Banning Hijab Violates Principles of Diversity, Inclusivity and Mutual Respect

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 29 June 2024 Even Though There Exist Varying Interpretations Within Islamic Jurisprudence Regarding the Complete Coverage Of The Face With The Niqab, The Wearing Of The Hijab, And The Specific Requirements Related To The Extent Of Covering Known As Satr-e-Aurawah For Muslim Women, It Is Essential To Acknowledge That Hijab Ultimately Is An Individual Woman's Choice Of Attire, Transcending Religious Boundaries And Embracing Personal Freedom. Main Points: 1. Banning the Hijab goes against the fundamental values of a society that prioritizes diversity, inclusivity, mutual respect and freedom of choice. 2. Inclusivity is a cornerstone of a progressive society, where every individual is valued and respected. Banning the Hijab would contradict this principle. 3. The Muslim girls in society are reported to deeply believe that wearing the Hijab serves as a significant catalyst in nurturing a strong sense of self-worth and dignity within themselves. 4. In today's society, where certain individuals unashamedly derive pleasure from voyeuristically viewing women in a state of undress or scantily clad, there exists a vehement push to outlaw the wearing of the Hijab by some. 5. On one hand, we witness an unabashed obsession with objectifying and demeaning women, while on the other, there is a regressive call to suppress a woman's right to express her faith and identity through the Hijab. ------ (Photo: From Files) ------ Banning the Hijab goes against the fundamental values of a society that prioritizes diversity, inclusivity, mutual respect and freedom of choice. By prohibiting the wearing of the Hijab, society would be disregarding the rights and freedoms of individuals to express their religious beliefs and cultural identity. Such an action could lead to marginalization and discrimination of those who choose to wear the Hijab, creating a divisive and oppressive environment. In a society that truly values diversity, it is important to embrace differences and promote understanding among its members. By allowing individuals to freely practice their beliefs, including the choice to wear the Hijab, society fosters an environment of tolerance and acceptance. This openness to diverse perspectives and traditions enriches the social fabric and contributes to a more harmonious and united community. Moreover, inclusivity is a cornerstone of a progressive society, where every individual is valued and respected. Banning the Hijab would contradict this principle by excluding a specific group of people based on their religious practices. This exclusion could lead to feelings of alienation and inequality among those who are targeted by such discriminatory policies. In essence, a society that aspires to uphold the values of diversity, inclusivity, and mutual respect must recognize and protect the rights of all its members, regardless of their cultural or religious backgrounds. Banning the Hijab not only undermines these values but also sets a dangerous precedent of intolerance and injustice within the community. Many of the young women who have converted to Islam in various regions of Europe and the West often come across the diverse lifestyles within Islam and view them as appealing options. Upon careful consideration, the Hijab emerges as a particularly favoured choice among these individuals for numerous reasons. Primarily, it provides them with a sense of privacy and shields them from the unwelcome gaze of societal norms. Additionally, the common Muslim girls think that the Hijab plays a crucial role in instilling a profound feeling of self-respect within them, especially by signalling an expression of respect from male counterparts, creating a semblance of mutual understanding and dignity. The Muslim girls in society are reported to deeply believe that wearing the Hijab serves as a significant catalyst in nurturing a strong sense of self-worth and dignity within themselves. This conviction is especially pronounced as they view the Hijab not just as a piece of clothing but as a symbol of their values and beliefs. In their eyes, donning the Hijab goes beyond a mere act of modesty; it represents a profound commitment to their identity and faith. Additionally, these young Muslim women perceive the Hijab as a powerful tool of empowerment, enabling them to navigate the world with confidence and grace. By choosing to wear the Hijab, they assert their autonomy and agency, making a bold statement about their values and principles. Furthermore, through the act of veiling, they feel a sense of unity and solidarity with other women who share their beliefs, forming a community bound by mutual respect and understanding. Moreover, these women believe that the Hijab serves as a shield that protects them from objectification and unwanted advances, allowing them to interact with their male counterparts on an equal footing. This mutual respect, established through the symbolism of the Hijab, fosters a culture of dignity and understanding between both genders, transcending mere appearance to focus on the qualities and character of individuals. In this way, the Hijab becomes a bridge that connects people and fosters a sense of shared