Hundreds of Muslim women, under the aegis of the Coalition of Islamic Groups, have embarked on a walk to enlighten members of the public on the benefits of the use of Hijab among women and young female children.
The walk, which kicked off from the Allen roundabouts in Ikeja and terminated at the Alausa Secretariat Mosque, was also in commemoration of this year’s World Hijab Day, marked every February 1.
While addressing the gathering, the Executive Director of the Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative, Hajia Mutiat Balogun-Orolu, said it was to educate the public on the huge benefits of wearing the Hijab and to clarify misconceptions in some areas.
She explained that the wearing of the Hijab among Muslim women was an injunction from Allah, which is also backed by the Hadith of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (May the Blessings of Allah be upon him) and some sections of the nation’s constitution.
Hajia Mutiat Balogun-Orolu said that it was time for society to do away with misconceptions about the use of the Hijab, including religious extremism and lack of quality education.
She reiterated the need for government offices, both federal and state, companies, public facilities, and schools to respect the rights of Muslim women to freely wear their Hijab without any intimidation or harassment.
The leader of the advocacy group commended the resilience of Muslim women who still comply with the wearing of Hijab despite the enormous challenges that confront them in the country.
Hajia Mutiat Balogun-Orolu lamented that the high level of moral decadence and social vices in the country was largely due to neglect of religious dictates.
Also speaking, the Amirah of the MSSN Lagos State Area Unit, Hajia Rafiah Tijani, urged Muslim women to remain united in the struggle for the recognition and acceptance of the Hijab in the country.
She also cautioned young female students in Hijab to avoid unruly behavior that could lead their teachers to tag them, but rather see themselves as role models for good conduct in society.
On her part, the FOMWAN Lagos State Amirah, Hajia Sherifah Agbaje, said she was fulfilled with the crowd that attended the event.
According to her, Hijab remains their Logo, assuring that Allah will reward them bountifully for adherence to His injunctions.
Another leader of the group told the students that the use of Hijab is their fundamental right, saying that no one has the right to discriminate against them for wearing it.
She said that they are not supposed to talk in the Hijab but put it on appropriately.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Veiled in Strength.”
Some of the Islamic groups that participated in the enlightenment walk, along with female students from select schools, include:
1. Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative
2. Nasrullahi Fathi Society (NASFAT)
3. Pure Heart Islamic Foundation
4. Al-Muminaat Organisation Lagos
5. MSSN Lagos State Area unit
6. An Nujabau Female Forum
7. Izharul Haq Movement of Nigeria
8. FOMWAN Lagos
9. The Criterion Lagos District
10. International Muslim Women Union (IMWU)
11. Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN)
12. Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque
13. Muslim Public Affairs Center (MPAC)
14. Akhwaat Muslimat Organization, Lagos
15. Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)
16. Guild of Muslim Professionals
17. Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria
18. Pristine Cactus Foundation
