AITA for refusing to try on hijab?
In a situation that has quickly escalated into a deeply personal cultural conflict, a 26-year-old PhD student in the UK shares her experience of being accused of Islamophobia simply for refusing to try on a hijab. Despite having maintained a respectful and supportive relationship with her Muslim roommate—while also setting clear boundaries regarding religious debates—she found herself pushed into a controversial scenario.
Her roommate, who creates hijab transformation content on social media, repeatedly asked her to model a hijab. When she firmly declined, the situation spiraled into accusations of prejudice and intolerance. Now, she faces mounting pressure from campus peers and worries that the issue could jeopardize her academic future.
‘AITA for refusing to try on hijab?’
Dr. Anjali Mehta, a cultural psychologist specializing in interfaith relations and boundary-setting, explains that personal autonomy in matters of cultural and religious expression is essential for maintaining healthy relationships. “Refusing to try on a hijab isn’t inherently a statement of prejudice,” she notes. “It’s a personal boundary, particularly when one has explicitly communicated discomfort with mixing religious practices into their everyday interactions.”
Dr. Mehta emphasizes that while cultural sensitivity is important, it should never override an individual’s right to make decisions about their own body and beliefs. “In this case, your roommate’s repeated insistence—especially for social media content—crosses the line from sharing personal beliefs to imposing them on someone else,” she adds. “Your decision is a reflection of your autonomy and comfort, not a blanket rejection of her faith. It’s crucial for both parties to respect each other’s boundaries to avoid further conflict.”
Here’s the feedback from the Reddit community:
A recurring sentiment among commenters is that you have every right to set boundaries regarding your personal appearance and beliefs. Many pointed out that while your roommate is free to express her religious identity and create content around it, she should not force or pressure you to participate. Commenters stressed that respecting personal autonomy—whether it involves religious attire or any other matter—is key to healthy interpersonal relationships.
This story raises complex questions about cultural expression, personal boundaries, and the fine line between advocacy and imposition. Should one ever be forced to model or adopt a religious symbol just because it’s trending, even if they share a living space with someone who embraces that culture? How do we balance respect for others’ beliefs with our own autonomy? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. What would you have done in a similar situation, and how can both sides work toward mutual understanding?
