Dr. Bai Salam Ibrahim, owner and founder of The Meranaw Hijab (left). On the right photo is The Meranaw Hijab’s First Collection during its launching in May 2024. (Photo courtesy of The Meranaw HIjab)
Muslim women have endless options when it comes to hijab (a garment worn by Muslim women to cover their hair).. With online shopping, acquiring one becomes more accessible than ever, the market has become increasingly saturated. In such a competitive environment, launching a new hijab business without a unique selling point makes it incredibly challenging to stand out from the competition.
Professor Bai Salam Ibrahim, however, saw this challenge as an opportunity. With her passion for culture and education, she set out to create her own hijab fashion line. As an academic and cultural advocate, she was driven by a desire to mainstream traditional Meranaw patterns and designs.
“My exposure to different cultures abroad through cultural exchange programs sparked this idea. Since then, I knew this was what I wanted to do,” she recalled.
In 2023, Ibrahim began designing her first collection and working with manufacturers abroad to produce samples. By May 27, 2024, she officially launched The Meranaw Hijab (TMH) at the Meranaw Cultural Heritage Center, located at Mindanao State University-Marawi.
“I launched TMH without major expectations. I was just happy to fulfill one of my biggest dreams—promoting my advocacy through the hijabs I designed. The moment I saw my first collection come to life, all the sleepless nights spent designing became worth it,” she shared.
Since its launch, TMH has introduced six collections:
- Diakatra (Peace) – This collection represents the peace-loving spirit of the Meranaws, featuring symbolic colors like Mariga (fiery red reflecting the hills of Lanao del Sur), Rambayong (violet like the moonlit Lake Lanao), and Gadong (color green, symbolizing serenity).
- Bilangataw (Good Manners) – Inspired by local weavers, this collection features the traditional langkit—a woven or embroidered strip that embellishes garments. Prof. Bai Salam designed this line to encourage Meranaw women to embody the values of their culture wherever they go.
- Rina-Rinaw (Folksongs) – Drawing inspiration from Meranaw serenades, these hijabs are crafted from soft chiffon and come in striking two-tone combinations of black/teal green and white/rusty orange.
- Rinayong (Fast and Strong) – Named after the magical boat from the Meranaw epic Darangen, this collection features motifs like dapal (leaf), potiyok (bud), dianawi (knife), and pako (fern), symbolizing the unity, resilience, and beauty of the Meranaw people.
- Pananadem (Remembrance) – Inspired by the traditional balud weaving pattern, this collection highlights a design often featured in tapestries displayed during memorable Meranaw celebrations, including weddings, the enthronement of traditional leaders, and other significant events.
- Warna (Colors) – This latest collection celebrates the Meranaws’ love for vibrant colors, particularly those associated with the iconic Sarimanok. Prof. Bai Salam uses this collection to introduce Meranaw color terminologies, including Mariga (red), Korit (orange), Binaning (yellow), Gadong (green), Biro (blue), Rambayong (violet), Kasombi (pink), Kaombi (gray), Kalopalopa (brown), and Maitem (black).
Ibrahim plans to further expand her collections by incorporating more elements that reflect the rich culture and history of the Meranaws, as well as her advocacies. Her hijabs have already reached various parts of the world, particularly throughout the Bangsamoro region.
“One of my customers from Basilan expressed her excitement and wished for a Tausug Hijab collection. In shaa Allah, if the opportunity arises, I hope to create collections for every Bangsamoro tribe, in collaboration with local artists and experts,” she said.
Notable personalities who have worn her hijabs include Queenie “Mishael Khadija” Padilla, TV anchor Princess Habibah Sarip-Paudac, Member of Parliament Diamila Disimban-Ramos, and Judge Mylene Amerol-Macumbal.
“As Bangsamoros, we must work harder to bring our traditional arts into the mainstream. Our art is like a plant—it requires constant nurturing to grow stronger roots. We must not only promote it but also proudly claim it as a fundamental part of who we are,” Ibrahim stressed.
The Meranaw Hijab, along with its name and logo, is officially registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Customers can purchase the hijabs through TMH’s social media platforms, while those in Marawi City can view the collections at the MSU-Marawi Pasalubong Center.
Ibrahim is also actively working to secure trademarks for her unique hijab designs–truly, a proud work of a Bangsamoro woman. (Norjana Malawi/BIO)
