As the founder of Zeenah, Pakistan's leading modest activewear brand, Hamdan Baig has made it his mission to redefine the sportswear experience for Muslim women. Growing up, Hamdan witnessed firsthand the challenges his sisters faced in finding comfortable, functional, and faith-appropriate workout attire. This inspired him to create a brand that would not only meet the needs of the modern Muslim woman but also empower her to embrace an active lifestyle with confidence.
Zeenah's designs are a testament to Hamdan's commitment to bridging the gap between modesty and performance. "We understand that for many Muslim women, the traditional sportswear options simply don't cater to their needs," he explains. "They either have to compromise on coverage or sacrifice comfort and functionality. At Zeenah, we're dedicated to changing that narrative."
The brand's collection features a range of gym tops, joggers, and hijabs that are designed to be both breathable and sweat-ready. "No layering required," Hamdan emphasizes. "Our pieces are crafted with high-quality, moisture-wicking fabrics that allow for unrestricted movement, while still maintaining the level of modesty our customers expect."
But Zeenah's mission extends far beyond just providing practical activewear solutions. "We want to inspire Muslim women to embrace their faith and their fitness goals without having to choose between the two," Hamdan says. "Our designs are a reflection of our belief that modesty and strength can coexist, and that every woman deserves the opportunity to feel empowered in her own skin."
This ethos is evident in the brand's marketing and community engagement efforts. Zeenah's social media channels showcase a diverse range of Muslim women, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts, all proudly showcasing their Zeenah attire and sharing their stories.
"It's not just about selling clothes," Hamdan explains. "It's about creating a movement, a community where Muslim women can come together, support one another, and celebrate their unique journeys. That's what Zeenah is all about."
As the brand continues to grow and expand, Hamdan remains steadfast in his commitment to innovation and inclusivity. "We're constantly listening to our customers, learning from their experiences, and using that feedback to inform our design process," he says. "Our goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in modest activewear, and to empower Muslim women around the world to live their best, most active lives."
The Importance of Representation
One of the key pillars of Zeenah's mission is to amplify the voices and experiences of Muslim women in the fitness and wellness space. "For too long, the activewear industry has been dominated by a narrow, Eurocentric standard of beauty and athleticism," Hamdan explains. "We wanted to change that narrative and showcase the incredible diversity and strength of the Muslim female community."
Zeenah's marketing campaigns and social media content feature a diverse range of models, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts, all proudly showcasing their Zeenah attire and sharing their unique stories. "It's important for young Muslim girls to see themselves reflected in the brands they engage with," Hamdan says. "When they see women who look like them, who share their faith and their values, it sends a powerful message that they too can achieve their fitness goals and feel confident in their own skin."
Designing for the Modern Muslim Woman
At the heart of Zeenah's design philosophy is a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by Muslim women in the activewear space. "We know that modesty is a core tenet of the Islamic faith, and that many women want to maintain that level of coverage even when they're working out," Hamdan explains. "But we also understand that they want to feel comfortable, supported, and able to move freely during their workouts."
To address this, Zeenah's design team has developed a range of innovative solutions, from high-neck gym tops and loose-fitting joggers to breathable, sweat-wicking hijabs. "We're constantly experimenting with new fabrics and silhouettes, always with the goal of creating pieces that are both functional and faithful," Hamdan says.
But Zeenah's commitment to the modern Muslim woman goes beyond just the physical design of their products. "We also want to create a brand that resonates with our customers on a deeper level," Hamdan explains. "That's why we put so much emphasis on storytelling and community building – we want our customers to feel seen, heard, and empowered."
Looking Ahead
As Zeenah continues to grow and expand, Hamdan remains focused on his ultimate goal: to empower Muslim women around the world to embrace an active, healthy lifestyle without having to compromise their faith or their values.
"This is just the beginning," he says. "We have so many exciting plans in the works, from new product launches to community initiatives and partnerships. Our mission is to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in modest activewear, and to inspire Muslim women everywhere to live their best, most vibrant lives."
With Zeenah leading the way, the future of Islamic sportswear design looks brighter than ever.