Photo by Matheus Viana
1. Introduction: Challenging the Obsession with Fairness in the Subcontinent
In the subcontinent, there exists a pervasive obsession with fairness that has permeated societal norms and standards of beauty. This unhealthy obsession has led to a plethora of detrimental consequences, including low self-esteem and the perpetuation of colourism.
However, it is possible to break free from this destructive mindset by developing a love for Allah and embracing the belief that He created us all perfect in His image. By understanding and internalising this profound truth, we can begin to dismantle the toxic obsession with fairness and foster a culture of self-love, acceptance, and unity. This article explores the importance of embracing our natural beauty and celebrating the diversity that Allah has bestowed upon us.
2. The Problem with the Obsession of Fairness
The obsession with fairness in the subcontinent has deep cultural roots, reinforced by societal pressures and media influence. This fixation on fair skin as the epitome of beauty has fueled the widespread use of fairness creams, skin-bleaching treatments, and harmful beauty standards. Yet, this obsession extends beyond mere aesthetics, with profound impacts on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being.
Firstly, the fixation on fairness instills a sense of inferiority in individuals with darker skin tones, leading to low self-esteem and a negative body image. The constant comparison to fair-skinned models and celebrities showcased in the media can leave individuals feeling inadequate, unworthy, and marginalised. This creates a vicious cycle of striving for an unattainable beauty standard, resulting in dissatisfaction, anxiety, and even depression. This cycle often begins at a very early age, especially when young girls are frequently compared to siblings or cousins with lighter skin tones.
Moreover, the obsession with fairness perpetuates colourism—a form of discrimination based on skin tone. This bias exists not only within society but also within families, where individuals may face prejudice due to their complexion. Such discrimination not only divides communities but also suppresses the potential of talented individuals held back solely because of their skin colour.
3. Social inequality due to predominant colourism:
It is crucial to recognise that this obsession with fairness is not only harmful on an individual level but also perpetuates societal inequality. By valuing fair skin over other qualities and capabilities, we cultivate a culture of discrimination and stifle the progress and potential that a diverse population can bring.
In the following sections, we will explore how developing a love for Allah and embracing the belief that He made each of us the best we can be can help us break free from this destructive mindset, fostering a culture of self-love, acceptance, and unity.
4. Embracing Our Unique Features and Beliefs
To break free from the destructive obsession with fairness, it’s essential to embrace our unique features and beliefs. Rather than striving for an unattainable beauty standard, we should focus on cultivating self-love and acceptance. Recognising that Allah created each of us differently and uniquely can help shift our perspective toward embracing our individuality.
Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we should celebrate our unique qualities. We must remember that our worth is not defined by the colour of our skin but by the content of our character and our actions. By shifting our focus from external beauty to inner qualities and values, we can nurture a culture that embraces diversity and celebrates every aspect of our identity.
Moreover, embracing our beliefs can provide a strong foundation of self-assurance and confidence. Knowing that Allah created us in the best form and values us for who we are—regardless of physical appearance—can foster a sense of self-worth that goes beyond societal beauty standards.
In the following sections, we will explore practical ways to embrace our unique features and beliefs and how this can transform our mindset and overall well-being.
5. Developing Love for Allah and Embracing Our Best Selves
One of the most powerful ways to break free from the obsession with fairness and external beauty is by cultivating a deep love for Allah and embracing the truth that He created us in the best form. By focusing on our connection with the Divine and understanding that our worth comes from this relationship, we can redirect our attention toward nurturing our inner selves.
Developing love for Allah involves cultivating a sense of gratitude and appreciation for His creations, including ourselves. We can begin by recognising the blessings Allah has bestowed upon us and expressing gratitude for them. This can be achieved through regular acts of worship, such as prayer and Quran recitation, as well as by reflecting on the beauty and intricacy of Allah’s creation.
Embracing our best selves means acknowledging and celebrating the unique qualities and talents that Allah has blessed us with. Instead of striving to meet societal beauty standards, we should focus on developing our character, skills, and abilities. This can be achieved by setting personal goals, seeking knowledge, and continually working towards self-improvement.
By channeling our energy toward spiritual growth and personal development, we can break free from the destructive mindset of seeking external validation through physical appearance. Through our love for Allah and by embracing our best selves, we can find true contentment and inner peace.
6. Encouraging Others to Embrace Their Beauty
Encouraging others to embrace their beauty is a powerful way to challenge the obsession with fairness in the Subcontinent. By spreading love and positivity, we can inspire others to shift their focus toward their inner selves, moving away from societal beauty standards.
One way to achieve this is by promoting self-acceptance and inclusivity. We can encourage people to celebrate their unique features and embrace their individuality. By highlighting diverse forms of beauty and challenging narrow definitions of attractiveness, we can help create a more inclusive society where everyone feels valued and accepted.
Another way to encourage others is by sharing stories and experiences of personal growth and self-acceptance. By opening up about our own struggles and journey toward self-love, we can offer hope and inspiration to those who may be facing similar challenges.
Encouraging others to embrace their beauty also means being mindful of our language and actions. We can avoid making derogatory comments about skin color or physical appearance and, instead, focus on uplifting and empowering others.
7. Conclusion: Embracing Our Differences and Finding Inner Beauty
In conclusion, when we truly believe that Allah has made us unique and beautiful in our own way, we begin to realise that our worth and beauty stem from within. Engaging in spiritual practices such as prayer, reading the Quran, and seeking knowledge about His attributes and teachings can deepen our connection with Allah.
By prioritising inner beauty and character over external appearances, we can transform ourselves and inspire others to do the same. Let’s embrace our differences, celebrate our individuality, and find peace and contentment within ourselves. Together, we can build a healthier, more inclusive society that values inner beauty above all else.
About the author:
Syeda Atika Yahya is a Muslim content writer and blogger, embracing motherhood while challenging stereotypes. Her writing journey began with memories of her children, evolving into articles questioning prejudices. Influenced by her traditional Muslim upbringing, she values community and family. Starting her blog in 2020, she collaborated with like-minded bloggers and contributed to a halal lifestyle magazine. With a passion for storytelling, she completed children’s book manuscripts in 2021, aiming to foster an appreciation for Allah’s creation. Now self-publishing her first Islamic children’s book, she believes it will inspire wonder and gratitude in young readers. Her dream is to publish more books, encouraging children to explore, learn, and grow into compassionate adults.
Instgram: syeda_atika_yahya
website: https://atikayahya.com/
