In the last few months, no subject has been more recurrent on the Nigerian news and social media platforms than the Hijab . Cases of students denied the right to wear the Hijab in several schools, refusal to register students with the Hijab under a false claim that it is a WAEC directive, denial of interviews just for wearing the Hijab, rejection of corps members from places of primary assignment because they adorn the Hijab; we have seen all, and more.
There have also been several unreported cases. Workers threatened by their supervisors, complaints during passport procurements, even SIM card registrations; all these assualts baffle me!
The questions I have not got answers to are; why the hate? How does the Hijab I adorn affect anyone? What negative effect does it have on someone else? I cannot even force a Muslimah (Muslim woman) to wear it-the most I can do is advise her. So, how does my Hijab affect a non-Muslim?
I read the story of a parent in International School, Ibadan, who insisted that her child signed a six-year contract with the school, that until the child graduates, the Hijab must not be approved because her child (a male) cannot sit in the same class with girls that wear the Hijab. Till this moment, I still wonder what the intent of that parent is. What does she really mean? How does the Hijab of a girl affect a boy in class? How does it even affect other girls?
This is a country where we claim to be religious. No religion preaches intolerance. We must learn to live and let live. There are numerous developmental issues we can focus on. Why can’t we just ignore the head cover and face productive things? Those who underdress are no longer crucified. Why must I be blamed for following the commandment of my Lord?
It is a command from Allah that all believing women must wear a garment that draws from their head and covers their bosoms (Qur’an 24:31). Allah specifically mentioned in that portion of the Qur’an those who are permitted to see the believing women without the Hijab. This means all other people excluded from the list must not see a believing woman without the Hijab. That is why we must wear the Hijab in public; a clear injunction we must obey.
The Hijab is a protection from our Lord from all forms of molestation and a means of recognition (Qur’an 31:59). The Hijab is our right! Why deny us? Why threaten us? Why make us feel like second class citizens in our own nation? Why?
Superior courts of record have ruled in support of the Hijab. The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in its Section 38 guarantees the freedom of religion and the right to propagate and manifest same, which encompasses dressing. This is a religious right. It is innate, fundamental and irrefutable. But, it is so sad that Muslim women and girls face this discrimination every day. It is gloomier because there seems to be no feasible permanent solution to it. Hence, the need for this appeal.
The first sets of people I will send my appeal to are my brothers and sisters in Islam. As a Muslim, we have the responsibility to defend Islam and Muslims wherever we are. What will be our response to Allah if He demands from us our contribution to Islam? It is usually more painful when opposition to the Hijab or any other subject in Islam is done by a fellow Muslim. The Prophet (SAW) has advised us to say what is good or keep quiet. If you know what would emit from your buccal cavity is something against Allah’s injunction, then your silence at that moment is more profitable.
It is however better for us not to sit on the fence when the rights of our fellow Muslims are being denied. It behooves us to speak up and let our voices be heard. I do imagine what my situation would have been if my law school Hijab crises was not embraced as it was.
I owe this nation and in fact the whole world for the wonderful support I was given. I must use this medium to say JazakumuLlahu Khayran once more. If no one had heard about the issue, may be right now, I will be in the corner of my room suffering in silence, thinking of what to do with my LLB certificate, and giving up on becoming a lawyer.
The Aisha of ISI, Ibadan is currently in that situation because up till now, she is still denied the right to wear her Hijab. The Khadijah of LAUTECH International School is facing this same challenge. This same situation is happening in Abeokuta. Ditto for Lagos, where the students suffer assaults on a daily basis despite the Appeal Court verdict allowing the Hijab. If these molestations happen in the Southwest, what do we think would be the situation of the Muslim minorities in the South South and South East?
My dear Brother Muslim and Sister Muslimah, you can’t sit on the fence in this matter. It is a cause we must fight to the finish. And I believe by His will, we will succeed. So whenever you see your sister being forced to remove her Hijab, stand your ground and defend her. If you can’t do it alone, contact the Islamic organizations in your locality or the popular NGOs like Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative. Those who strive in the cause of Allah will never regret. May Allah make it easy.
To the non-Muslims, I know not all are intolerant of the Hijab. I know some who are very indifferent about it. In fact, some non-Muslims even condemned the idea of going against the use of the Hijab. But to the few not so tolerant ones, please accommodate us. The Hijab is a religious duty, our identity. It gives us honour, and keeps our modesty. The Hijab is our pride.
Please find a way to appreciate this difference or at least be impassive about it. It harms no one. Please, stop harassing our daughters in schools for choosing to appear as their Lord commands and their parents encourage. That junior colleague under your care should not go through hell for adorning the Hijab. The world is a beautiful place. It’s up to us to make it look so. Please live and let live. Thank you.
Lastly, to the Islamic organizations and the Non-Governmental organizations on Hijab rights; I know we have done a lot. But, it is surely not over until it is finally over. May Allah crown our efforts and reward us in both worlds (Ameen).
