The recent turmoil in India's state of Karnataka over the banning of hijab or the headscarf in educational institutes, has drawn much attention to the topic of hijab and women’s rights over the past month. This is especially the case amongst the Muslim minorities in the non-Muslim world who continue to face such atrocities at the hands of influential leaders who spew rhetoric and enact policies that are Islamophobic.
This scenario has yet again triggered the debate around gender equality and the freedom to practice one's religion. What is upsetting to know is that despite having international policies for the protection of personal interests in place, these acts of discrimination continue to threaten Muslims world over. According to Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR),
“Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.”
Even though India had signed the convention, under the present Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), such laws are being routinely violated and replaced with an expressed agenda to build a powerful Hindu nation, free of religious minorities.
As our rightful duty towards our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters, we need to step up and make an effort to renounce these radical movements. For, our beloved Prophet, may peace and blessings be upon him, said;
“Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart — and that is the weakest of faith.”
(Muslim)
These are lessons that are important to teach our children as well. In this instance, it is easy to relate to the restrictions that are being imposed in schools for Muslim girls who wear hijab.
Here are some ways we can all participate in the call to action.
1. Seek assistance from revered international organizations.
There are more than 25 international human rights organizations serving for the protection and interest of minorities and the oppressed. We need to stay abreast of these worldly affairs and support these advocacy efforts pertaining to religious freedom. Muslims around the world must unite for the cause and play their part by sending out emails, letters, appointing influential persons to speak on behalf of the minorities at large, etc.
One of these is the Sound Vision advocacy affiliate, Justice for All. Their Save India team has been fighting Hindutva fascism for years and currently has a petition campaign to urge the United Nations to condemn religious discrimination in India and investigate the current policies that openly call for genocide against Muslim minitories. Nearly 25,000 concerned men and women from across the world have signed on already!
We need to individually and collectively amplify these efforts in order to draw attention to injustice on every front.
2. Protest peacefully.
Our reactions to the shameful acts of racism, discrimination, and islamophobia do not go unnoticed. The media has highlighted the plight of oppressed Muslims but it also features the way Muslims worldwide respond to these atrocities. Hence, we must be mindful of what we say and do when we are participating in organized protests or even individual opportunities to address these matters. Speaking up against it is one thing and losing control over our senses and retaliating in response, is another.
One way to go about it is by involving notable Muslims among the local and national elected officials, to challenge such policies and acts. Additionally, attention can be drawn to the matter through the involvement of Muslim celebrities (actors and/or models) who hold the power to influence and condone such events among the general public.
3. Use the media to your advantage.
Whenever such racist or Islamophobic incidents take place, media can be a great source of help in terms of making people aware of their rights, exposing those who condone basic human rights and bringing attention to those people and areas which are needful of protection. It also provokes accountability.
Muslims are creating opportunities to speak with their own voices by establishing their own media platforms such as Sound Vision’s own media Channel - Muslim Network TV
Therefore we must channel our efforts in the right direction to seek aid through global awareness of these violations and call for accountability and justice to be served for those who condone such by-laws.
4. Raise awareness in your social and family circle.
Many misconceptions surround the idea of dawning the hijab. These are often projected in the media leading to misinformation being spread like wildfire and resultantly causing further challenges for Muslim women who observe the hijab.
One such instance was observed in the past when an Australian politician commented on the hijab saying that, “it has become the icon, the symbol of a clash of cultures, and it runs much deeper than a piece of cloth.”
These narratives greatly impact the way that the hijab is seen and understood by the non-Muslim community.
To counter those sentiments, we need to highlight that it is not just a symbol of piety and devotion in Islam, but many devout women of the Orthodox, Catholic, Near Eastern and African churches still wear the Christian veil. When referencing Muslim women in hijab, however, there is a clear double standard.
5. Highlight radical behavior as “extremist” or Islamophobic.
Unfortunately, post 9/11 events saw a drastic rise in global anti-Islamic insurgencies. Muslims are the ones who are labeled as extremists, regardless of the oppression that they face at the hands of the West. We need to step up and highlight the real injustices that we face and portray them as extremist actions against Islam and Muslims.
6. Source allies to join these efforts.
In this case of the banning of hijab in educational institutes, it is beneficial for the Muslim community in India and beyond to appeal to prominent Muslim figures and leaders in the education sector. These could include deans and vice-chancellors in other states as well. Chances might be slim, but every bit of effort counts.
Education is a fundamental basic human right. The freedom to practice one's religion and to wear the hijab to school shouldn't be seen as a threat in any way..
7. Make dua'a and seek guidance from Allah.
Know that whatever challenges are being faced by Muslims worldwide are being observed firsthand by the King of All Kings - Allah, Glory to Him, The Most High. That in itself is a reassurance for those who believe. Part of any strategy to address injustice needs to also include making sincere duaa, in private (by individuals) as well as in congregation (after prayers).
8. Volunteer for the cause.
By signing a petition or acting as a volunteer, you can play your part in raising awareness against these heightened injustices. This is perhaps the least we can do for our brothers and sisters who are facing such torment and challenges at the stake of practicing their basic rights. There are a number of ways that you can get involved. Here is a link that can help you learn more about such actions at Justice for All.
The wearing of the hijab publicly associates Muslim women with our religion and, in some cases, draws the attention and resultant harassment and abuse from those who hate us and our practice of Islam. We must all - women and men alike - stand up for ourselves and our sisters who find themselves targets. It is their rights that are being violated and our responsibility to act on their behalf.
May Allah protect all Muslim women who are striving and struggling to practice the deen and guide each one of us to exercise our own responsibility towards preserving their religious rights. Aameen.
Umm Ahmed is an early childhood educator and mother of three boys. Always on the quest to learn, she is passionate about seeking knowledge and passing it on to others. A writer in the making, she draws inspiration through deep conversations, laws of nature, and her own children. She and her family are currently living in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
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