In As-Sahih (Muslim), Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said: “One of you should not say, ‘Feed your Lord (Rabbaka), help your lord in performing
ablution, but he should say, ‘My master (e.g. Feed your master instead of lord, etc.) (Saiyidi)’. or ‘My guardian’ (Maulai), and one should not say, ‘My slave (‘Abdi), or ‘My slave girl (‘Amati), but he should say ‘My lad (Fatai)’, ‘My lass (Fatati)’ and ‘My boy (Ghulami)’ “.
Important issues of the Chapter
1) Forbiddance of saying: “My slave-boy” or “My slave-girl.”
2) The slave should not say: “My lord”, nor should it be said to him: “Feed your lord”.
3) Teaching the master to instead say: “My lad”, “My Lass” and “My boy.”
4) Teaching the slave to instead say: “My master” or “My guardian.”
5) The point here is to emphasize Tauhid in the fullest, even in one’s expressions.
It is sad that one of the orders of the day in Nigeria is victimization of Muslim citizens of this country who have chosen to be subservient to the Creator by obeying His commandments. It is disheartening that it is now a crime in Nigeria to be Muslims who strive to please God through His orders, even though no one is being disturbed through this obedience to our Lord. Religious intolerance has grown rapidly among many Nigerians who see those who practise the pristine Islam as extremists rather than those who seek the pleasure of their Lord.
Muslim men and women have been, on several occasions, victimized and disallowed to enjoy their rights and freedom of religion while other people of other faiths enjoy theirs. Muslim girls, ladies, and women have on different occasions being denied of their hijab and niqab(face veil) in schools, places of work and even in the public; sometimes victimized, sometimes assaulted and at other times prohibited. As for the men, their beards have been the major problem they’re faced with. Alas! There have not been genuine reasons behind these prohibitions and violation of humanity. There have been several things tendered as excuses for the reasons for these violations.
One is “for security reasons”, another is “not being smart” while at several other times, there are no reasons at all.
Prohibition of Muslim females from wearing their hijab or niqab(face veil) because of security and safety is so flimsy and unacceptable.
Doing a quick but thorough search into records, there are countless number of cases of incidents where Nigeria Armed forces; police, security workers, and even the Nigeria soldiers violated (and still violate) human rights, victimize citizens, physically and sexually assault, and even engage/co-operate in robbery and kidnapping. This is no news to a current Nigerian as these cases are often released in press reports and are read on newspapers. Different people use the social media and blogs to narrate their experiences and experiences of other people who are victims of these violations. Attaching few of these news articles from punch and vanguard newspapers, and other news sites may not be necessary, but these facts cannot be denied. Not in any record, do we have it that our Muslim females in hijab and niqab were or are found with these acts of violation, but records have it where they have been and are being victims of not allowed to wear their hijab, stripped of their clothing, their niqabs being removed or opened from their faces, among several other assaults. So, in whose hands are people not safe? From whom should the people be secured if those entrusted with security of the citizens are themselves the ones ordering or are found with criminals who violate security?
The only thing that has ever been cited is the issue of suicide bombing by insurgents who may under the guise of the veil harbor bombs, but no news ever confirmed this to be true. They have always been reported as assumptions. There is a wide gap difference between people who disguise as some people and do evil, and those who are themselves real, yet do evil. This is the case with the assumed Veiled bombers and the Armed forces. So, if anyone would hate, violate and want to disallow, or even want to ban the hijab/niqab, then the armed forces uniforms must not be spared. In fact, the bodies themselves must not be spared either.
Talking of other reasons like smartness, to be smart is definitely to be good-looking. How does wearing the hijab/niqab or the beard define not being smart if they’re not dirty or unkempt? Tight fitted dresses are never a definition or characteristic of smart outfits. Never does shaving the beards portray smartness. What defines smartness of outfits is cleanliness and the style may take any form. Sadly, Tight fitted dresses have now been given to be the only smart dresses and shaving the beards is the only acceptable smart facial look. Hence, the adherents of Islamic injunctions are kept under pressure to go against their faith in schools, universities, work places, the society, et al.
Expressly, the Nigerian constitution, under Chapter 4, section 38, subsection 1, gives rights to freedom.
