Hijab & Basketball

Amina, an aspiring basketball athlete, moves to a new school in a new city. At first, Amina makes a friend in Jennifer by finding out that faith links them together. But, when Amina is teased about her head-scarf, Jennifer is swayed in her loyalty. Encouraged by a sympathetic mother, she tells the story of Nusaybah bint Ka’ab, a courageous woman who is remembered for her bravery in the face of religious persecution. Then, in an important basketball tournament Amina is asked to take off her head-scarf or she can’t play in the game. Will she take it off in the heat of the moment? Inspired by a true experience, this story is an excellent starting point for discussions on cultural differences, the subtleties of girl-on-girl bullying and respect for the beliefs of others.