The idea for Peran was conceived in 2023 when I was still in college, determined to embark on a journey that would reconnect me with my faith. As a teenager and young adult, I often found myself confused and questioning the religion I had grown up with but knew so little about.
As a child, I was told stories about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and taught rules on how to be a good Muslim. However, these teachings never truly explained what Islam meant or what it meant to be a Muslim. In my pursuit of understanding, I decided to start by reading the Qur’an and immersing myself in my local Muslim community. I found a mosque in my town and began attending Jummah prayer every Friday.
Each time I visited, I noticed the women elegantly dressed in beautiful abayas, while I stood out in my oversized hoodies and sweatpants. Wanting to blend in and embrace this part of my identity, I searched tirelessly—both online and in stores—for an abaya I could afford as a college student. However, I quickly realized that most were beyond my budget.
At the same time, I had been transitioning away from fast fashion after learning about its exploitative and unethical practices. Naturally, I sought out second-hand stores that might carry abayas, but to my surprise, I couldn’t find a single one. And so, the idea for Peran was born.
Clothing should be a universal right—one that does not come at the expense of another human being or the planet. We should be able to wear clothing that reflects our identity and culture without financial strain or guilt. With Peran, my hope is to give back to the community that has surrounded me with warmth and support for as long as I can remember—Muslim women. If Peran makes your life a little easier in this ever-changing world, I will know that I have achieved my goal.
