My Hijab; My Virtue and Pride.

"Accountability is said to be, the only threshold to personal lucidity." by A. A. Tobi. 

Once ago, I was put to questioning that what would have been my reaction if a Hijabite-- Muslim woman-- supposed a coursemate of mine, was to take part in a curricular activity in school which obligates her leaving a part of her body unclad(based on Islamic periscope). My responses were simple; "What if the person I intend to fight for is willing to comply with the bidding? Or what if she is a type that doesn't even understand the import of Hijab?" and many more. The singular fact about these responses is, if resistance is not signalled by the oppressed, then I should bother less. 

The case of Amasa Fridaus still looms largely in my memory following her frontal objection to the tradition of the Nigerian Bar Association, as if she was the only Hijabite, rather Muslimah, who ever made it to the Call to Bar ceremony. By implication, the female Muslim folks prior to her time, have definitely compromised their integrity by giving preference to "Passion" over "Reason". How preposterous? In fact, it is reportedly said, that some half-baked Muslims even conjectured she should have been supple to the authority, so as to dogmatically infringe her constitutional right. Imagine, what an awful fallacy of thought! Those that probably do not understand what is legally and constitutionally due for them. May Allah bless her ingeniousness. 

Sometimes, we ask-- due to the level of vices and moral depravity that challenge the integrity of ethics around the nooks and crannies of the world-- that, are there still virtuous people out there? Whether or not, the point is, our existence and roles as Muslims-- the repudiators of vices-- have been expunged and marginalised by society; our aims and objectives are closed to nil. This is why, in a country established with many constitutional liberties alongside religious discretion, with a legal body saddled with the responsibility to protect the freedom of the people, would arbitrarily compromise its function and subject us, yet we are passive about it. 

I believe, the time for liberty is proximal. Muslims and Muslimahs alike have right that must be protected as well as accorded respect. Fridaus was neither overzealous about her faith nor being fanatical, we must take this into cognizance. But then, just like a common say, "If you are not confident enough nobody will back you up". In actuality, it is a matter nicely stated in the Legislation of this federation; the 1999 Constitution Amendment under Section 38 states that profession is based on individual discretion. Then, why did she get criticized for her choice? I wonder. But to my consternation, Muslims of this nation seem like second-class citizens in the land of their fathers', doing things with trepidation in spite of all alleged dominance of Islam. Perhaps, this triggered the statement made my professor Ebun Oloyede who said, "Nigeria is not a multi-religious society but a Christianized entity". Thus, all attempts to show we are equal owners of this land are nothing but charade; we own, if not whatsoever, a narrow portion of this country, I must say. But then, I didn't mean to pose any threat from their end. 

Now, as an interpretation of the statement above, the sense of accountability is the only way for you to procure who you intend to be and to define for yourself, characteristics that sustain excellence. Thus, the brass-tacks of penning this article is to dispatch the clarion-call, as signalled by Fridaus, to all Muslim leaders in the country to ensure that this matter does not die down. Reason being that, Amasa Fridaus has displayed her finest interest in the matter concerning her choice of profession and we must use every milieu to help her attain her dream excepting violence. She aptly said "My major concern is the approval of Hijab so that everyone coming behind me will be able to use it for the Call to Bar (Ceremony)."

In conclusion, it is quite unquestionable that a considerable portion of African culture has been westernized. Then, the influence of western culture over Africans' could be traced back to the colonial era. Being the colonial master, every jargon they gave to us, including dressing and inter alia, seems admirable. Thus, many sisters feel intimidated about their outfits(Hijab), especially those on campus. You need not to be, try to improve your purpose in life and stay focus. So that you can be among the stalwart. One thing you must know is that this Hijab is a gift and Rahmah(blessing) from your Lord. It protects you from the evils of the human race and Jinn kinds alike. Why do you have to feel coy about wearing it? Well, well, majority don't even understand what they possess. Out of timidity, they find it difficult to prove their stand. Women of the past are remarkable for their valiance. Why can't we live up to such integrity?

To put a pin on this discussion, I have never been an advocate of violence, but peace. It is my desire to relate the essence of Hijab as a blessing from Allah(swa); Muslim women are enjoined to wear it because there is necessity to differentiate between the believing women and their counterparts. Also, the use of Hijab, as history had it, was an outgrowth of the effort of one of the Khilafa Rasheedun-- Umar bn Khattab(ra). It is literally reported that He(pbuh) said if there would be another Prophet after him, it would be Umar bn Khattab. He-- Umar bn Khattab-- in and Hadith found in Sahih Al Bukhari, narrated by Anas, said; "I agreed with Allah in three things," or said, "My Lord agreed with me in three things... Would that you ordered the Mothers of the  believers to cover themselves with veils.' So, the Divine Verses of Al-Hijab (i.e. veiling of the women)  was revealed." Q24 v 31 and Q33 v 59. As such, let learn more of who we are, for us to be prosperous and successful. May He make easy and stable our affairs.(Ameen)