Faryal Makhdoom: 'I am not a hijabi so stop expecting me to dress like one'

YouTube celebrity and former British boxer Amir Khan’s wife, Faryal Makhdoom, recently addressed criticism regarding her attire, which some critics argue conflicts with her Islamic faith.

Faryal maintains an active and vibrant presence on social media while also using her platform to express her views on the ongoing Israeli genocide against Palestinians.

Criticism arose after she posted an image on Instagram from her ‘unplanned’ Umrah pilgrimage immediately prior to attending the Red Sea International Film Festival, also taking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Faryal turned to her Instagram story to respond to the critics who highlighted the apparent contradiction between her attire for the event and her pilgrimage outfit.

She stated, “Even though I don’t need to explain myself to anyone I though I’d clarify one thing, I’ve been to Umrah many times before but this particular visit was unplanned, I had been invited to the Red Sea Film Festival so I flew down to attend, whilst I was there, I couldn’t visit Makkah which was 1hr away from me, so I went. My dress was pre–planned, my Umrah trip wasn’t. The comments I’m getting are absurd, my dress isn’t that revealing at all, and Is houldn’t have to think twice about doing what my heart was called to do because of the dress I have planned for the event.”

Faryal emphasised that she does not position herself as a 'role model' and urged others not to place unrealistic expectations on her.

“Yes, I’m trying to better myself everyday as Muslim and slowly I’ll get there, Inshallah. But please understand one thing I’m not a Hijabi so please stop expecting my to dress like one, in fact stop having any expectations of me. I’m not asking to be your role model,” she maintained. 

Faryal further added, “P.s– I was glad to be in saudia round too many likeminded people who apoke up about Palestine at the film festival, which was an admirable thing to see and be part of…”