38.— Right to freedom of thoughts conscience and religion
(1) Every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom (either alone or in community with others, and in public or in private) to manifest and propagate his religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance.
Why then are the Muslims denied of their rights to manifest and propagate their religion in practice and observance?
Subsection 2 states
(2) No person attending any place of education shall be required to receive religious instruction or to take part in or attend any religious ceremony or observance if such instruction, ceremony or observance relates to a religion other than his own, or a religion not approved by his parents or guardian.
Why then must the Muslims be forced to remove their hijab/niqab or shave their beards and do contrary to theirs? Why must they be forcefully reverted from being Muslims to another religion other than Islam, all in the name of attending a school?
Some institutions of education and work create these violation rules in their constitutions of operation, while others just make it as part of their “tradition”, but never can a constitution of an institution preside over the country’s constitution. Still in the same Nigeria constitution do we find in Chapter 1, section 1, subsections 1 and 3
1.—Supremacy of the constitution
(1) This Constitution is Supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
(3) If any other Law is inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution, this Constitution shall prevail, and that other Law shall to the extent of the inconsistency be void.
So, where are the citizens of this Giant of Africa?
If some people have the freedom to uncover, why can’t others have the freedom to cover? Why do some people enjoy some rights and freedom while others are denied of the same freedom when section 42, subsection 1a of the country’s constitution gives right to freedom against discrimination?
42.— Rights to freedom from discrimination
(1) A citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion shall not, by reason only that he is such a person—
(a) be subjected either expressly by, or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any executive or administrative action, of the government to disabilities or restrictions to which citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, circumstance of birth, sex, religions or political opinions are not made subject.
Some other people talk about work or profession ethics. The hijab/niqab has no violation to any profession dressing ethics. No profession, other than prostitution, has a dressing ethic that prohibit body covering. While talking about the niqab (face veil), other people talk about “communication” and seeing the face of the person they’re communicating with. In the definition and criteria of communication, seeing the face is not part. When listening to radio, using the phone or while reading, the face of the other person or the writer is never seen, yet communication takes place. So, if anyone wants to hate or stop the niqab, let them start with the radio, books and phones first.
It has been confirmed from reactions and remarks of many people that these violations are due to mere hatred for the religion and the commandments. They ask where it is found to wear the hijab/niqab. They call those who are strict with it, extremists and fanatics.
God has commanded in Quran chapter 33 verse 59
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garment over their persons. That is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.”
In the Arabic text of the revelation, the word JALABIIB (plural of Jilbab) has been used by the Almighty, which means an outer garment; a long gown COVERING THE WHOLE BODY. So, if some women have surrendered to be believing women and have obeyed the Creator, why hate them for that? Why deny them from obeying the Creator? Why call them extremists? Why hate God’s commandment? Why the deliberate sinning?
It’s high time we learned tolerance. It’s time we are tolerated as we tolerate others. In so many other countries, Muslim ladies especially are allowed to wear their hijab/niqab. Air hostesses and policewomen who have the hijab as part of their uniforms if they’re Muslims, A niqab wearing pilot, doctors who wear their hijab and niqab, surgeons have the niqab designed with their scrubs, and many more.
This letter will not be concluded without stating our demands to allow us enjoy the rights to freedom that we have as Nigerians.
1. Muslims must, on no account, be oppressed, victimized, assaulted or prohibited from portraying their faith. This includes allowing the Muslims to observe their prayers at their times (and not fixing exams at the times of Jumat, et al), as this is another right that is being denied. Muslim students who study in non-Muslim schools must not be forcefully reverted.
2. In schools (including higher institutions), Muslim females must not be prohibited from wearing their hijab or niqab if they choose to wear them, and the men be left to keep their beards. No one is being disturbed by their dressing or appearance.
The Nuns are free to wear their robes anywhere, why should Muslimahs be disturbed for theirs? A Christian man or a man who is not conscious of any religion can keep beards for fashion sake and health benefits, why can’t others keep theirs to please their Creator?
3. In medical schools and hospitals, Muslimahs who choose to wear their hijab or niqab should enjoy their freedom too. The dressing has no negative impact on their efficiency. If they can go to hospitals as patients, why can’t they be students and workers?
If the scrubs worn are full body covers, masks, and caps are worn by the surgeons (and nurses), why can’t the Muslim women (nurses and doctors; workers and students) be allowed to wear their niqab?
