MuslimNigerians and the world over have been urged to have better understanding for Muslim women who wear hijab in order to foster tolerance.
Mr Disu Kamor, the Executive Chairman of the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), an NGO, made the call on Monday to mark the 2016 World Hijab Day.
Monday, Feb. 1, marked the annual World Hijab Day in recognition of millions of Muslim women who chose to wear the hijab and live a life of modesty.
Hijab is a veil that covers the head and chest, particularly worn by Muslim women beyond the age of puberty in the presence of adult males outside of their immediate family.
Kamor, therefore, told newsmen in Lagos that Nigerian Muslim women in hijab had championed social justice, equality and tolerance over the decades.
He said “the World Hijab Day is a worldwide event that encourages Muslim and non-Muslim women to wear the hijab, and experience the life of a Hijabi woman.’’
Founded by Nazma Khan from India, the first World Hijab Day was celebrated in 2013.
Kamor said that in spite of their glorious achievements and contributions, Muslim women continued to face untold hardships and challenges in their choice to fulfill one of the obligations in their faith.
He added that “the hijab is the covering worn by millions of women worldwide following the revelation in the Holy Qur’an that the believing men should lower their gaze and guard their modesty.
“Chapter 24, verses 30-31 of the Holy Quran says that `they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers.
“Our leaders should use the opportunity of this global event to build bridges of understanding and mutual discovery to understand why Muslim women wear the hijab.
“Muslim women, like other women, have the right to practice their religion; they have the right to be treated equally and the right not to be stigmatised or discriminated against.
“It is time for Nigeria to produce anti-hate laws which are essential protection against hate-mongers who continue to undermine the country’s diversity, peace, stability and tolerance.’’ (NAN)
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