No Hijab, No Veil: Meet Jordan’s Modern Royal Family Where Queens Shine And Daughters Fly Fighter Jets | World News
New Delhi: When people think of rulers in Muslim countries, they often think of strict conservatism, veiled women, and cloistered lives. But Jordan’s royal palace tells a different story. Here, women are free to pursue their passions, from global fashion to the fighter jet cockpit. This is the home of King Henry II, where modernity and tradition coexist in harmony. Abdullah’s world.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Jordan and met with King Abdulhamid II. He met with Abdullah. While the discussions focused on strengthening diplomatic ties, the spotlight was also on the King’s family, whose roots go back to the 41st generation of the Prophet Muhammad.
Although they are a royal Muslim family, they live without strict restrictions such as hijab (headscarf) or burqa (veil). Known worldwide for her beauty and style, Queen Rania is the epitome of this modern approach.
King Abdullah himself is a trained pilot, a Star Trek fan, and is considered one of the friendliest Muslim leaders worldwide.
Crown Prince Hussein
Crown Prince Hussein, born in 1994, studied International History at Georgetown University in the United States. Continuing the family tradition, he also studied at the British Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Today, he serves as a captain in the Jordanian army and often accompanies his father on diplomatic visits. He recently married Saudi architect Rajwa Al Saif in a lavish ceremony.
A Reflection of His Mother
Princess Iman, born in 1996, is often described as a mirror of Queen Rania. He studied at Georgetown University and Parsons School of Design in New York. Interested in sports and a passionate equestrian, the woman married Venezuelan financier Jamal Alexander Thermiotis in 2023.
Jordan’s First Female Jet Pilot
Breaking traditional molds, Princess Salma, born in 2000, studied at Sandhurst and became Jordan’s first female fighter pilot. Her success sends a message around the world that a princess from a Muslim country can pursue careers once considered unconventional.
Youngest Academician
The youngest child, Prince Hashem, born in 2005, recently graduated from the Jordan Kings Academy and is currently preparing for further studies at Georgetown University in the United States.
Modernity at Home
Do women of the royal family wear burqas? The answer is no. Queen Rania is rarely seen wearing a headscarf or veil, instead opting for designer Western clothes, trousers and skirts. Her hair is often let down and she speaks with confidence on global stages.
He repeatedly emphasized that modesty in Islam is not only about clothing, but also about mind and behavior, and that wearing a headscarf is not an obligation but a personal choice.
King Abdullah never imposed conservative dress codes on his family. Both their daughters, Iman and Salma, wear modern clothes and attend public places without hijab. This points to a social change in Jordan that shows that Muslim identity and modernity can coexist.
Wealth, Privacy, Global Assets
Although Jordan is a small country, King Abdullah’s wealth made headlines. The 2021 Pandora Papers leak revealed that he purchased luxury properties worth over $100 million (approximately Rs 800 crore), including seaside villas and high-value homes in some of the world’s most expensive cities in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The leak also revealed Swiss bank accounts holding around $245 million (approximately Rs 2,000 crore).
However, the royal family has denied allegations of misuse, stating that these are personal family assets used for official duties and security, not public funds.
A King Beyond the Palace
King Abdullah’s life extends far beyond the palace. He is a trained pilot with the ability to fly a Cobra attack helicopter, enjoys skydiving and scuba diving, and even made a cameo appearance in his favorite TV series ‘Star Trek: Voyager’ before ascending to the throne. He was effective in promoting the Jordanian film industry with Hollywood productions such as The Martian and Aladdin shot in the country.
He often disguises himself as a taxi driver or an old man to move among citizens and observe daily life firsthand.
Building a Bridge Between Islam and Modernity
King II Abdullah and his family exemplify how deep cultural roots can coexist with modern aspirations. Traditional ceremonies and sword dances take place, girls fly fighter jets, and Queen Rania promotes women’s empowerment on global stages.
Their story is not just about wealth and glamor, but also sends the message that a Muslim family can embrace modernity while remaining true to faith and identity. This approach contributes to Jordan’s reputation as a stable and peaceful nation in a turbulent region.