The law school is no exception. Having a uniform doesn’t mean the hijab cannot be worn, if the color is not violated. The black and white is still maintained.
4. In places of work, private or government owned, Muslimahs should enjoy their freedom as well. The attire or appearance does not negatively affect their efficiency, except for the inbuilt lazy ones and anyone who fails to discharge their responsibilities well should be reprimanded reasonably and not attached to the religion.
5. At the immigration offices, and other places where registration is to be done, it must not be required that the ears be shown while taking passports. The face, as defined and described, never includes the ears. The FRONT of the human head is called the face. It includes several distinct areas, of which the main features are:
THE FOREHEAD, comprising the skin beneath the hairline, BODERED laterally by the temples and inferiorly by eyebrows and ears.
THE EYES sitting in the orbit and protected by eyelids, and eyelashes.
The distinctive human NOSE SHAPE, nostrils, and nasal septum.
THE CHEEKS covering the maxilla and mandibula (or jaw), the EXTREMITY of which is the CHIN.
THE MOUTH, with the upper lip divided by the philtrum, sometimes reveals the teeth.
The face is the front of the head. The ears are on the sides, after the hairline border.
6. In all schools, institutions and professions that require uniforms, without being bias, we should be allowed to design the uniforms for the hijab/niqab wearing Muslim females, which will definitely conform with the works.
We do not need to wonder how to recognize the women in niqab. Familiarity is a sure thing, except that some people are normally not gifted in recognition of even the voice. However, as for facial recognition or in case of fear of impersonation, those who are in authority can be unveiled for to confirm identification. There must however be means of identification – ID cards of the institution or any government approved means. It should however be noted that by a female, and in private, should the identity verification be done. Otherwise, where there are no females around, a male may verify, but still in private.
There definitely can never be any problem when there is mutual understanding. Let us all be law abiding citizens and tolerate one another. If some people can hate, they can definitely love more.
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
– Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom.
Israeli forces have seen to the end of a legless man from Palestine after firstly rendering him lame for life when he lost his legs during a missile attack on Gaza.
Several Pakistanis had thronged the Gaza border linking Palestine to Israel to announce their dissatisfaction with the decision made by American President, Donald Trump who announced his recognition of Jerusalem, a supposed Palestinian city as the capital of Israel. The announcement sparked furious reactions from every part of the world with a UN Envoy tagging it a “kiss of death” while many Arab leaders have also weighed in with their discontentment with the flagrant decision made by the controversial American President. Russia and the European Union have also blamed the reasoning behind the decision with Palestinians ready to give their all to make a difference to the flammable call.
Palestinians had flooded the border hoping to get a respite and it was in the course of their struggle that the Israeli forces shot a man they had rendered legless a few years ago, also during a protest.
Abu Thuraya lost his legs during protest and never stopped till he was killed by the Israeli forces.
Ibrahim Abu Thuraya, who had lost both legs during a protest was killed alongside four other protesters and was placed in an ambulance before being taken to the hospital. There were images of other protesters carrying his dead body on their shoulders as they battled for their future.
The Israeli Military said over 3500 Palestinians had invaded the border between Israel and Palestine in Gaza. According to the Daily Mirror, there were also 150 people injured during the protests as the Palestinians hurled rocks at the Israeli Forces while they returned with gun shots.
Hamas, an Islamic group who have shown a resolve to never unite with Israel had launched an attack which was seized by the Israeli Military before the Israeli forces retaliated.
Wheelchair-bound Abu Thuraya was known for always being at the forefront of protests before being killed in a death that asks questions over the position of the U.N in its quest to end abuse of human rights.
Jerusalem was a city annexed by Israel to Palestine after the 1967 Jordan war. The city inhabits people of different faiths as Muslims, Christians and other believers are found there. Palestine had set plans in motion to name Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian State before Donald Trump did what the rest of the world considers as extreme, myopic and needless.
When Lawyers Become Law Breakers over Firdaus by Yinka Salam
The recent disobedience of the Council of Legal Education to the constitutional provision and flagrant violation of fundamental human rights of students by supposedly ‘learned’ men has indeed generated a lot of furore among Nigerians.
