Being a Muslim in the 21st century is a challenge as you’re stereotyped both by Non-Muslims and fellow Muslims alike. And if you’re a Muslim woman in a foreign country, quadruple it with racism, xenophobia, gender bias, and general typecasts. Half of the people judge you to be a Muslim while the other half judge you for not being Muslim enough. But none of these pigeonholes could stop Mahnaji, the real-life Burka Avenger.
Mahnaji is a hijabi urban explorer, roof-topper, adventurer, and photographer who is living her dreams. Despite being brown, a woman, and a Muslim in the United States of America, Mahnaji has successfully shattered the preconceived notions of what it means to be a Muslim woman in a far-away land. She climbs the highest points of Manhattan, the most densely populated borough of New York City, that too while carrying the grace of hijab.
Some people are like, you’re a Muslim woman, you’re a brown woman, and this is not what Muslim brown women do. This is what white boys do. I’m here to break that.
Mahnaji started her climbing journey in 2017. She began climbing in search of herself and choose urban exploration as she always wanted to do that. Since then, she has climbed buildings, cranes, towers and any other infrastructure she thinks is worth climbing.
When you are climbing, you really have to be present in the moment otherwise you are in danger.
Mahnaji also explorers abandoned places and tunnels. It’s her way of paying respect to things that were once great. In her exploring expeditions, she has traversed deserted buildings, theaters, railway tracks, and other forsaken places.
You just think about what once was. It’s very humbling because it reminds you that nothing lasts forever.
Growing up, Mahnaji saw a very small representation of Muslim women in media as Muslim women were discouraged to join the modeling, news, and entertainment. This encouraged her to go against all the odds and follow her dreams.
“I have a unique opportunity to use this position to do something greater, to challenge the people’s perception of women, of minorities, of Muslims, especially of Muslim women in Hijab.”
While most people attribute urban exploration and roof-topping to thrill and putting oneself in dangerous situations to the adrenaline rush, for Mahnaji it is about meditation, gaining clarity, and reconnecting. She thinks being able to see the past makes her see the world differently and look at it from above and below the ground.
To Mahnaji, her endeavors are largely about fulfilling curiosity and urge to look at the other side. She believes that climbing is for people who aren’t satisfied with ordinary life and want something more.
Most of the people she explores are white males in their early 20s or late teens. She often has to face discrimination due to her gender and religion.
We had a run-in with security and we sat down at the table and he looks at me and says, ‘you of all people shouldn’t be going this.’ They don’t ask them if they have nefarious intentions, but they ask me.
Mahnaji has managed to develop a large following on social media and her admirers are increasing day by day. She is very interactive with her followers and often accepts the climbing challenge given by her fans. She has certainly set the example and opened paths for others as other Muslim females are seen climbing with her.
Mahnaji believes her way of life can make a difference and put an end to the prejudices faced by minorities in The States.
“A lot of us are like black sheep of society, within our families or sub-community. We may not belong anywhere else but at least we can belong here together.”
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