In support of the hijab
By Ateeqa Rajwani
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Representatives from 100 organisations attended the first ‘Assembly for the Protection of Hijab’ (also known as Prohijab) Conference on July 12. Prohijab was formed in February 2004, after the French Government legalised a ban against the wearing of obviously religious symbols in state schools.
In the words of Prohijab Co-ordinator, Abeer Pharaon, it was initiated in response to what she termed “the worrying trend being witnessed across Europe in banning the hijab of Muslim girls” and their aim is to strive until “there is a real and apparent reversal in the current trend of banning the hijab.”
The event, which took place at London’s City Hall, hosted by Mayor Ken Livingstone, marked the launch of the Prohijab Campaign. Its vision, according the Campaign, is to lobby “nationally and internationally for the protection of every Muslim woman’s right to wear the hijab in accordance with her beliefs and for the protection of every woman’s right to dress as modestly and as comfortably as she pleases.” The event was also supported by the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB).
Along with guests from countries such as France, Belgium, Germany and Tunisia, the Conference also boasted the presence of distinguished speakers, including Editor of Emel magazine, Sarah Joseph, Professor of Philosophy, College of Geneva, Switzerland, Dr Tariq Ramadan, Green Party Chair, Hugo Charlton, Mayor Ken Livingstone and keynote speaker, the prominent Shaykh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi.
After an informative and rousing introduction by Abeer Pharaon in which she argued against the common belief that all Muslim women are oppressed, she said: “They think we are controlled by our husbands and fathers, I assure you we are not.”
Sarah Joseph, who converted to Islam at the age of 16, concluded that the hijab was not worn due to “force or an element of pressure” but instead “from a sense of duty.” Often using her own experiences as an example, she also stated that simply “to facilitate one woman’s choice by preventing another woman’s freedom to choose is an Alice in Wonderland, Topsy Turvy solution.” “The scarf is just a scarf,” she emphasised, “not a ball and chain.”
Dr
Ramadan approached the campaign with a view that the hijab was an “act of
faith at the end of spiritual and education understanding. It is a goal, not
a beginning. We are not taking it as a major teaching of Islam, it is not
central to Islam, it is not an act of faith.” He later explained that the
sudden visibility of Muslims causes the French not to feel at home in their
own country and are enacting a law “to protect themselves.” He believes that
Muslims are being used “as a ball in a very vicious ball game.”
Ken Livingstone began his address by promising to “develop a European wide
campaign for a woman’s right to choose” and reassuringly stated, “I am
determined that London Muslims never face the same kind of restrictions that
are faced in France.”
Part of his speech was devoted to the defence of the Islamic scholar, Shaykh al-Qaradawi. Having warmly welcomed him with an embrace, the Mayor said; “On behalf of the people of London, I would like to apologise to the Shaykh for the outburst of xenophobia and hysteria in sections of the media,” and maintained that he preached tolerance and mutual understanding. Livingstone concluded by extending an invitation to the Shaykh to attend the European Social Forum in October, saying “I would be honoured Shaykh if you would be our guest and take part.”
Shaykh al-Qaradawi said that even though France is a society based on fraternity, equality and freedom, yet “the banning of the hijab infringes all three” stressing that the hijab “was not a religious symbol as it is usually called, but rather a divine order.” The Shaykh pointed out that it was not just Islam that encourages women to dress modestly, “Judaism and Christianity have similar traditions too”.
Also scheduled to speak at the conference in support of Prohijab was Green
Party member, Jean Lambert who boycotted the event due to the Shaykh’s views
on homosexuality.
Source: The Muslim News