The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has expressed concern over the ongoing debate on the ban on the use of Hijab by Muslim women, especially as it is generating so much unsolicited advice to government in different print and electronic media.
A Press Statement signed by the National Amirah (President) of the goroup, Hajia Amina B. Omoti, says FOMWAN as a Muslim Women organization is concerned at the unfortunate use of young and innocent girls wearing Hijab to create havoc in the North Eastern part of Nigeria; stressing that it is sad and worrisome.
Omoti argued that the use of Hijab is scriptural and binding on every Muslim faithful.
“The Hijab is the prescribed dress code of the Muslim woman in the Noble Qur’an 24 vs 30 and 31. As Muslims, we abide by the injunctions to use it as part of our worship”, she said; adding that “Nigeria is a multi-religious country where freedom of religion and worship is guaranteed in Section 38 (i) of the 1999 constitution. Any attempt to ban the use of the Hijab will be tantamount to trampling on the right of the Muslim Woman to worship.”
She noted: “Banning the use of Hijab is not the solution to the insecurity in the Northern part of the country. After all, vehicles, military uniforms, animals and all sorts of items are being used by the Insurgents to bomb places; are they all going to be banned?”
While urging government to remain focused in its fight to end the insurgency and not be distracted by those calling for the ban on the use of Hijab, Omoti noted that the ban is “diversionary and any attempt to implement it will be resisted by all well meaning Muslims in the country.”
On behalf of the association, she appealed to the Muslim Ummah to remain calm and law abiding.
“We should resist all attempts to be provoked and continue to pray for this government to succeed and for an enduring peace in our dear country”, she urged.