....donates hijab to female students.
The Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria( FOMWAN) alongside the Coalition of Muslim Women Organisation (CMWO) on Saturday the 1st of February, 2020 converge on Ijebu-Ode Central Mosque to commemorate the World Hijab Day, a day set aside to create awareness about the beauty of Hijab and to campaign against the discrimination of the usage of Hijab by female students.
The 2020 World Hijab Day which was marked simoutaneously across the world is themed " Unity in Diversity" and it was put together to enlighten people about the significance of Hijab and principally to let people know that Hijab signifies the pure identity of Muslim women who are seen as symbol of morally upright behaviour among humanity.
The Coordinator of the programme, Alhaja Alirat Otaniyi in an opening remark said this much while urging women to be steadfast and be of good behaviour in order to preserve the chastity of Islamic religion .
According to her, there should be no fear about the use of Hijab anywhere in the world, at educational institutions, work place and even among professionals.
The Amirah , Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria FOMWAN, Alhaja Kudirat Rabiu in a goodwill message observed that wearing Hijab is a personal and independent decision that comes from a sincere heart to please God, while appreciating the wisdom underlying His command.
As she said wearing Hijab does not in any way have demerits, even as those who wear it have more strengths and confidence.
In conclusion she called on the Ogun state government to look into the use of Hijab by femlae students as promised during the Town Hall meeting.
She said " I want to appreciate our amiable Governor for promising to look into the use of Hijab by our female students during the Town Hall meeting. We implore him to keep his promise and pray that Almighty Allah guide him rightly to pilot the ship of Ogun- State to a safe landing".
The lecture with the title " Hijab,my identity", was preceeded by recitation of the holy Quran by the trio of Abodunrin Sofiyyah, Baruwa Hibatullahi, and Ogunkoya Labeebah.
The Guest Speaker who is a National Dawah Officer FOMWQN , Alhaja Tawakalit Olabisi Oderinde observed that the use of Hijab is in line with the dictate and injuction of Allah (SWT) in Quran Chapter 33 verse 59 while the use of Hijab was also guaranteed by the 1999 Nigerian Constitution in Section 38, Sub Section 1 as amended where it stated "every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including freedom to change his religion or belief"
According to her, in another verse, Allah SWT enjoined Muslim women believers to lower their gaze and cover their nakedness and as well desist from adultery and fornication.
"O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves part of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful"
Also, in Surat Anur, Chpater 24 verse 31, Allah SWT said " And tell the believing women to reduce some of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which necessarily appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands.... And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed"
According to her, the coalition is determined to propagate the message to ensure that the usage of Hijab is giving its pride of place , saying from findings , the awareness about the World Hijab Day is still very low , noting that efforts must be intensified to step up the awareness.
She wonders why the usage of Hijab which is in obedience to the injuction of Allah SWT became a subject of controversy all over the world, citing the case of Fridaus q female law graduate from Kwara State who was prevented from proceeding to the Law School due to her usage of Hijab and another raging case of a minor at University of Ibadan International Schools which is still ongoing .
The guest speaker listed areas where Muslim women are being discriminated against due to the use of Hijab to include registration for the West African Examination Council, (WAEC); registration for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) as well as during the data capturing exercise for voters registration, driver's licence , international passport among others.
On the benefits of using Hijab, the guest lecturer described hijab as a garment of modesty, protection from all forms of evil, shield against unwanted advances, and a garment which exudes respect and dignity.
On what Hijab is, she highlighted the following : Shielding the Muslim women from unwanted advances; prevents evil actions or thoughts; it is for successful and believing women; an expression of chastity and modesty; eliminates competition among women; it's primary motivation is to obey Allah; it takes people behind superstition ; it ensures cleanliness among others.
She also listed what Hijab is not to include but not limited to: It does not hinder Muslim women contribution to the society; it is not a symbol of oppression; it is not a sign of female inferiority to men; it is not a means of restricting women from pursuing education and reasonable career.
The event witnessed the questions and answer session, presentation of Hijab to female students by the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) while a drama sketch signifying the essence of the use of Hijab was also staged as the event hosted women from different organisations including the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), NASFAT, Al-Muminat Answairuldeen Society of Nigeria among others .
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