As the first hijab-wearing judge in the US, attorney Nadia Kahf has created history. Kahf, a judge for family law and immigration matters in the Passaic County Superior Court in New Jersey, is of Syrian descent. The Muslim holy book, the Quran, was placed in her hand as she took the oath. Kahf was nominated by Governor Phil Murphy over a year ago, and the state senate most recently approved her appointment.
Kahf has long been a committed member of the Muslim community. She chairs the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a group that promotes civil rights for Muslims, in New Jersey. She also chairs the Islamic Center of Passaic County and serves as legal counsel for Wafa House, a nonprofit organisation that provides social services and shelter for victims of domestic abuse.
The nomination of Kahf is crucial because it demonstrates the value of diversity and representation in the judicial system. It also conveys a message of inclusivity to Muslim women who might have experienced prejudice or discrimination in the workplace. Kahf is paving the way for others to follow in her footsteps by breaking down barriers and becoming the first hijab-wearing judge in the United States.
