Banning Of Hijab Is Attack On Islam – Muslim Groups Cry Out

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) as well as Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria have rejected any idea of imposing a ban on hijab.

The Cable reports that both groups wondered why army and police uniforms have not been banned despite being used by gunmen and terrorists.
On Wednesday, December 30, speaking during his first presidential media chat, Muhammadu Buhari hinted on the possibility of imposing a ban on hijab if bombings continue.

In a swift reaction, Saheed Ashafa, the amir of the Muslim Students of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit, expressed his strong disagreement.

“If Hijab ban must be considered, then the government has to also ban use of vehicles, hand bags, cell phones, motorcycles and suits because more evils have been perpetuated through them. “

“It’s totally illogical to attach Boko Haram attacks to a dress code or pattern. Our Hijab is a garment of honour; it is an apparel of modesty and an outfit commanded to be worn by Allah,” he said.

According to Ashafaa, a ban on the religious garment is an attack on Islam.

“Just as it would be wrong for anyone to say that suits or vehicles should be banned because they are used to rob or assassinate and terrorise; it would also be unfair for anybody to consider Hijab ban because of its wrong usage,” he added.

Ishaq Akintola, the director of MURIC, has also raised his voice against the proposed ban, describing it as “escapist” and “scapegoatism”.

“It will open the floodgates of anarchy. Instead of solving Nigeria’s security problems, it is most likely to compound it.

“If army and police uniforms are not banned although they are often used by bandits, why should we ban hijab? Security agents know how they often fish out hoodlums who use police and soldiers’ uniforms to commit atrocities. The same method should be used to prevent the use of hijab for bombing,” he said.

The professor noted that without their hijab Muslim women feel as if they are absolutely naked.

Undoubtedly, the president’s comments on the hijab being banned have triggered mixed reactions abong Nigerians. However, most people think that banning of hijab will not solve the problem of Boko Harram attacks.