Hiking group for Muslim women breaks barriers as hundreds flock to the outdoors

Nasrieen Habib, pictured October 28, 2024, is the founder of Hiking Hijabies. Credit: Aaron Nesheim | Sahan Journal

When Nasrieen Habib launched a hiking group for Muslim women in 2022, she didn’t know if anyone would show up.

Nine women responded to her initial social media post. “And we have never stopped since,” Nasrieen said.

In the two years since, Hiking Hijabie — and an offshoot for families, Hiking Ummah — have grown into a local force, drawing more than 870 participants for outdoors activities including hikes, camping, kayaking and even snow-tubing. 

“Our rule is ‘rain or shine, we are hiking,’” Nasrieen said. 

The energetic Minneapolis mom of two has launched an umbrella organization, Amanah Recreational Projects, to channel multiple social and outdoors ventures for Muslims, including Hiking Hijabie, Hiking Ummah, EcoJariyah, and Chai and Chat. 

She said her goal is to create a safe space for Muslim families and the whole community to spend time outdoors. 

Nasrieen said adapting to cold weather can be challenging or even overwhelming for many newcomers, especially those from warmer regions like Somalia. 

“Many Somali families don’t go out during the winter season, so my goal is to educate people that being outdoors in the winter time is not that bad once you are used to it,” Nasrieen said. “Winter activities are actually pretty fun; that is why I encourage people to come outdoors.

 “I want to make sure my community feels safe and comfortable in their environment, where they can engage in physical activities and enjoy the outdoors.” 

The idea of women hiking by themselves is also unusual in the Somali community, so the group is pushing new boundaries. 

Surviving the long winters

Nasrieen, 38, spent her early years in Somalia and Uganda, then grew up in the subtropical temps of Houston, Texas.

So she was not prepared for the polar blast when her family moved to Minnesota in January 2009. The giant snow piles, frigid temps and icy sidewalks made simple activities, like stepping outside and getting enough sunlight impossible.

She fled back to Texas but returned to Minnesota a few years later, when she was diagnosed with seasonal depression. That was a turning point for her.

Instead of medication, she decided to look for other ways to treat her condition by going outside and engaging in sports activities. 

“When my condition was diagnosed, I decided to take vitamin D, seek therapy, and go outside and get whatever little sun was available,” she said.

But first she had to dress for the weather.  She said she was self-conscious about her style, and snow boots were not something that could be found in Nasrieen’s shoe rack. “That’s why my toes were always cold,” she said.

Building community

Nasrieen now has Hiking Hijabie groups all over the Twin Cities. And members have taken trips to destinations as far away as Glacier National Park, Mount Rainier and the Grand Canyon. 

The women who participate in Hiking Hijabie and Hiking Ummah, say the hikes and other activities offer a chance to enjoy the outdoors and to connect with other like-minded people.

Malika Dahir moved to Minnesota with her family in 2015 from Memphis, Tennessee, and said it was challenging to find a community she could relate to. 

“The pandemic was especially difficult for me, and when I found Hiking Hijabie on Instagram, I immediately reached out to them,” Malika said. 

“I definitely missed my small friend-group in Memphis, but here in Minneapolis, my family came to a big Somali community that feels like home,” Malika said. 

She said her family has participated in many outdoor activities, including hiking, snow-tubing, kayaking, snowshoeing and more.

“These activities help families build core memories,” she said