Raffia Arshad who has become the first Hijab-wearing judge in the UK says she wants to tell Muslims that anyone in our community can achieve whatever he/she wants to become. In addition to that Raffia Arshad was dreaming of a career in law from her earlier age nearly when she was 11 years old, but she grew up rapidly and was questioning herself that if a working-class woman works hard and put some efforts in her perspective career she can be a successful one day and it is much more than easier, just don’t quit and keep consistency.
Approximately 30 years later she is not only a successful judge but was selected as a Deputy District Judge in the Midlands circuit.
As she is speaking to Metro.co.uk, the num-of-three says she now wants to make sure that the sound of the community should be heard loudly and clearly.
She said: ‘it is definitely bigger than me, I know this is not about me. It is crucial for every single woman, not just Muslim women, but it is particularly important for Muslim women.
‘I was happy, but happiness which I have had from other people sharing this is most and far greater.
‘I have had so many Emails from both gender men and women, and one woman was saying that they wear a hijab and thought they would not even to become a barrister, let alone the judge to wear Hijab.
The Midlands-based judge who grew up in West Yorkshire experienced and found one of the most valuable moment in her working life when she was advised by her family to not wear Hijab during attending the interview for a scholarship at Inns Court School of Law on 2001.
Her opportunity for success would decrease if she wore it, as her family and relatives warned her, but Raffai refused and continue in her path to become a successful judge.
As she succeeded in the interview and was given a considerable scholarship, so that has helped her a lot to be a success in a law career.
After the training in London Raffia was called in 2002 and received a pupilage in Nottingham, joining St Mary’s Family Law Chamber in 2004.
For approximately 15 years she has practiced in a children’s Law, forced marriage Female genital Mutilation, and any law was related to Islamic Law issues. As she becomes an author for a leading Text in Islamic law.
As the famous and high reputed judges such as Vickie Hodges and judge Claxton said:’Raffia has led the way for Muslim women to obtain the success in the law and at the bar, and has worked tirelessly to promote equality and diversity in the profession.
resource:Metro.co.uk