Across the globe, more Muslim women are lacing up their hiking boots, donning their hijabs, and heading into the great outdoors, challenging stereotypes and embracing a new wave of adventure and empowerment. What started as a niche movement has rapidly gained momentum, as these women redefine what it means to be both adventurous and devout in today’s society.
While outdoor recreation has historically been a space dominated by specific cultural norms and gender expectations, Muslim women are now claiming their place on hiking trails, mountain tops, and through forests, proving that the desire to connect with nature transcends boundaries. Their participation is breaking down misconceptions about the intersection of faith, modesty, and physical activity.
Many Muslim women who wear the hijab face challenges when it comes to participating in outdoor sports, particularly due to concerns over finding appropriate gear and accommodations. However, several organizations and outdoor brands are stepping up to meet this demand by creating clothing that respects modesty while providing the performance and comfort needed for activities like hiking, climbing, and cycling.
One of the trailblazers in this movement is 28-year-old Rania Fawaz, an avid hiker and advocate for Muslim women’s access to the outdoors. Fawaz, who regularly shares her hiking journeys on social media, highlights how wearing modest clothing doesn’t prevent her from experiencing the beauty of nature. “I grew up with the idea that nature is a reflection of the Creator’s work, and hiking allows me to connect with that,” Fawaz says. “There’s nothing more liberating than being in nature and embracing who you truly are.”
This surge in outdoor participation is also attributed to the rise of organizations like Muslim Hikers and Hijabi Hikers, which aim to create inclusive spaces for Muslim women interested in outdoor activities. These organizations not only provide resources and community but also organize group hikes, where Muslim women from various backgrounds can come together and share experiences. Through these group outings, participants often bond over shared cultural experiences while also pushing each other to tackle new challenges.
In addition to social media and grassroots movements, more professional athletes are emerging from this growing trend. One notable figure is Maria Tawfik, a professional climber who is breaking records while challenging the stereotypes associated with women in extreme sports. Tawfik, who wears a hijab while climbing, says her journey in the sport is about more than just scaling mountains—it’s about showing young Muslim girls that they, too, can push boundaries. “The hijab doesn’t stop me from doing what I love. It empowers me to do more,” Tawfik states. “I want other Muslim women to know that they don’t have to choose between their faith and their passions.”
As this movement gains traction, the outdoor industry is increasingly acknowledging the need for more inclusive gear and experiences. Brands are now developing hijab-friendly activewear, modest swimsuits, and even headscarves designed specifically for rigorous outdoor activities, offering greater freedom for Muslim women to participate without feeling compromised.
For many Muslim women, outdoor activities like hiking represent much more than physical exercise—they are acts of self-expression, spiritual connection, and personal growth. Hiking, for instance, provides an opportunity to reconnect with nature, reflect in solitude, or build a sense of camaraderie with others.
Through their journeys, these women are challenging conventional ideas of what it means to be both Muslim and outdoorsy. And as the movement continues to grow, it’s clear that the hills are alive with the sound of Muslim women’s footsteps, confident and proud, showing that adventure has no boundaries—especially when it comes to faith, identity, and self-expression.
As more Muslim women embrace the outdoors, they are not just changing the narrative—they are inspiring others to break free from societal expectations and follow their own paths, wherever those paths may lead.
