sports and fitness can reduce Islamophobia, help mental health, build strength, and help adjust resettlement to a new country. The garments will help Muslim women by providing the right design considerations so the clothing can promote physical health—in turn, helping other areas of life, including mental well-being, social and community values, to their lives. ”
What does Ramadan mean to you?
Hannah: Ramadan is a time to renew my intentions. It's a month where my only goal is to get closer with God and begin new healthy habits. Though on a personal level I struggle with fasting during work hours because my energy levels are low to begin with. If only we could get a lockdown Ramadan like we did in 2020. I remember that Ramadan was the most peaceful one for me. Alhamdulilah (thank God) though, this year I am flatting with a house filled with Muslim girls and I'm sure that will make things easier for me.
Saynab: Ramadan is a special time for me. It is a time for our community to come together and to improve our relationship with God.
Ilham: Growing up, I started fasting at the age of 9, and I didn't quite understand the concept of Ramadan and what the reason for fasting was meant to be. Resentment started growing in me, and I often dreaded the months passing to the start of Ramadan. I can imagine why non-Muslims think it is absurd for one to fast for an entire month. But as I grew older and became familiar with the topic, my mindset changed entirely. I understood how Ramadan is more than just fasting - it is a month of abstaining from things considered impure for the mind and body, releasing one from tensions, greed, hunger, and lust. Fasting allows people to understand the pain and suffering of millions of lives worldwide who live in poverty and famine. It is a moment where we simultaneously empathise with the less fortunate and give back to them.
We all know how it is living in a fast-changing world, with technology, easy transport, study, work and food in every direction. Ramadan provides me with a chance to metaphorically pause time and cherish moments, be grateful for what I have, and share that while bringing me closer to religion. It is a chance to empathise with the less fortunate and give back to communities.
Rae: The beauty of having one month in a year to reflect, renew intentions, find stillness and calm, to be more mindful and reconnect with my spiritually is incredibly humbling. Ramadan for me is more than just fasting from dawn to dusk, it’s that gentle nudge to try and better myself. There’s also the community aspect of Ramadan which I love, that is the simplicity of breaking fast with friends and family, and the acknowledgment of helping those in our global community who are in need.
“I understood how Ramadan is more than just fasting - it is a month of abstaining from things considered impure for the mind and body, releasing one from tensions, greed, hunger, and lust. Fasting allows people to understand the pain and suffering of millions of lives worldwide who live in poverty and famine. It is a moment where we simultaneously empathise with the less fortunate and give back to them.”
Photographed by artist Saynab
Lastly, how can people who are not Muslim participate in Ramadan?
If you’re an employer with Muslim employees, allow them to work flexibly so they can work around they fasting hours. I personally like to start early and finish early, but everyone is different, so make sure you ask them what they need
Try fasting for a day. This is a bold one, but give it a go. You’ll be surprised at what you learn
Give in charity. As I said earlier, water is a human necessity that so many in the world don’t have access to. Donating to charities that build wells, or provide clean and safe water is a one of the many causes that align with a key learning from fasting
Practice mindfulness. Use this time to renew your own goals, practice the pause, and reflect on your life journey so far. Muslim or not Muslim, we’re all navigating a fast-paced and confusing world, so make space for yourself.
