LAGOS AND THE BAN OF HIJAB, OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR AKINWUNMI AMBODE
By Abdulrazaq O Hamzat

When people perceive that there is a war against them which they cannot run away from, they fights back. Even if the war doesn’t exist in real world, may be an imaginary war which is only manifest in the mind of the dreamer, sometimes, dreamers bring their imaginary war defense into reality through creation of a real enemy. In the real world, they will engage the perceived enemy, watched every of his move, fault every of his action, link every action to themselves through imaginary conspiracy theory and on that basis, mobilize support for physical engagement.
Through this practice, many insurgent and terrorist organization strive. They exploit certain wrong actions of government to build movement around themselves to carryout certain actions, though in reality, not to advance interest of their recruit. But when the recruits are in, its hard to go out.
Recently, a Lagos High Court in Ikeja upheld the ban of Hijab by the Lagos State Government prohibiting the wearing of Muslim scarf or hijab, in government owned primary and secondary schools. The judgement was delivered by Justice Grace Onyeabo in Lagos. The judge, neglected numerous arguments presented to her during the about two-year case that sections of the Nigerian constitution and international laws guaranteed the freedom of religion, thoughts and conscience. She went ahead to deliberately delivered a flawed judgement.
Before approaching the court for justice, Muslim students had severally been assaulted and harassed by some teachers and principals for no offense, other than being modest in dressing as required by their religion. One of the scenarios of harassment was that on February 5, 2013, Aisha, a JSS II student of Kadara Junior High School, Ebute Metta was flogged forty three (43) strokes of cane on the assembly ground by her principal, Mrs. E.C Ukpaka, because Aisha did not remove her Hijab after coming out of Islamic Religious Knowledge class, where it is ordinarily permitted to adorn Hijab.
As a result of this harassment and several others,scores of Muslim Students stormed the office of the then Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola to protest the alleged banning of Muslim students from wearing Hijab in public schools. The protesters, led by Assistant -General Secretary, Muslim Students Society (MSS), Zhikirul-lahi Sulaiman, brandished placards with inscriptions including ‘Hijab is our right”, “Stop this Hijabophobia”.
In seeking a peaceful route to the restoration of the rights of Muslism students to use hijab as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution and universal declaration of human rights, the students went to court to seek justice, but unfortunately, even a law court judge seems to lack adequate understanding of human right law,as this flaws clearly manifest in her incoherent judgement.
First, let me join millions of Muslims in Lagos and Nigeria to state categorically that, no legal document has prevented Muslim women from wearing hijab if they so desire. It is however regrettable to note that, the same country that said woman have a right to dress however they want including dressing indecently by exposing all parts of their body is now placing a ban on Muslim women who choose to wear hijab to cover their body. How else can injustice and double standard manifest?
It must be noted that, dress code is part of that overall teaching of Islam. There are two verses in the Qur’an in which Almighty Allah talks about the issue of decency.
In Chapter 24 known as an-Nur (the Light), in verse 30, Allah commanded Prophet Muhammad as follows:
“Say to the believing men that: they should cast down their glances and guard their private parts (by being chaste). This is better for them.”
This is a command to Muslim men that they should not lustfully look at women (other than their own wives); and in order to prevent any possibility of temptation, they are required to cast their glances downwards. This is known as “hijab of the eyes”.
Then in the next verse, Allah commanded the Prophet to address the women:
“Say to the believing women that: they should cast down their glances and guard their private parts (by being chaste)…”
This is a similar command as given to the men in the previous verse regarding “hijab of the eyes”.
This hijab of eyes is similar to the teaching of Jesus where he says, “You have heard that it was said by them of old time, you shall not commit adultery. But I say unto you, That whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.
So if you see a Muslim casting his/her eyes downwards when he/she is talking to a member of opposite sex, this should not be considered as rude or an indication of lack of confidence — he/she is just abiding by the Qur’anic as well as Biblical teaching.
After “hijab of the eyes” came the order describing the dress code for women:
“...and not display their beauty except what is apparent, and they should place their veil over their bosoms...”
According to the commentators of the Qur’an, the women of Medina in the pre-Islamic era used to put their veil over the head with the two ends tucked behind and tied at the back of the neck, in the process exposing their ears and neck. By saying that, “place the veil over the bosoms,” Almighty Allah ordered the women to let the two ends of their headgear extend onto their bosoms so that they conceal their ears, the neck, and the upper part of the bosom also.
