By Salisu Sani-Idris
The coalition of Nigerian Muslim women has commended the Federal Government for being instrumental to advancing the dignity of Hijab wearers in the country.
Mrs Rukayat Dindi, the Abuja Coordinator of Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative, made the commendation at a news conference to mark the 2025 World Hijab Day organised by the coalition on Friday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Feb. 1 has been set aside as world Hijab Day to highlight the beauty and significance of wearing hijab in the Islamic context.
The word hijab comes from the Arabic word ḥijāb, which means “veil”,
symbolising modesty, worn by Muslim females from puberty onwards.
It is a headscarf or veil worn to cover the hair and neck, as prescribed by Almighty Allah in the Holy Qur’an Sura 24, Noor (Light), verses 30 -31.
According to the verses, Muslim women should cover themselves modestly, ensuring that the head, hair, neck, and chest are completely covered.
Another rule is to use fabric that is opaque and not too thin or decorated,
wear loose, non-formfitting clothing that covers body shape and avoid brightly coloured or attention-grabbing scarves.
Dindi, therefore, appreciated government’s efforts in ensuring inclusion and respect in all spheres of life for Muslim women who wear the hijab.
The coordinator also expressed gratitude to all individuals, institutions, groups and agencies that supported or responded positively to protecting the rights of women in hijab.
She added that “the Federal Government, through its agencies, surely deserves mentioned namely; the Ministry of Education, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Council of Legal Education, the Supreme Court and various state governments.
“Also to mention are the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police, the National Assembly, and various NGOs that amplified the crusade are well recognised by this coalition.”
Dindi said that the coalition recorded numerous outstanding achievements of Hijab wearers, especially students who broke records of academic performance, setting high standards for upcoming graduates.
“We are extremely proud of them and will continue to support them as they inspire the next generation of hijab wearing trailblazers,” she said.
On her part, Mrs Mardiyyah Ojibara, a member of the coalition, empahaised the need for all institutions to continue to respect the constitution of the land and pronouncements of the Supreme Court on the rights of female Muslims to hijab.
“This is imperative so we don’t have to go through additional litigation to enforce the already established right,” she added
Ojibara called on the National Assembly to prioritise the swift passage of outstanding bills on discrimination based on appearance or faith.
She said “these bills will demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to justice and equity.”
She urged the media to challenge stereotypes by promoting positive representation of hijab wearing women.
She explained that “stories should highlight the achievements of hijab wearing Muslim women as leaders, professionals and role models, while breaking the misconception about the hijab. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
