How is the beauty contest among Muslim women

A beauty contest among Muslim women is unlike any other beauty contest in the world. Here, hijabs are instead of swimsuits, religiosity is instead of dancing and fashion shows, and orphans are instead of star members of the jury. During the preparation for the finals, the contestants get up at dawn for two weeks, make up and dress flawlessly, not forgetting to pray 5-6 times a day. Although this competition was established to honor the style and elegance of Muslim women, its participants are also judged on strength of character and compassion. Among the Muslim beauties are doctors, engineers, teachers; as part of the competition, they must recite excerpts from The Koran and speculate on what it's like to be a woman of the Islamic faith, what is allowed and what is not.

Miss World Muslimah is an annual contest among Muslim women from all over the world, which takes place in the most populous Muslim country — Indonesia. But, unlike well-known beauty contests, the girls in this competition are evaluated not by external beauty, but by adherence to religion, representation of Islamic and universal values and contribution to the development of the community. The event is organized by the World Muslim Women's Fund, the funds from which it sends to Muslim women all over the world (for example, Syria, Myanmar, Afghanistan) who are going through hard times — wars, natural disasters, food shortages, etc.

The finalists have dinner before the start of preparation for the final of the competition. (© Monique Jaques)

Fatma Ben Guefrake from Tunis received the title of "Miss Muslim 2014". (© Monique Jaques)

The crown and ribbon are waiting for their winner. (© Monique Jaques)

The finalists of the competition during a visit to Borobudur, a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple in Indonesia. (© Monique Jaques)

The finalist of the contest, Alice Scholia, entertains the contestants with a song during a break between events. (© Monique Jaques)

In a nursing home, girls demonstrate the ability to be compassionate. (© Monique Jaques)

(© Monique Jaques)

Finalists in the mosque before prayer. (© Monique Jaques)

Fatma Ben Guefrake rests after prayer at the mosque. (© Monique Jaques)

Rivals are just a name, everyone is friends here. (© Monique Jaques)

The last lesson in reading the Koran. (© Monique Jaques)

Nur Khairunnisa from Malaysia rides in the elevator before the ceremony. (© Monique Jaques)

The girls are given shoes before the rehearsal. (© Monique Jaques)

Fitting dresses. (© Monique Jaques)

Rehearsal of the finale. In 2014, the final of the Miss Muslim contest was held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. In the photo — contestant Nazrin Ali. (© Monique Jaques)

All shoes are prepared and signed. (© Monique Jaques)

The finalists pray before the final. (© Monique Jaques)

Weary waiting for your turn. (© Monique Jaques)

"Miss Tunisia" Fatma Ben Guefrake and The prima donna Rahma is waiting behind the scenes. (© Monique Jaques)

After reaching the second round, "Miss Nigeria" Bilgis Adebayo drinks water while the stylist works with her hijab. (© Monique Jaques)

The contest is over. The winner was "Miss Tunisia" Fatma Ben Guefrake. (© Monique Jaques)