Aaminah Abdrabboh, a 12-year-old from Dearborn, has etched her name in history as she clinched the gold medal while proudly donning her hijab at the recent PAN Kids jiu-jitsu tournament held in Kissimmee, Florida. Her remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone, breaking barriers and paving the way for girls who wear the hijab in the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation competitions.
The regulation that once prohibited hijab wear during these competitions was finally revoked in 2014. This pivotal decision liberated Muslim girls like Aaminah, sparing them from the agonizing choice between their faith and their passion for sports.
In her conversation with the Detroit Free Press, Aaminah expressed her elation, saying, “I was super happy because people weren’t allowed to do that, like people who wear a scarf, like a hijab, they weren’t allowed to do that 10 years ago. So, I was happy that I could show people that, with a hijab, you can do anything.”
Aaminah’s achievement is woven into the tale of her family’s unwavering commitment to the sport. Her parents, Professor Mohammad Abdrabboh and Nancy Marini, co-owners of Metro Jiu-Jitsu in Southgate, have fostered an environment of dedication and perseverance. Aaminah, along with her three siblings, competes in the realm of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, with three of them competing while wearing the hijab.
Navigating challenges: The nature of jiu-jitsu can place hijab-wearing competitors at a disadvantage, given the need to readjust the scarf during matches. Mohammad Abdrabboh elaborated on this challenge, stating that the necessity to readjust the hijab can disrupt the ability to defend oneself effectively.
Nevertheless, with unwavering discipline and relentless hard work, Aaminah showcased her exceptional prowess and determination. She triumphed over obstacles and didn’t allow the hijab to be an excuse, despite its legitimate challenges. Following her groundbreaking victory, Aaminah’s mother, Nancy Marini, reached out to Caroline De Lazzer, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who initiated a petition in 2011 to abolish the hijab ban. Marini expressed gratitude for this significant change that has opened doors for young athletes.
Breaking barriers: Marini highlighted the profound impact of bans on participation in sports. Closed doors deter potential athletes from even entering the realm of competition. She noted, “There’s so many people that could potentially have been winners over the years, but because they knew the ban in place, why would they try?”
Islam’s perspective on the hijab transcends it as a mere religious symbol, emphasizing it as a mandatory code of attire. A variety of factors, including religious, cultural, and ethnic considerations, shape Muslims’ engagement in sports. Generally, Islam underscores the importance of maintaining good health and fitness, encouraging both men and women to actively participate in physical activities to foster healthy lifestyles.