NIGERIAN POLICE AND THE SANCTITY OF HIJAB

By Professor Abdullahi Danladi

Arbaeen is an annual event that is commemorated by series of events which include processions, lectures, dramas and so on to venerate with Prophet Muhammad and his household (SAWA) over the unfortunate and callous massacre of Imam Husain his grandson by enemies of Islam and humanity. 

This year’s Arbaeen culminated on Sunday 25th August, 2024. As usual Muslims in Nigeria joined their fellow believers in marking the events. 

This was done by way of peaceful processions in all parts of the country especially the North. It is therefore surprising how the Nigerian Police came with full force and descended on the peaceful protesters in Abuja. 

The Police claimed that the protesting Muslims killed two of their men and injured three and set ablaze their patrol vehicles. It is on record that in over the forty years of the activities of the Muslims under the revered leadership of Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky have been conducting their affairs in peace with no incidence unless when attacked by the Nigerian security forces. 

Many a people have been shot with life bullets and are receiving treatments, while about 100 have been arrested by the Police.

The most painful part of this unprovoked aggression is the parading of Muslim sisters who have been stripped of their Hijabs in exactly the same manner the enemies of Islam did in Karbala after killing Imam Husain and his companions. 

This act of exposing Muslim women to ridicule and mockery by forcefully removing their Hijab is a very serious matter that warrants attention. It is on this note I write to educate the Nigerian Police and whoever may care to know about Hijab.

The Hijab in Islam refers to the practice of modest dressing and behavior, particularly for women. The term “Hijab” comes from the Arabic word for “barrier” or “partition,” but it is commonly used to describe the headscarf worn by many Muslim women as a symbol of modesty, privacy, and morality.

The concept of hijab in Islam is derived from the Quran and Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA)). Several verses in the Quran, such as Surah An-Nur (24:31) and Surah Al-Ahzab (33:59), instruct Muslim women to dress modestly and to cover their bodies. 

While the hijab is often associated with women, Islamic teachings on modesty and morality also apply to men. Men are instructed to dress modestly and to lower their gaze, avoiding inappropriate behavior and interactions.

Overall, the hijab is a multifaceted concept in Islam that encompasses not only dress but also a broader sense of modesty, ethics, and spiritual consciousness.

The sanctity of the hijab in Islam is rooted in its spiritual, moral, and social significance. The hijab is not merely a piece of clothing but a comprehensive concept that symbolizes modesty, honor, privacy, and devotion to Allah.

In Islam, wearing the hijab is considered an act of obedience to Allah. The Quran provides specific guidelines for modesty, which include instructions for both men and women. For women, wearing the hijab is seen as a way to fulfill these divine commands. It is an expression of faith, piety, and dedication to the principles of Islam. By observing hijab, Muslim women aim to maintain a connection with their faith and to live in accordance with Allah’s will.

The hijab also serves as a moral guide for Muslim women, encouraging modest behavior in both dress and conduct. It represents a commitment to chastity, humility, and respect for oneself and others. The hijab helps maintain a level of decorum and discourages behavior that might lead to immorality or immodesty.

This moral framework extends beyond physical appearance to include how one interacts with others and how one conducts oneself in public and private settings.

The hijab has profound social significance in many Muslim communities. It fosters a sense of identity, unity, and solidarity among Muslim women, creating a visible bond of shared beliefs and values. The hijab is often viewed as a shield that protects women from unwanted attention, harassment, or objectification, allowing them to be valued for their intellect, character, and contributions rather than their physical appearance.

One of the fundamental reasons for the hijab is to preserve the privacy and dignity of women. The hijab creates a barrier that protects women’s honor and helps prevent situations where they might be exploited or judged based on their physical appearance. 

This concept of privacy, known as “hijab,” extends to both physical space and personal interactions, aiming to protect individuals from any form of harm, including verbal or emotional.

For many Muslim women, the hijab is a symbol of empowerment and freedom. It allows them to reclaim their bodies and define their own standards of beauty and self-worth. By choosing to wear the hijab, many women feel that they are asserting their independence and rejecting societal pressures to conform to particular standards of appearance. They view the hijab as a declaration of their autonomy and agency.

It is important to recognize that the hijab, while rooted in religious teachings, isnalso a cultural practice that varies widely across the Muslim world. The style, significance, and meaning of the hijab can differ based on cultural, geographical, and personal factors. While some Muslim women choose to wear the hijab as a form of religious observance, others may wear it to reflect cultural identity or for personal reasons.

Overall, the sanctity of the hijab in Islam is a complex and deeply personal concept that encompasses spirituality, ethics, social values, and cultural identity. It serves as a constant reminder for Muslims to lead a life of modesty, morality, and devotion to Allah.

It is indeed baffling on why the Nigerian Police decided to commit this inhuman act of stripping the Muslim sisters of their hijab. The act of brevity displayed by the Police and Nigerian security agents will best be appreciated if they can expand their energy and “wisdom” in fighting the bandits and other criminals that have held the country to ransom rather than venturing them on armless women and children observing their religious duties.

Imam Khomeini (QS) of blessed memory has once said “the enemies are not so much afraid of the blood of our martyrs as they are of the Hijab of our women”.

Could this be the reason for striping the Muslim sisters of their Hijab? The day of reckoning is not far away.

Professor Abdullahi Danladi

Resource Forum

Islamic Movement

29th August, 2024