World Hijab Day: How decent dressing elevates society

MANY Islamic organizations last week gathered at various strategic locations across the country to celebrate the World Hijab Day, amid calls for the Federal Government to encourage decent dressing in the society.

   Specifically the government and all public institutions were urged to shun all acts that could amount to victimization of Muslim women on hijab, and allow Islamic adherents to practice their faith.

  The Muslim organizations that championed the cause of hijab include, The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Movement For Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA), Al Mu’minaat Organisation, National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations (NACOMYO) and the Papa Ajao Muslim Assembly (PAMAS) among others.

  The groups charged government at all levels to allow the Muslims to practice their religion without hindrance and within the framework of law.

  The Event Directorate, MPAC, Aminat Adams said: “we wear the hijab to obey Allah, why don’t we get a better reception, but rather we are oppressed”

   Citing cases of victimization across board, she said, “if this continues, then we are telling our girl child to go to school, get educated and she cannot get job because she is wearing hijab. Why is that the case? So, we are pleading with the authorities that you have to give us our right, the freedom to practice our religion.

   “We are peaceful people, we do not fight, we have medical doctors, we have chartered accountants, we have aerospace engineers here with us, we have people that are blossom in careers practicing their faith peacefully, and we are pleading with people out there to just wear hijab for a day, and I believe this will change your mind to be more tolerance with us.”

   National President of NACOMYO, Kamal’ddin Akintunde, urged the public to respect the religious sensibility of Muslim women and stop abusing their fundamental right under the guise of secularism.

          According to him, the court verdict in Lagos banning wearing of Hijab by Muslim students as being biased and a conspiracy against Islam and Muslims.

  He advised the Muslim community in Lagos to pursue the matter to the apex court and seek redress.

 World Hijab Day is an annual event that takes place on February 1. The very first World Hijab Day was celebrated in 2013.