World Hijab Day: Public officers shouldn’t infringe on rights of Muslim women, says group

A coalition of Islamic organisations in Nigeria have asked public officers not to infringe on the rights of Muslim women in the country.

The group made the call on Wednesday in commemoration of the World Hijab Day at Alausa Central Mosque, Ikeja, Lagos.

The coalition group include Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative, Nasrullahi Fathi Society (NASFAT), Pure Heart Islamic Foundation, Al-Muminaat Organisation Lagos, MSSN Lagos State Area unit, An Nujabau Female Forum, Izharul Haq Movement of Nigeria and FOMWAN Lagos.

Others are The Criterion Lagos District, International Muslim Women Union (IMWU), Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN), Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Muslim Public Affairs Center MPAC, Akhwaat Muslimat Organization, Lagos, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Guild of Muslim Professionals, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria and Pristine Cactus Foundation.

The organisations called on the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to ensure the rights of Muslim women wearing hijabs are not infringed on during the agency’s biometric process.

“Today, as we gather to commemorate the Annual World Hijab Day 2024, we are reminded of the profound significance of the Hijab and the strength it embodies for Muslim women worldwide. Under the theme “Veiled in Strength,” we reflect on the resilience and dignity of Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab as a symbol of their faith and identity. Our dresscode was given to us by God has stated in the Quran in suratul al-Ahzab 33:59,” the organisations said.

“It truly takes strength and faith to wear hijab particularly in today’s world as well as the society we belong to. The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is guaranteed by the constitution, and laws regulating these matters recognise and permit the use of Hijab. Yet there are public officers who use their positions to infringe on the rights of Muslim Women.

“Furthermore, the issue of registration and writing of examinations, such as WAEC, NECO, and JAMB, must be addressed to ensure that Muslim girls are not subjected to discrimination. The registration for WAEC is ongoing in Lagos state public schools and we have received several reports of students being asked to take off their Hijabs, or bear their ears before they can be registered.

“The hijab stands as a symbol of honour, respectability, chastity, and modesty, embodying a steadfast commitment to high moral standards. Contrary to media portrayals, the Muslim woman’s attire is not a tool for political agendas or a mere fashion statement. Rather, it epitomizes the inherent dignity of every Muslim woman, a right enshrined by the constitution of our beloved Nigeria.”