Muslim Girls in Chicago Celebrate Faith Through Sports
A New Era of Inclusion
On a frigid Sunday at a gym in Naperville, a group of teenage girls doing basketball drills practices dribbling. “Lower, lower,” Aminah Chaudhary shouts over the bouncing balls, showing them how to sink into a squat. After a water break, most of the girls put on their hoodies, form a line at the center of the court, get down on their knees and begin to pray. Chaudhary joins them.
It’s a sign of a major shift among Muslim girls in the Chicago area. Muslim community leaders say participation in youth sports like basketball is on the rise and that these girls are playing while celebrating their Muslim identity, not hiding it.
A New Law, a New Era
In 2021, an Illinois law took effect allowing students to wear hijabs, leggings and long sleeves without having to request a waiver from their school district. Muslim Civic Coalition president Dilara Sayeed, whose group helped draft the law, says it’s given them the chance “to play in uniforms that meet their faith traditions and not have to constantly be seeking approval to do it.”
iDrive Faith + Athletics
Around that time, a number of basketball leagues in the suburbs aimed at Muslim girls sprang up. Chaudhary started iDrive Faith + Athletics in Woodridge in 2021 to teach basetball to young Muslim girls, recruiting players from her mosque.
A Coach’s Journey
Chaudhary fell in love with basketball early, watching Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman lead the Bulls to championships in the 1990s. She dreamed about wanting to become the first girl to play alongside her idols in the NBA. As a teenager, Chaudhary wore the same uniform as her basketball teammates in Lombard.
Practicing Faith and Basketball
Jannat Bhatti and other girls practice their dribbling.
Muslimah Ballerz
Shamsa Jafri, who was sitting in the bleachers, watching her two daughters train with Chaudhary, says that, when she was their age, “It wasn’t even heard of in sports to be able to wear clothing that would align with our religion.” When Nooreen Makda, 14, started playing basketball in a northwest suburban park district league three years ago, she faced awkward questions about her modest clothing choices and the traditions she followed to practice her faith.
A New Generation of Muslim Athletes
Aisha Shahid, Aisha Siddiqui, Rania Shahid and Rawd Aboubakr warm up for basketball practice at Woodridge Athletic Recreation Center as part of the iDrive Faith + Athletics program.
Conclusion
The surge in participation in youth sports by Muslim girls in the Chicago area is a testament to the power of inclusion and the importance of celebrating one’s faith. With leagues like iDrive Faith + Athletics and Muslimah Ballerz, these girls are not only playing the sports they love but also embracing their identities and traditions.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the Illinois law allowing students to wear hijabs, leggings and long sleeves without a waiver?
A: The law gives Muslim students the freedom to wear clothing that meets their faith traditions without having to constantly seek approval.
Q: What is iDrive Faith + Athletics?
A: iDrive Faith + Athletics is a basketball league for young Muslim girls started by Aminah Chaudhary in 2021.
Q: What is Muslimah Ballerz?
A: Muslimah Ballerz is a basketball league for Muslim girls started by Junaid Makda in 2022.
Q: What is the significance of the surge in participation in youth sports by Muslim girls in the Chicago area?
A: The surge is a testament to the power of inclusion and the importance of celebrating one’s faith.
