In a first: Hijab wearing 20-year-old to compete in Miss England

Maria Mahmood is all set to become the first hijab-wearing Muslim to compete in Miss England.

The 20-year-old beauty queen has made her way into the semi-finals and is hopeful to reach the finals. If Maria win the prestigious pageant, she will go on to compete in Miss World, reported Daily Mail.

Maria, who hails from Birmingham says that her friends and family are supportive of her decision but she also expects back-lash from some of the ‘old-timers.’

PHOTO: DAILY MAIL

Previously, a Muslim girl was crowned Miss England but no contestant has ever worn a hijab.

Maria is a psychology student and she bagged a place in the semi-finals after finishing runner-up in last week’s Miss Birmingham which was her first pageant ever.

The beauty queen aims to be a social worker. She has decided to compete in Miss England’s swimwear round by wearing a burkini.

Talking about her participation in the pageant Maria said, “Muslims are associated with negative things like terrorism. I’m determined to do my bit to challenge those views."

PHOTO: DAILY MAIL

She went on to add, "It is pretty rare for a Muslim woman to be in a beauty pageant but there’s nothing to stop us from entering. I entered Miss Birmingham and the organisers were delighted to have a hijab-wearing Muslim in the competition.”

Maria’s mom works part-time in a school. Her parents have been supportive of her decision and are proud of her.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.