Firdaus Amasa AbdulSalam, a product of the Faculty of Law from the University of Ilorin who finished with First Class Upper (2.1) was denied of her certificate despite her brilliant performance at the Nigerian Law School; not because of any offence but for daring to put on a headscarf (smallest hijab), or succinctly put, for her refusal to obey illegal command to remove her hijab.
Reports have it that rights of Muslim ladies who were to be officially called to Bar at the International Conference Center last Wednesday were brazenly violated as they were all respectively asked to remove the Hijabs before the ceremonies were to begin prior to entering the hall. This request was complied with by all the Muslim ladies present except Firdaus who refused to remove hers. But despite entreaties made to the authorities, she was denied entry into the hall by the Body of Benchers – hence she missed being Called to Bar.
Firdaus resisted all pleadings to convince her to remove her hijab as she reiterated that even at gun point (as a trained lawyer), she would neither compromise her right in the face of tyranny nor remove her Hijab merely because those who are supposed to be respecters and defenders of the laws have decided to break them!
Accordingly, some Sisters who apparently were allowed into the hall had to remove the Hijab before entering but quickly brought out extra ones from their bags and used them afterwards. But then, a particular Sister who did this later had her certificate seized… and was asked to remove the Hijab again to recollect it.
Reactions in torrents
The Nigeria Association of Muslim Law Students was the first to condemn the infraction of the law, describing it as unconstitutional, unjust and unfortunate act of prejudce.
NAMLAS insisted that while It is not a fundamental right to wear the wig, it is to wear the Hijab.
In a release, the president of the association, Eyinnade Habeeb while felicitating with the graduands expressed deep regret for the unfortunate incident.
“Meanwhile, my felicitation is marred with deep disappointment when call to bar is on a collision course with the Fundamental Human Rights on the use of hijab. What a dilemma! Despite the unrelenting efforts from concerned Muslims at different quarters as regards this issue, our Sisters at the Law Dinner are still facing challenges of removing this Allah-given right. Carolyn Walker-Diallo, the first Muslim judge in the united States was sworn in with her head covered. Heaven did not fall and America did not turn Saudi Arabia.
“The Dictum of Justice, Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court and the rulling in Asiya Kareem V. Lagos State Government are relevant precedents in this regard. If our Sisters are not allowed to enforce their rights, protected under both local and international statutes, then there is fire on the mountain.
Eyinnade noted that governmental institutions at different levels in Nigeria have been unapologetic and belligerent about the right to use Hijab in recent times but sees the latest incident at the law dinner as, not only provocative but an arrant display of needless arrogance that merely poured salt on open wounds.
“Where do we go from here? How can we be talking about peace where there is no justice? Where is the principles of democracy, liberty and the Rule of Law? Where are the promises made by the drafters of our sacred constitution? How do we avert this bias when justice has become a scarce commodity?,” he queried.
He therefore called on the National Assembly, the Judicial Service Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Law School and other concerned agencies at all levels, including Muslim organisations and parents to declare a state of emergency on this bias and put a stop to the usual humiliation of Muslim Sisters at the Call to Bar/Law Dinner celebration.
HRAI outrage
Hijab Right Advocacy Initiative was next. In a release tagged: “Council of Legal Education in Breach Again” and signed by its spokesperson, Barrister Ruqoyyah Saad Dindi expressed deep concern for the pain inflicted on Firdaus for choosing to exercise her constitutional right.
The group condemned what it tagged, ‘an oppressive conduct and flagrant disregard to Firdaus’ right, guaranteed under the law and threatened to seek redress in a law court to prevent future breach should the Council refuse to rescind its decision within a reasonable period.
“Firdaus has surely taken a giant stride for thousands of Muslim ladies who had gone through similar emotional trauma of having to yank off their head covers on their call day or risk not get called to the Bar. It is quite disheartening that the Nigeria Council of Legal Education which is supposed to be the custodian of the law and upholder of Human Rights has always been encroaching on the Rights of Muslim lawyers to practice & observe their Religious belief, duly guaranteed under the constitution for decades, in spite of entreaties and plea from prominent Nigerians,” HRAI said.
A social critic, Mohammad Tukur from Portharcourt rather asked rhetorically: “What has Hijab got to do with a ceremony that did not last beyond an hour. What offence has an innocent Firdaus committed (rather than being an obedient servant of her Creator) to deserve this ill treatment from Nigeria. We are talking of a 2.1 graduate of the University of Ilorin and did excellently well in Law School.”
