Hawzah News Agency (UK, London) - A Muslim mum is challenging other British women to try on the traditional hijab headscarf to see what it’s like to feel excluded or abused.

She is challenging British mums to try tying a scarf or shawl and spending 15 minutes in public to see if they are treated any differently.

Mum-of-two Nilufa, Dahlia started the appeal after she was attacked in her local supermarket.

She was shouted at by another customer who told her ‘you make my skin twitch’ after seeing her wearing the headdress.

And while most people are not abusive, non-Muslims can be reluctant to approach, chat or make friends with women who wear the hijab, Nilly adds.

Nilufa, from Brighton, East Sussex, explains: ‘Plenty of people wear things on their heads – from baseball caps to elegant hats.

‘From Dot Cotton in East Enders to The Queen’s scarf, covering your hair really isn’t a big deal. I want people to see past the scarf and see the person.’

She hopes the challenge will allow people of all faiths to ‘See what it feels like to be stared at, pointed at, whispered about or even abused’.

Using her video and challenge, Nilufa also aims to challenge stereotypes and myths about the hijab.

‘This isn’t about pretending to be a Muslim – it’s simply to show what women like me have to go through.’

She adds: ‘Many people think Muslim women are forced to wear the hijab, but we’re not – hijab just means to dress modestly – and Muslim men have to adhere to it too.

‘By wearing a headscarf we hope to encourage people to get to know the real person inside, rather than concentrating on appearance.’

Nilufa, who blogs for ChannelMum.com, says: ‘The irony is everyone is happy to talk if I have a hat or even a towel on my head, so why not a hijab? I’m the same person underneath.

‘My aim is for people to realize it’s just a bit of cloth. Some people wear hijab, accept it and move on. See past the scarf and see the person.’