humanity, promoting tolerance and respect in a diverse society. It is noteworthy to reflect on the fact that certain factions oppose the Hijab precisely because of the influence it holds in shaping the perception of Islam as an empowering religion offering thoughtful choices to its followers, especially women. The push to ban the Hijab can be seen as stemming from a fear of Islam being viewed favourably as a religion that promotes individual choice among the Hijab, Niqab and other dignities, particularly among the younger generation of women in the Western world. This resistance seems to underscore a larger societal struggle between embracing diverse freedoms of expression and conformity to established norms, highlighting the enduring debate over cultural acceptance and personal autonomy. It is undeniably disturbing that in today's society, where certain individuals unashamedly derive pleasure from voyeuristically viewing women in a state of undress or scantily clad, there exists a vehement push to outlaw the wearing of the Hijab by some. This stark contrast highlights a troubling paradox prevalent in our modern world. On one hand, we witness an unabashed obsession with objectifying and demeaning women, while on the other, there is a regressive call to suppress a woman's right to express her faith and identity through the Hijab. This contradiction sheds light on the underlying hypocrisy and double standards that persist in societal attitudes towards women and their autonomy. The audacity of those advocating for the banning of the Hijab is deeply concerning, as it reflects a fundamental lack of respect for individual beliefs and freedoms. By seeking to impose such restrictions, they are not only infringing upon religious rights but also perpetuating a culture of intolerance and discrimination. It is imperative to recognize that a person's choice to wear the Hijab is a personal and deeply meaningful decision that should be afforded the same level of respect and acceptance as any other form of self-expression. Even though there exist varying interpretations within Islamic jurisprudence regarding the complete coverage of the face with the Niqab, the wearing of the Hijab, and the specific requirements related to the extent of covering known as Satr-e-Aurawah for Muslim women, it is essential to acknowledge that Hijab ultimately is an individual woman's choice of attire, transcending religious boundaries and embracing personal freedom. This emphasizes the broader notion that each woman, irrespective of her faith background, has the autonomy to decide how she presents herself in society. The diverse opinions within Islam contribute to a rich tapestry of cultural and religious practices, fostering tolerance and understanding among individuals with differing beliefs. By acknowledging and respecting each woman's decision to wear the Hijab as an expression of her identity and values, society can cultivate an environment of inclusivity and acceptance. In a world where diversity is celebrated, the choice to wear a Hijab becomes a powerful symbol of self-expression and empowerment for women, regardless of their religious affiliations. It is crucial to recognize that the freedom to choose one's attire is a fundamental right that should be safeguarded and respected, promoting a culture of mutual respect and appreciation for individual differences. Therefore, the Hijab serves as a universal emblem of personal agency and cultural heritage, illustrating the beauty and strength found in embracing one's identity and beliefs. In the face of such disturbing trends, it becomes increasingly crucial to challenge the narrow-minded viewpoints that seek to dictate how women should dress or behave. Upholding the right of individuals to practice their faith and uphold their cultural traditions, including wearing the Hijab, is essential in fostering a society that values diversity, inclusivity, and mutual respect. By condemning the objectification of women while also defending their right to dress according to their beliefs, we can strive towards a more equitable and harmonious coexistence in our multifaceted world. ------- A regular Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a Classical Islamic scholar with a rich Sufi Madrasa background and expertise in English-Arabic-Urdu translation. Throughout his career, he has emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of Islamic scholarship, consistently contributing valuable insights and analysis on a wide range of crucial topics. Through his regular writings, he has delved into multifaceted subjects, including but not limited to deradicalization strategies, the promotion of moderation within Islamic teachings, counter-terrorism efforts, and the vital mission of combatting Islamophobia. Moreover, he extensively addresses the urgent need to challenge radical ideologies through well-reasoned arguments and scholarly discourse. Beyond these critical issues, his work also encompasses in-depth discussions on human rights principles, the significance of safeguarding religious rights, and the profound exploration of Islamic mysticism. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-ideology/banning-hijab-violates-diversity-inclusivity-respect/d/132600 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism