19-year-old Hafsah Penney has mixed Irish, Lebanese and Canadian heritage, and she is one half of the popular @radical_muzzies account on TikTok. On Instagram, she goes by the name @penneyyproud, where she posts cool street wear ensembles that combine oversized silhouettes with trending 90s icons and accessories.
1. Define what modesty means to you.
To me modesty is covering my body for the sake of Allah first and foremost. With that I comes the feeling of protection; knowing that my body can never be sexualized. Additionally, it means that I can also dress the way I want and feel confident while pleasing my creator.
2. Your favourite place to shop?
Almost all of my clothes are thrifted from goodwill or value village. If I chose regular shopping I would go for Urban outfitters and H&M.
3. Your last rash-decision shopping splurge was…
A $40 baby pink Adidas bucket hat from Urban Outfitters… it wasn’t a splurge but more so a rash decision purchase that I do not regret! I wear it at least once a week and embrace that inner skater girl that I have in me.
4. Your biggest motivation in life is…
My number one motivator would be to please Allah SWT, and if inspiring Muslim women to dress modestly will make Allah happy then that is what I will continue to do!
5. Name one thing you’d like to change about the fashion industry.
I can’t choose one thing, If I could I would change it all. Starting with making fashion something that everyone can enjoy, men and women from all shapes and sizes and all ethnic and religious backgrounds. I would make it a place where we could all appreciate our natural human differences and not feel pressured to assimilate into one look. It would be a place that celebrates the beauty in looking and being completely different people
6. Advice you would give to your 15-year-old self:
Keep your head up and never doubt yourself. I know it’s hard right now and you feel alone, but soon you will meet other people who will love you for who you are and will share and support your passions! You have already achieved so much by staying true to yourself so keep it pushin! You are already on the right path. Never stop being kind and spreading love.
7. Your Instagram girl crush is…
I don’t have one because there are just way too many beautiful women on Instagram but If I had to choose two, I would choose @hodanyousuf and @itsbasra. They always come out with beautiful modest looks that constantly give me so much inspo.
8. Your advice for dealing with the “haram police” or fashion policing from critics on Instagram?
The older I get the more I’m realizing not to judge others or state my opinion on their spiritual journey. I think we need to spend more time being kind and supporting one another. If we want to spark any change within our ummah, we must start with kindness and love. So to those who are constantly being judged or attacked by haram police on social media: check in with your intentions make sure you are doing everything for the right reasons, ask God for guidance and keep doing you!
9. Name one book you read that made a lasting impression.
Definitely “The Outsiders” when I first read it in the 8th grade. It was the first book that I cried to and will never forget. I was homeschooled at the time and the novel completely sucked me in, I loved all the action, the two clashing social classes, and the deep connections that the boys had with one another.
10. If you could have tea with anyone (living or dead) who would it be and why?
I would choose to have tea with Jhene Aiko because I have been a huge fan of her since I was 15. I think she’s such a strong and kind-hearted woman. I would ask her how she stays so positive and kind when times in life become too difficult.
Featured image is of Hafsah Penney
