The great outdoors beckons like never before, drawing more enthusiasts to its expansive embrace. As community initiatives flourish, offering avenues for adventurous pursuits and wilderness exploration, outdoor spaces transform from daunting landscapes to welcoming escapes, open to diverse exploration.
Muslim Hikers: A Collective Transforming Outdoor Experiences for Muslims
Leading this transformative movement is UK-based collective Muslim Hikers. Founded by Haroon two years ago, and with Haroon now serving as ambassador, the group extends a warm invitation to Muslims and minorities to join in hiking adventures across the British countryside. Their mission? To dispel outdoor anxieties and foster a sense of community, creating safe spaces where curious hikers can feel at home.
Najwa’s Journey: Embracing New Possibilities in the Outdoors
In the latest chapter of Arc’teryx’s No Wasted Days™ campaign, Muslim Hikers takes center stage through the lens of Najwa’s experience. Amidst the challenges of her healthcare profession during the pandemic, Najwa discovered solace in hiking, eventually finding her way to the group. Now a regular participant, she embodies the spirit of embracing new possibilities and redefining norms for Muslims in outdoor settings.
Hypebeast catches up with Najwa to delve deeper into her journey and the significance of Muslim Hikers in promoting inclusivity in outdoor pursuits.
Transforming the Landscape: A Conversation with Najwa of Muslim Hikers
Discovering Muslim Hikers:
Najwa stumbled upon Muslim Hikers through Instagram, drawn in by the intriguing prospect of hiking with like-minded individuals. With a friend by her side, she took the plunge, joining a hike in the Peak District—an opportunity made accessible through the group’s car-sharing arrangements, eliminating logistical barriers.
Finding Serenity in Nature:
For Najwa, hiking became a sanctuary from the pressures of her demanding job as a microbiologist, particularly during the isolating times of the pandemic. Venturing into new environments provided a welcome respite, offering clarity of mind amidst the chaos.
Embracing No Wasted Days:
Engaging in midweek hikes, Najwa experienced a shift in perspective. Far from wasting precious time, each outing became a deliberate choice to pursue sport and embrace the day fully—an ethos embodied by Arc’teryx’s No Wasted Days™ campaign.
Fostering Community and Confidence:
In the company of fellow Muslim hikers, Najwa found comfort and confidence. Their shared experiences, rituals, and mutual understanding dissolved any lingering anxieties, creating a space where she could authentically be herself.
Connecting with Nature and Faith:
Venturing into the outdoors deepened Najwa’s spiritual connection, offering a fresh outlook on life and reinforcing her faith. Surrounded by nature’s beauty, she found solace in recognizing the divine presence in every landscape.
Promoting Diversity and Understanding:
Muslim Hikers serves as a beacon of inclusion, challenging stereotypes and fostering understanding among diverse communities. By inviting non-Muslims to join their hikes, the group opens doors to dialogue and dispels misconceptions, combating Islamophobia through shared experiences.
Empowering Authenticity:
For Najwa, being part of Muslim Hikers is more than just hiking—it’s a celebration of identity and belonging. It’s about confidently embracing her Muslim heritage in spaces where acceptance may seem uncertain, ultimately fostering unity and dispelling prejudice.
No Wasted Days
Arc’teryx’s campaign echoes Najwa’s journey, celebrating diverse paths to outdoor exploration and inspiring change. Through stories like hers, the brand champions the belief that every moment spent in nature holds value, urging us all to seize the day and embrace new horizons.
As Muslim Hikers and similar collectives continue to redefine outdoor norms, they pave the way for a more inclusive and interconnected world—one hike at a time.
