* Says her refusal led to right denial before it was restored
As the world commemorates the 2025 World Hijab Day, a Nigerian Barrister and Solicitor, Firdausa Amasa has narrated how one of the ushers at the call to the bar ceremony at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria told her to remove “that thing”, referring to her hijab before she could be allowed into the venue.
Barr. Amasa’s refusal to remove her hijab, Allah’s ordained headwear for Muslim women, led to the denial of her right to become a lawyer on 13th December 2017, as she was barred by the Body of Benchers from entering the International Conference Centre where the call to bar was usually held.
Muslim News gathered that the unforgettable incident sparked uproar in both local and international media and exposed the hypocrisy, fanaticism, ignorance and flagrant disregard for fundamental rights, especially from supposedly learned Nigerians.
Amasa, a Law graduate from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), was finally called to bar with her hijab a few months later, with Allah’s help and unwavering support from many people, including some unbiased non-Muslims.
She narrated her ordeal during 2025 World Hijab Day as posted on her social media handles on Sunday, 2nd February.
Read her story below:
________
Salam alaikum wa rahmatuLlahi.
My name is Firdausa Amasa, a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. I became a lawyer 7 months after my colleagues, not because I did not pass the Bar finals, but because I was denied the Call to the Bar ceremony for refusing to remove my hijab.
On 13th December 2017, I was supposed to be called to the Nigerian bar with my colleagues, but my refusal to remove my hijab led to the denial of that right. I still remember vividly how one of the ushers to the hall told me and two sisters pointedly in the queue wearing hijab to “step aside and remove that thing (referring to the hijab).”
My refusal to remove the hijab and the denial into the Call to Bar ceremony that day went viral. There was a lot of support from people, far and near, including outside Nigeria. I was stunned at the responses and commitment people showed to the cause.
Alhamdulillah, I was eventually called to the Nigerian Bar WITH MY HIJAB on the 10th July 2018, which has never happened since the establishment of the Nigerian Law School in 1962.
Since then, sisters have been able to wear their hijabs for the ceremony. Alhamdulillah!
Whenever I get the opportunity to tell this story, I like to end it with the fact that Allah used me as an instrument for that change and I will forever be grateful for it. Alhamdulillah!
I also appreciate all those who contributed in one way or the other. JazakumuLlahu khairan!
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Even though I remember the event vividly and the efforts people made inspite of gaslighting, hypocrisy and threats from the nonmuslims and nominal Muslims, I felt very emotional reading it. It’s as if it happened just yesterday. May Allaah bless Firdausa and all the people that helped Allaah’s cause. May you all be rewarded with the goodness of life and Al-Jannah Firdaws, Aameen! This is a real jihad!