MUSLIM SISTERHOOD TALK EID TRADITIONS, STYLING TIPS + THEIR NEW ASOS EDIT

This week marks the start of one of the biggest events in the Islamic calendar: Eid. And to celebrate, we're kicking off the festivities by bringing you a new edit hand-selected by none other than Muslim Sisterhood. The creative collective, co-founded by Lamisa Khan, Zeinab Saleh and Sara Gulamali in 2017, has evolved into a global movement that aims to challenge outdated stereotypes and highlight genuine diversity. Here, we sat down with co-founder Lamisa and events manager Hafsa Adan to chat about their exciting work, Eid traditions and their favourite ASOS picks.

Eid Mubarak! Let’s talk Muslim Sisterhood. How did it all come about?

Lamisa: Muslim Sisterhood started as a photography series in 2017. As young Muslim women in our early twenties, we longed for positive and relatable representations that celebrated the beauty and joy of Muslim identity. Since then, we've organically evolved into a comprehensive 360 creative agency, guiding brands on how to authentically engage with Muslim communities both on and off the camera. We also stay true to our original roots and continue working as a community platform that organises events and workshops that centre Muslim women. 

 

We love that. What's been your proudest moment since forming Muslim Sisterhood? 

Lamisa: We’re really proud of everything that we’ve achieved as it’s really beyond anything we had imagined when we started out. We’ve been in Vogue four times (!!!) and that’s been pretty cool. But I would say that I’m most proud and fulfilled by the incredible sense of community that we nurtured. I’m proud of seeing all the talented women we work with achieve and thrive, and I’m proud of the way that we love and encourage each other when it comes to creativity and faith. 

 

When it comes to the ‘fits, how do you strike a balance between fashion and tradition? 

Lamisa: Being a curvy girlie, I shy away from layering, opting instead for a scarf or shawl to maintain modesty. This adds a touch of tradition to my Western 'fits and introduces beautiful prints and textures that make outfits more personal to me. Especially when it’s a shawl borrowed from my mum’s vintage collection!

 

Hafsa: For Muslim women particularly, gold holds significant value (and is the best investment!) I adore layering rings and bangles; without it my outfits feel incomplete. I need my emotional support rings!

What styling tips do you swear by? 

Hafsa: As a hijabi it can always be a bit trickier to style certain trendy items, but I love to play dress up. For me, there is no such thing as being overdressed. Wear whatever you want and wear what brings you joy!

 

That totally comes through in your ASOS edit. What are your favourite picks?

Hafsa: If you couldn’t already tell, I love the resurgence of animal print in fashion right now – particularly the leopard print top from Topshop (Kat Slater core), and the ASOS DESIGN ballet flats. I’ve always been a huge kitten heel fan – I know they’re not for everyone, but they dress up any outfit whilst still being super comfortable. The ASOS DESIGN red kitten heels add such a lovely pop of colour to any ‘fit.

 

Lamisa: I'm currently infatuated with the colour red. I’m in my romantic era, so the little Topshop bag has captured my heart (it also reminds me of a pastry...) Baggy jeans are a wardrobe staple for me too, I think they're super flattering on all body types. That's why the barrel-leg indigo jeans have earned a spot among my favourites. And of course, no look is complete without earrings. The ASOS DESIGN floral pearl earrings have been putting a spring in my step – they're super cute.

We <3 your picks! Now, what are your Eid traditions? 

Lamisa: Eid holds a special place in my heart, as it's a time when we cherish traditions passed down from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The night before Eid at my home is a flurry of activity, with cleaning and setting up crockery for the festivities ahead. I always end up having a post-midnight shower to prepare for the next day, followed by adorning my hands with henna before settling in for my v important beauty sleep.

 

On the morning of Eid, we join our local mosque community for congregational Eid prayer, held in a nearby park. Witnessing everyone adorned in their finery, united in devotion to Allah, exchanging Salaams and hugs fills my heart. This year feels different, as our ummah collectively grieves for the many injustices around the world, but amidst the challenges, I pray we find strength in our unity and resilience inshaAllah. 

 

Hafsa: My house can get very chaotic the night before Eid with everyone cleaning and preparing their outfits, giddy with excitement. On Eid day, my family and I attend the congregational Eid prayer at our local mosque. Or in the summer months, outdoors in our local park (if it’s not raining that is – British weather!) It’s so nice praying with the sun on your face. I love seeing everyone’s looks and being surrounded by friends, family and the whole community.

 

Finally, what's your vision for the future?

Lamisa: The Muslim girlies always reach out for industry advice, and considering our incredible global network, we’ve been toying with the idea of talent management for a while. Now that I’ve finally quit my day job, I’m making it my mission to make that a reality inshaAllah, so holla at your girls! Our co-founder Sara is also moving over to Dubai, so we’ve got plans to expand over in the Middle East too!