Finally. the verse goes on to give the list of the mahram – male family members in whose presence the hijab is not required, such as the husband, the father, the father-in-law, the son(s), and others.
In view of this, denying Muslim students their constitutional rights of adhering to the tenate of their religion is not only a glaring violation, but it is also a call for public disobedience as it is against the Islamic teaching for women to desist from wearing their hijab. Muslim children are brought up with this practice so they could grow up, adhering to and observing ten-ate of their religion as provided for in the constitution.
The schools are for the public, financed with tax payers funds which include Muslims, there is no way Muslims can be prevented from attending the school they finance, neither should they be denied the right to dress decently with hijab as required by their religion. They are not asking other students from other religion to wear hijab, they are wearing it by themselves.
A social commentator, Abdulsalam Abdulrahman while reacting to an article on the social media noted that, it is high time we realized that depriving Muslims of their religious rights is a continuous invitation of terrorism in the world, as every true Muslim on earth must always fight in the course of Allah to defend every aspect of his or her faith. For peace and unity to remain in this nation, we just have to be religious sensitive and tolerant without being bais or sentimental.
Research had shown that, acts characterized as terrorism in nature can occur both in conflict and peace-time. They may constitute crimes in domestic and international law, and they are motivated by a complex milieu of reasons and ideals. Their characterization can also depend upon the person or institution using the label and may even change over time. To give two important examples, the list of most wanted terrorists kept by the United States of America featured, at one time, Yasser Arafat and Nelson Mandela. These two personalities were subsequently awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
It should be noted that, If either of these two personalities were killed when their status remain designated as terrorists, the world wouldn’t celebrate them like it is doing today, neither would the world see their peaceful nature worthy of them being awarded the noble peace prize. Rather, they may remain in the dark side of history for the same reason they are being celebrated today. This goes to justify the saying that, one man terrorist, is another man’s freedom fighter.
Today, Mandela died a hero for the same reason he was designated as terrorist.
For the purpose of emphasis, the Lagos state government must know that, any attempt to deny Muslim students a right to their hijab is an invitation to unrest, as millions of Muslims across Lagos and Nigeria would not only resist such a violation of religious right as guaranteed by UDHR and Nigerian Constitution,but would never rest until it is restored.
Let it be noted again that, while some people like this writer might go about the struggle to restore the rights of Muslims peacefully and intellectually, lesson of history had shown that, others may employ whatever means they deem necessary which include violence.
By definition, terrorism is the unlawful use or threat of violence against persons or property to further political or social objectives. It is usually intended to intimidate or coerce a government, individual or groups, to modify their behavior or politics. Ideology is the most important feature of terrorism. This distinguishes it from other criminal acts or conduct during armed conflict. In contrast, the primary motivation of terrorists is altruistic, motivated by a higher cause or ideology that is greater than his or her personal impulses or gains. A terrorist acts for the furtherance of an external cause, whether it be a localized secessionist movement or global jihad, and for the benefit this has to both the cause and the people of it.
Terrorist’s commitment to his ideology is unbending. It has been observed that, there is no room for negotiation or compromise. Those refereed to as terrorist holds onto an unbreakable idea or passion. This indestructible passion is what drives the individual into violence.
Denying Muslim students a right to their hijab is offensive, it is also considered an abuse against the fundamental rights of every Muslim child, something that might spark unrest and push some people into resistance, either openly or secretly. The Lagos state government is asking Muslim students to choose between their religion and their school, without giving similar conditions to adherent of other faiths. But the spirit of the Nigerian constitution doesn’t create such a conflict.
Some scholars have suggested that one of the main causes of terrorism is economic deprivation- that it is rooted in poverty and within-country inequality. Others have added that monetary incentives and religious indoctrination are used by terrorists as veritable tools where poverty and ignorance have taken roots. Groups which use oppression as an excuse for terrorism believe their fundamental rights are being violated by government and justice must be pursued at all cost.

