Muslim women in Nigeria cry out against Harassment

olamide oni

January 27, 2016 9:50 AM

“We wish to remind the Nigerian security institutions that Boko Haram is the enemy and not Muslim hijabis (women in hijab). "

Hijab discrimination

Muslim women in Nigeria have cried out against harassment and discrimination they are allegedly facing across the country.

The National Amirah of Al-Mu’minaat Organisation, Hajia Nimatullah Abdullateef, expressed to the press that Muslim women, within and outside the conflict zones are being treated unfairly by the Nigerian army when they are seen wearing Hijab.

She reiterated that wearing hijab is a symbol of the Muslim woman’s faith and adherence to Allah’s injunction

She also mentioned that the situation has gotten worse since President Mohammadu Buhari announced that the government might consider a ban on hijab if terrorists continue to use it as a way of hiding bombs.

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The amirah (women’s leader) said the soldiers’ attitude remained a festering sore in “our heart, while we note with suppressed anguish the harassment of Muslim women in hijab by officers and men of the Nigerian Army within and without military installations in different cities all over Nigeria”.

She added: “Other government agencies are trying to rob the Muslim of the hijab as her right to freedom of religious expression, by demanding that she expose her ears during image capturing. These are: the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC). We call on the leadership of these agencies to call their men to order.

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“We wish to remind the Nigerian security institutions that Boko Haram is the enemy and not Muslim hijabis (women in hijab). Indeed, Boko Haram has used several ingenious garbs and artefacts to camouflage its members and carry out its dastardly and evil attacks, including fruits, vegetables, motor vehicles and even fake army and police uniforms…”

The discrimination against Muslims is also on the increase around the world. US Presidential candidate recently caused a stir when he called for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.

There is actually a term called ‘Islamophobia’ which is used for a person who automatically associate Islam with violence and fear for their lives when around Muslims.

olamide oni