Whither the feminists
A right activist, Eseoghene Al-Faruq Ohwojeheri however wondered why his colleagues have kept unusual silence on Firdaus. He wondered why no feminist has been on the side of Firdaus Amasa and why they have all retreated until a woman they consider an actual human being has a problem.
He wrote: “Aisha Yusuf is retweeting about Firdaus. Retweeting oh, the great fearless Aisha Yusuf that can insult two Buhari and one Yar’adua inside 150 characters. She is now retweeting. Fear no let am create hashtag not to talk of NGO on top this matter.
“Hadiza Bala Usman is inside a container at NPA, so no show. My friend Inibehe Effiong is no longer a human right activist, he no longer believes in fundamental human rights, he has decamp to supporting “rules” over the under dog because this underdog has a Muslim name. “Mama” Oby Ezekwesili is of course minding her business, how the matter concern her? She is giving her twitter Bible lessons as usual, fear no let any Muslim twitter influencer quote Qur’an except to insult a fellow Muslim and say Islam is peace, turning the other cheek and praising the Lord, Halleluyah.
Position of the law
Establishing the position of the law on the prohibition of the use of Hijab/Veil by some public institutions, O. G. Chukkol a student of the Faculty of Law, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria wrote:
“To clear a preliminary point, I am a Christian and shall by the grace of God die a Christian. This work is based on my little understanding of the law and love for rule of law. The work is also informed by my agreement with the words of Martin Luther King Jr. who once said:
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.”
“In other words, it is Muslim females facing it today, tomorrow it may be Christians. So, I feel a spade should be called a spade.
“The next point is whether a Muslim female can capitalize on the provision of Glorious Qur’an to insist that she is entitled to wear Hijab everywhere. The answer is obviously in the affirmative.
Subsection (1) of section 38 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (2011 as amended) provides as follows:
“Every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion…and IN PUBLIC or IN PRIVATE) to MANIFEST AND PROPAGATE his RELIGION or BELIEF in worship, teaching, PRACTICE and
OBSERVANCE” (emphasis mine)
The constitution is a grundnorm and by section 1(1)&(3) thereof, it is Supreme and binding on all authorities and persons in Nigeria and as well above the ordinary laws of the land. Since the constitution recognizes ones right to manifest ones religion and belief in practice and observance, a Muslim female, being a Nigerian too, has the right to wear her hijab anywhere.
“Courts have consistently held that, having regards to chapter 24:30-31 of the Holy Quran, a Muslim female has the unfettered right to wear her hijab anywhere,” Chukkol concluded.
Historic and esoteric perspective
A Lagos-based journalists, Sikiru Balogun rather went historic and philosophical when he posited that the issue of Firdaus should not be taken lightly, since according to him, the practice or the culture of legal system in Nigeria has become some sort of religion than what we see on the surface.
According to Balogun, “Law profession like other courses in Humanities are believed to have originated from the ancient Greek. Practising or observing them can be compared to exercising the power, influence and authority of the pantheon gods. It’s also to them an act of venerating gods in the pantheon Greek, take it or leave it, it has been like that for ages.
“So calling a lawyer to be to Bar is exclusively part of the rites of passage for whoever wants to become a member of the Bar to tow the path of honour by submitting himself or herself to the originator which can be likened to renouncing one’s religion or practice.
“In Nigeria, the situation is even worse. Law profession is extremely guided to satisfy or placate certain group of people who have fraternised themselves with the gods, those who have belonged to several occultic groups which in real sense, is an act of veneration to the pantheon gods.
“In China, India and other parts of the world where law profession is being practised, it is an exclusive path of some priests, monks and whoever serves as intermediary between people and gods; the only exception is the one who truly believes in God and cuts a niche for himself like what our Brothers and Sisters in NAMLAS and MULAN are doing in their respective zones.
Balogun challenged MULAN as the face of Muslim lawyers and the well meaning Nigerians who believe in the cause of justice to wade into the matter before a major damage is done.
US Army Experience
Another legal expert, Mr AbdulAziz Bakare, in a reaction entitled: On Hijab, Law School & Call to Bar consoled Firdaus with story of his wife, a Soldier in the US Army who was suspended from training two times until she won for herself and coming generations, the right to wear Hijab on military uniform.