A public commentator, barrister Abdulsalam Abdulfatah Liberty maintained that,such demand for hijab, so cardinal to religion of Islam is a fundamental right of Muslims; such is the spirit of our law nevertheless the judgment of Lagos State High Court, this we are convinced is a right base on the letter of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) in section 38 (1).

“Every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom (either alone or in community with others, and in public or in private) to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance.”

The Constitution of Nigeria and the Quran on this issue represent a coherent legal networking when sec. 38 CFRN preserves the Surah Al-Nur verse 31, Surah Asab verse 59, and other verses of Quran and Hadith that mandate HIJAB for Muslims girls/ woman.

Even in the UK or US where Christians are the majority, Muslims students are allowed to wear hijabs because its their right. We shouldn’t unjustly deny certain group of people their right for no just reason like it is being done in Lagos.
I therefore call on the Lagos state government under the leadership of the new Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode to immediately reverse that law banning use of hijab by Muslim students in Lagos state public schools.

Abdulrazaq O Hamzat is a peace and conflict resolution expert

But kokan Aye nw

I will jump up and support this call immediately you start campaigning for the right worshippers of Sango and Ogun to wear "bante", Ifunpa and other amulets of protection that are used by traditionalists in line with their religion.

Immediately you start talking asking your children say amen when a worshipper of Osun prays and that prayer must also be done on the assembly

The moment you create a praying ground for the worshippers of Obatala within the school premises

When students can make a chain with the head of a rabbit as pendant as it protects him from evil and you don't mind them in the same class.

I will agree when we tolerate the pagans and traditionalists. If not, you can keep writing letters and going to court else, take your kids to religious school and keep em there

I will support Sango worshippers to wear anything provided you can show me where it was stated in Sango book

Hijab is nonsense
Hijab is thrash
How does hijab contribute positively to d educational sector
Go to al-hikma university in ilorin, na hijabians dhe f u c k pass, dey wear it wifout anytin under for quickie, hijabians from al-hikma dhe go princess for pipeline road (spartacus club) to sleep wif men and hear u open ya mouth to call hijab
Screw muhamMAD screw alllahh
Una dhe deceive unaself

The most intolerance religion having fits over 'infringement' of its rights, and threatening terrorism

Hijab is a symbol of arab\islamic cultural supremacy. Its approval will indirectly alter the social order in terms of the belief system, and definitely lead to further islamic demands (as we have seen it happen in several countries).

Hijab is just the beginning of islamic demands if unchecked by the authorities and its often lead to civil disobedience\disorder, in the long run. That is why hijab had been banned in many european countries: they understand the long term social-cultural effect on their traditional society.

The call for hijab is a new demand being made by salafi muslims world wide. Its an attempt by the arabs, using religion as a cover, to sow the seed of islam in every culture hence destroyin such cultures and replacing them with arabia culture
\supersitutions, aka islam. Hijab is both a religious identity (to muslims) and a mark of arab cultural supremacy.

bilms:
I will support Sango worshippers to wear anything provided you can show me where it was stated in Sango book

A student goes to meet his priest and he tells him that his neighbor is against him hence he should wear the Mariwo and Bante whenever he goes out.

You as a parent go to the school the next day and sees the gut next to your daughter wearing his amulets, what will you do?

?

