Hijab controversy: Beyond Firdaus’ case
Much controversy was generated after the refusal of the authorities of the Nigerian Law School and the council of legal education to call a female graduate to bar during the recent call to bar ceremony held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. AbdulSalaam Firdaus Amasa, a graduate of University of Ilorin was denied being called […]
Much controversy was generated after the refusal of the authorities of the Nigerian Law School and the council of legal education to call a female graduate to bar during the recent call to bar ceremony held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
AbdulSalaam Firdaus Amasa, a graduate of University of Ilorin was denied being called to the Nigerian bar following her insistence on putting on the hijab. This incident has attracted the attention of many individuals (from the legal profession and beyond) and bodies like the NSCIA. People are divided to pro- and anti-Firdaus.
To me, Firdaus is a heroine who stood up for her fundamental human right as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution; a Rosa Parks of Nigeria indeed. I hope her cause will also succeed as that of the American Rosa Parks did.
Unfortunately, we recently heard of the case of another female graduate who despite being called to the bar was humiliated and victimized by two of her former female lecturers at the law school. Aisha Zubair narrated how the two lecturers insulted her and even rub her hijab on the floor after seizing her certificate. It took much pleas before she retrieved it. This alleged unprofessional conduct could spark a religious crisis because the hijab has an esteem place in the hearts of the Muslims. We call for proper investigation into the matter and bringing the culprits to book.
But why should the hijab be an issue to some? Does putting on the hijab infringe on the rights of others? I am disappointed in this display of bigotry in a multi-religious nation like Nigeria. It is absurd to castigate Firdaus and hail Rosa Parks. But let me state here for the benefit of those that see the hijab as a mere dress; it is more than an option to the female Muslims, it is obligatory and our women are proud of it. An unambiguous statement of the Qur’an make it obligatory, do you know what the Qur’an is? It is the words of the Supreme; hence the supreme law to the Muslims.
But beyond this controversy, I think the following issues need to be addressed. Bodies like the NSCIA that are even considering legal action should also consider these issues so that the fundamental human rights of the law abiding Muslims of this multi-religious nation of ours can also be guaranteed.
Our sisters should be allowed to dress properly in public schools, they should be allowed to put on their hijabs and long trousers or skirts that cover their legs. As of now, female Muslim students can’t wear hijab, they can’t even wear long trousers or skirts in public schools owned by both federal and state governments in many non-Muslim majority states. This implies that many Muslims are denied benefitting from this institutions by virtue of their dress code. Consequently, we never saw a non-Muslim forced to dress the Islamic way in schools even in Shari’ah implementing states; why should we not be treated fairly also?
I hope to see a Nigeria where people of all religions are given the right to practice their religions so far it does not infringe on the rights of others.
AbdurRahman Sabo Ibrahim, Jos, Plateau State