The Jalsa Salana, the UK's largest Islamic convention, recently took place in Alton, Hampshire, attracting over 40,000 participants from the Ahmadiyya Muslim community.

Coinciding with this event, a YouGov survey commissioned by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community polled 2,130 UK adults, revealing troubling perceptions about Muslim women and their choices.

The survey indicated that 49% of Britons believe Muslim women wear hijabs due to pressure from family or community, while only 26% view it as a personal choice.

Munazzah Chou, an ophthalmologist, criticized these survey results as insulting to Muslim women's autonomy, emphasizing that her hijab choice is rooted in personal religious beliefs.

Syeda Ahmad, a 23-year-old attendee, lamented the need for Muslim women to constantly defend their choices, calling for greater understanding and dialogue.

Iffat Mirza-Rashid, a doctoral student, described the hijab as a powerful expression of identity, highlighting its role in countering societal pressures on women's appearances.

Dr. Mansur echoed this sentiment, stating that the hijab empowers her by allowing her to control who sees her beauty.

Political figures in the UK have raised calls for hijab and burka bans, which has sparked fears among Muslim women about the implications for their rights and freedoms.

Syeda Ahmad warned that such bans in other European countries have led to the alienation of Muslim women, restricting their access to education and employment opportunities.

The survey also highlighted a significant perception gap, with 53% of Britons believing Islam is not compatible with British values, and 41% viewing Muslim immigrants negatively.

This negative perception is notably the highest among various religious groups surveyed, with only 24% believing Muslim immigrants have a positive impact on the UK.

The Jalsa Salana featured keynote addresses aimed at showcasing the harmony between British and Muslim identities, countering the negative media narratives surrounding Muslims.