STUPID FOOLS (CHRISTIANS SUPPORTING BANNING OF HIJAB) WHEN YOU IDIOTS WON'T READ YOUR BIBLE.. BIBLE SUPPORTS HIJAB, MARY MOTHER OF JESUS SUPPORT HIJAB, THE ROOT OF CHRISTIANITY (ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH) SUPPORTS HIJAB... FOOLISH IDIOTS WHO KNOW NOTHING ABOUT BIBLE NOR JESUS.... I PITY UNA LIFE

Shyhid. Just check out your language. No manners, very insultive. Am not surpised, the spirit of satan(allah) at work in u. A tree is known by its fruits. You r allah's fruits. Smh.
Quote from the bible where Mary supports hijab. Catholic church is the biggest very Oganised Cult ever. If they support hijab, I won't be surprised, Catholic church created Islam to use it to fight against True Biblical christianity. So go on making a mess of urself.

shahydbinaliyu:
STUPID FOOLS (CHRISTIANS SUPPORTING BANNING OF HIJAB) WHEN YOU IDIOTS WON'T READ YOUR BIBLE.. BIBLE SUPPORTS HIJAB, MARY MOTHER OF JESUS SUPPORT HIJAB, THE ROOT OF CHRISTIANITY (ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH) SUPPORTS HIJAB... FOOLISH IDIOTS WHO KNOW NOTHING ABOUT BIBLE NOR JESUS.... I PITY UNA LIFE

Hair covering is only advised in the church or synagogue and not at school, hospital, post office, bank, parks or any public place as muslims want to make to accept.

We are not in saudi arabia, iran, pakistan etc where it is a criminal offense not to wear hijab.

Each culture has their distinct ways on how women cover their hair. Hijabi pattern is a symbol of arab supremacy which sane society much reject. Most western european countries have banned hijab and not ordinary hair covering.

Understand this simple fact dear islamic apologist.

shahydbinaliyu:
STUPID FOOLS (CHRISTIANS SUPPORTING BANNING OF HIJAB) WHEN YOU IDIOTS WON'T READ YOUR BIBLE.. BIBLE SUPPORTS HIJAB, MARY MOTHER OF JESUS SUPPORT HIJAB, THE ROOT OF CHRISTIANITY (ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH) SUPPORTS HIJAB... FOOLISH IDIOTS WHO KNOW NOTHING ABOUT BIBLE NOR JESUS.... I PITY UNA LIFE

Impoverished riffraff mourning online! Pitiable muslim!

A terrorist is a terrorist. Its very easy to come up with something; an excuse, to start fighting! So form a "boko haram" now because of "hijab"?!
Islam and satanism are definitely one and the same!

Anas09:
Shyhid. Just check out your language. No manners, very insultive. Am not surpised, the spirit of satan(allah) at work in u. A tree is known by its fruits. You r allah's fruits. Smh.
Quote from the bible where Mary supports hijab. Catholic church is the biggest very Oganised Cult ever. If they support hijab, I won't be surprised, Catholic church created Islam to use it to fight against True Biblical christianity. So go on making a mess of urself.

like Jesus didn't call people fools.

true2god:
Hair covering is only advised in the church or synagogue and not at school, hospital, post office, bank, parks or any public place as muslims want to make to accept.

We are not in saudi arabia, iran, pakistan etc where it is a criminal offense not to wear hijab.

Each culture has their distinct ways on how women cover their hair. Hijabi pattern is a symbol of arab supremacy which sane society much reject. Most western european countries have banned hijab and not ordinary hair covering.

Understand this simple fact dear islamic apologist.

and how does it affects you what someone else chooses to wear are your fellow xtians who dress naked not enough for you?

Hijab is evil

Anas09:
Shyhid. Just check out your language. No manners, very insultive. Am not surpised, the spirit of satan(allah) at work in u. A tree is known by its fruits. You r allah's fruits. Smh.
Quote from the bible where Mary supports hijab. Catholic church is the biggest very Oganised Cult ever. If they support hijab, I won't be surprised, Catholic church created Islam to use it to fight against True Biblical christianity. So go on making a mess of urself.

Your hatred for Catholicism is shocking. So you wont be surprised to hear that Catholics support hijab? How many Catholics have you seen wearing hijabs? As for your unsubstantiated accusation that Catholics invented Islam dont tell me you read it on a Jack Chick cartoon. And which True Biblical Christian Church were the Catholics fightning when they allegedly created Islam? Sorry I couldnt let this idiotic comment pass without commenting.

Hate or like Muslims, we have a right