Foreword & Definitions
For the sake of this piece, we define hijab the typical hair, head and neck covering commonly donned by Muslim women worldwide.
We've written extensively previously that hijab has nothing to do with Islam, the religion contained exclusively in the Qur'an. Without adulteration with hadith, tafsir and fiqh.
We regard the hijab as just another random head wear like hoodie, head-tie, hat or cap, we respect the choice of the wearer, except for events with dress-code generally forbidding head wears.
Aims of World Hijab Day
The world hijab day was conceived as an act to encourage women to wear the hijab, to honor those wearing it and to defend the choice of the wearer against discrimination or harassment.
This is what we've been told. But noble as these sounds, we uncover hidden bias and in fact folly behind it.
Bias & Folly
For one, the world hijab day present hijab as an Islamic obligation, which is not necessarily true, there are Muslims from all denominations who beg to differ. The annual event reinforces the stereotype that all devout Muslim women wear hijab.
And so, even to the common non-Muslims, a Muslim woman without hijab is not an authentic Muslim. Such Muslim women face scorn and discrimination in traditional mosques and Muslim gatherings. Who sympathizes with these women?
For two, the world hijab day disregards the plight of Muslim women under duress of family, society and state to wear the hijab. We ask the celebrants of world hijab day, especially the Muslims among them;
"Will they approve an annual event enjoining even Muslim women to take off their hijab in honor of those forced to wear it in the middle east?"
It is only upon realizing their abhorrence to such an event that we begin to question the motive behind the world hijab day. Is it really what it is purported to be?
Motive for this writing
In the end, you can lead a horse to the stream but you cannot force it to drink. We do not bother persuading anyone to abolish the world hijab day, but we hope they keep all these in mind as they celebrate with their hijab come the next Feb/01