Hijab Action Plan

       

       

      HIJAB - OUR CHOICE, OUR FREEDOM, OUR RIGHT.


      Many leading Muslim and civil rights groups around the world are running campaigns against the right wing government of France, who may introduce a proposal to ban the hijab (scarf) in public schools and state institutions.
      How can we as Muslims unite together at this crucial juncture that will affect ALL of us, how each and every single o­ne of us around the world CAN defend the right to wear the hijab. Read the full news to see how YOU can help.



      THE SUGGESTED ACTION PLAN:

      When faced with issues of concern there are always two strategies to adopt: the immediate plan of action, which is short-term and reactive in nature; and the ongoing plan of action, which is long-term and proactive in nature. Leading Muslim organisations encourage all Muslims to take on both strategies.

      Reactive work is essential but only deals with the symptom of the problem that lies beneath. In order to truly tackle the problem, a proactive approach needs to be taken an approach through which the deeper issues are dealt with and addressed. We have produced a suggested action plan as follows:



      ................................................................................................................................................ IMMEDIATE PLAN OF ACTION: ................................................................................................................................................


      As our sisters in France face a ban on their right to wear Hijab (headscarf) we must take action to ensure we do all that we can to offer them our support and assistance. We are not to forget that not only should this issue concern us because it affects the right of Muslim women to wear their Hijab but because the concepts of tolerance and freedom of belief have long been Islamic principles. All people have a right to believe that which they choose and to practise their faith; and we must stand to protect this fundamental human right, not only for our sisters, but for all people. For indeed Islam teaches us to stand firmly for justice, whether the person in question is a Muslim or a non-Muslim.


      1) Write to President Chirac:
      Express your condemnation of the future law to ban religious symbols that will be taken by French Parliament this February. Alone, our letters will not bring about change, but together with millions of letters, a letter campaign becomes effective.


      2) Write to your local MP:
      Tell them of your concern; insist they put pressure on the Foreign Secretary to express their opposition to such a law.


      3) Participate in the Protests:
      On the 17th of January 2004, an international day of protest took place. A number of leading Muslim organisations encourage Muslims to participate in these peaceful protests and ensure their voice is heard. The protests are being organised by various different Muslim organisations around the world.


      4) Complain about unjust polls:
      You may have noticed many polls, such as the BBC Website poll Should Headscarves be banned in School? Instead of participating in this poll, we should be demanding the BBC to remove it. The poll allows the average bigot to decide whether Muslim girls should be allowed to practise their religion. This is a basic human right: it shouldn t be up for others to decide whether we can have it or not.




      ................................................................................................................................................ LONG-TERM PLAN OF ACTION: ................................................................................................................................................


      The issue may be one that is taking place today in France, but read British opinion concerning the ban and you may well feel shock at the views that members of our British public hold. Comments on Hijab such as in free open western countries they are a sign of oppression and submission& can be found on almost every discussion board dealing with the issue. Some such comments even come from Muslims in the UK, who themselves have deep misconceptions on the meaning and significance of Hijab.

      In order that the issue truly be addressed it is necessary to deal with the underlying misconceptions that people hold. People may not agree with the wearing of the Hijab, but when it is explained to them correctly, many will respect the right of others to wear it and understand its true meaning and significance. It is ignorance that leads to fear in people and hence prejudice and discrimination against what they perceive as hostile. By educating people and alleviating fears we take steps towards eradicating prejudices and hence discrimination.


      1) Talk about the issue with friends, family and colleagues:
      Simply letting the people around you know how you feel about what is going on and thus eradicating some of the misconceptions they may hold can go a long way. People are more likely to be receptive to those close to them, so make sure you take the time to express your views.


      2) Organise a day about women in Islam at your campus or workplace:
      Many Islamic societies organise Islam Awareness Weeks on campus. Make sure you dedicated a day or an event to the issue of women in Islam. Ensure that both Muslims and non-Muslims are fully educated about the high esteem of women in Islam, and the rights they have held since the Qur'an was revealed. Dispell myths carried by your work colleagues.


      3) Distribute literature:
      You may have a da wah stall that you set up regularly on campus. Ensure that if you do, you have good literature available that addresses some common misconceptions held about the status of women in Islam.


      4) Talk to the Women’s Officer at your Student Union:
      In most Student Unions you will find a Women’s Officer or some such person you can talk to about your concerns as a Muslim female student. Let them know of the discrimination you feel and ask them to help by portraying a positive image of Muslim women in any Women’s Weeks they organise, or perhaps work with them to produce an information leaflet about women in Islam, the Hijab or some such issue, that can be distributed in your Student Union.


      5) Write in to your local student paper and Local/National Paper:
      Write a letter or even a short article and try and get it printed in your student paper. Put your view across and try to make people understand your point. The main aim is not to get people to agree, but simply to have them understand and respect our way of life.


      We must support our sisters in France by standing up for the fundamental right to freedom of expression; and we must work to build understanding of Islam and our way of life in our own society.





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