"And say to the believing women that they lower their gaze and guard their private parts and do not display their adornment save what is apparent of it; and let them wear their head-coverings over their bosoms..." Holy Qur'an (24:31)

Difference of Opinion The most talked about topic amongst the Muslims is undoubtedly the issue of unity. The manifestation of disunity and proliferation of problems is there for all to see. Difference of opinion is seen by some to be the main cause for this. Engaging The Media When you are organizing a demonstration or similar public event, it is of crucial importance that you have some basic skills in dealing with the media. First, one or two official spokespersons should be appointed to be the primary representatives of The Triangle Effect When planning activities for youth, you must keep in mind the fact that all youth are not interested in the same things. There will be some youth who are interested in having Islamic study circles where they learn about the Qur'an, Seerah, etc. Organizing A National Coalition Coalitions and alliances are important to the survival of many social movement and political lobbying. Coalitions, being simply groups of organizations or individuals that come together to

MPAC Community Hijab Issues

• Hijab Campaign: Psychological Help
• Hijab- Legal Cases
• How To Organise A Successful Demonstration
• How to Respond to Incidents of Discrimination in Schools
• Hijab: Fabric, Fad or Faith?

What to Do If...

You feel depressed, frustrated, and
miserabsle, and you’re losing self-
confidence due to friends’ rejection,
criticism, and mistreatment after your
decision to wear the hijab?

• On the individual level, stick to Almighty Allah’s order to wear hijab. Following Almighty Allah’s order must have priority over any other order. At the same time be patient regardless of the hardships you may encounter, bearing in mind that true believers are always tested.

• While striving steadfastly to be respected, accepted and well-treated by your surrounding community, do not forget that Almighty Allah is on your side and will support you till the result is for the good of Islam and the Muslims, Allah willing. Almighty Allah says: [And those who strive in Our (cause), We will certainly guide them to our Paths: For verily Allah is with those who do right] (Al-`Ankabut 29:69).

• Stop worrying about the looks you get from the people. Then you will feel comfortable because whenever you pay attention to everyone around you and become obsessed with what those people must be thinking about the hijab, you will feel uncomfortable and even sick from worry.

• You need to decide how important it is to you to observe a commandment of Allah the Most High even if it means that you will receive strange looks. Once you decide with conviction that it is more important for you to observe the hijab because wearing hijab pleases Allah the Most High, you will actually find yourself being able to walk with confidence and blend in with all the other diverse cultures.

• Sister, return curious glances with a saluting smile; return an insult here or there, a negative comment, or ridiculing with firm, steadfast but still polite eye contact. Then move on and thank Allah the Most High that you are holding firmly to your belief, in an atmosphere that does not encourage you to do that.

• Look for good Muslim company. You may find some other Muslim students who will be of great help. Also, if you start addressing the issue and turn from an imaginary victim to an activist in your university, advocating multiculturalism and dialogue, you will have more confidence in who you are and what you represent.

What to Do If...

You are banned by your school
administration from wearing the hijab.
What then?

• If you are living in a country where the debate surrounding the hijab issue in schools has been going on lately, then try, together with some other girls facing the same challenge, to do your best to pressure public opinion to change the law that banned hijab in schools. Be mindful that banning hijab is a challenge to your identity in that country. However, whatever steps you take throughout your struggle, you must apply wisdom and be legally aware. Here are some practical steps toward changing your country’s public opinion:

• Exert pressure on the government by using all constitutional and legal means to get the unjust law changed.

• Keep the issue alive in the media.

• Forge alliances with all peace-loving and democratic elements inside and outside your country to cooperate in fighting for human rights. Unify the community on beneficial goals and projects that are relevant to the time and place, and thus project a common front.

• Pray to Allah to help us remain steadfast in our struggle for truth and justice and to grant victory in all our endeavors.

• In case life becomes unbearable under the new laws, remember that Muslim women are allowed to use the best possible alternatives available to them. If wearing a bandana is the only option, then you are allowed to do that, for it fulfills some requirements of hijab, but keep in mind that it is not a full substitute for hijab, since it does not cover the neck. But until such time that the pressure is off, you are allowed to wear it to school or other places where hijab is banned. While resorting to this option, you should never acquiesce in taking off hijab nor relish its removal, for doing so is akin to rejoicing in disobeying Allah. Other alternatives may be studying abroad, home schooling, or funding and establishing Islamic schools.

In all cases, a Muslim has to try all possible means to avert the violation of legal rulings, but if a Muslim is faced with failure in all these possible means, then the law in Islam states that extreme necessities might relax what has been strictly forbidden. But this has to be done with extreme caution and with great wisdom in measuring the pros and cons of every situation. The other rule in fiqh states that necessity is judged according to the circumstances that surround it.

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