Non-Muslim Perspectives on Hijab in Randa Abdel-Fattah’s Does My Head Look Big in This?

Abstract

This study investigates non-Muslim perceptions of the hijab as depicted in Randa Abdel-Fattah’s novel Does My Head Look Big in This?. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research analyzes the novel and relevant scholarly articles to explore how the hijab is represented and interpreted within a Western multicultural context. Findings indicate that many non-Muslims in Australia frequently associate the hijab with negative stereotypes, such as oppression, extremism, and lack of freedom. The novel vividly portrays the challenges faced by Muslim women who wear the hijab in public spaces, as well as the prejudice and misunderstanding they encounter. By applying Stuart Hall’s representation theory, this study interprets the hijab as a cultural symbol that communicates identity, faith, and resistance, yet is often distorted by dominant social discourses. The analysis reveals that the hijab becomes a site of ideological tension between self-expression and societal expectations. Ultimately, this research emphasizes the importance of understanding the hijab from multiple perspectives to challenge misconceptions, foster cross-cultural empathy, and encourage a more inclusive perception of Muslim identity in Western societies.