Dear Amasa Firdaus, Please allow me share a brief story with you so that you may be inspired and remain resolute.
“In 2015, my wife, a Soldier with the US Army, was told at the Army Annual Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, United States that she either take off her Hijab or leave the Annual Training. My wife insisted that her Hijab is part of her and she will never remove it to please anyone or authority. Exactly like you reportedly insisted. Eventually, she was told to leave and she left the Annual Training. After the conclusion of the annual training, her Military unit said she cannot return….At another point, she was invited back to the drill and she went there with her Hijab on her head. Again, she was told she cannot use her Hijab and she had to leave and she left. Away from the limelight she fought this vehemently by escalating the issue to the top echelon of the command. We prepared a memo to the authorities explaining why she should be allowed to use her Hijab.
“She was away for almost a year but eventually and in end, the Army Secretary under President Obama released a new regulation allowing the use of Hijab. It was a glorious moment. Her decision to remain undaunted paved the way for others who will come after her. Suddenly, the fight was worth it. All those period she had to cry became a thing of joy. We were elated that her resolve to remain undaunted finally paid off. Today, she proudly wears her Hijab on her uniform, attends her drill sessions and performs well. She’s a badass solider who’ll soon be commissioned as an officer and I’m so darn proud of her.”
Bakare reminded Firdaus that she has once again reignited the conversation that has been on for years, just as she has brought the nation’s attention to the way the Nigerian Law School and Council of Legal Education who are empowered to train new lawyers show flagrant disregard to her rights guaranteed under Section 38 of the constitution.
He thereafter called on other colleagues of his to prepare for legal fireworks that may soon ensue between right activists and the Nigerian Law School with the Council of Legal Education who are though, empowered to train new lawyers but themselves refuse to obey the judgments of the Courts?
Bakare wondered why, despite a pletora of court decisions and judgements, the Nigerian Law School and by extension the Council of Legal Education continue to victimize Muslim Law Student who chose to cover their hair by threatening not to call them to the Nigerian Bar.
“Are we really going to debate this issue from our religious googles or be objective and err on the side of common sense and humanity?,” he queried.
So, let the legal fireworks begin.
And as Nigerians anxiously await MURIC press conference on Tuesday, in addition to other responses to follow, the world look on to the Minister of Justice and the Attorney-General of the Federation to rise to the occasion and make executive declaration so that this could be resolved as the denial of attending Jumua’t (Friday) Service in public and private offices and institutions was resolved.
To Firdaus, always remember that: Every successful person has a painful story & every painful story has a successful end.”
All Barriers of Rights and reedoms Must be Broken!
Genuine Human Right Activists should see the needless Hijab issue in the ‘Lawless School’ beyond religion but Rights.
It is a battle between Convention and Constitutionalism, between Tradition and Change, pure and simple.
If we all are slavishly tied to convention, then humanity is doomed. As ex-student activists, we broke almost all university’s conventions, rules including matriculation oaths by organising protests, lecture boycotts, barricades and associate freely under students’ unionism against authority’s rules.
As working class activists , we break all rules of engagement, General Order, statutory proclamations, anti-labour policies and actions of employers and government, notwithstanding they are the ‘constituted authority’. If we say because that is the rule, so we have to obey at all times, then we are dead and rotten.
So, I’m surprised that some radical ex-student activists, labour leaders, lawyers and ‘human right’ activists were condemning the hijab lady because ‘she broke a tradition and convention’. Some even declared shamelessly that she is not fit to be a lawyer and not disciplined enough to be initiated into the Cult of the Nobles. What an anal reasoning!
So because of her hijab defying a school’s convention (not constitution or any law o!), her six years of academic rigour should come to nought.
Only ‘Jankariwo’ activists lacking perspective and ideological commitment to rights and freedoms are gifted with this kind short sightedness.
Any activist worth the name will not see the issue from purely religious perspective (as the hihab lady , her supporters and antagonists are doing) but as a window of opportunity to widen the vista of democratic rights and Freedoms and smash all punitive rules of law school and other ‘slavish professional centers’.
Ours is to elevate discussions beyond pedestrian level, leave religion to adherents and merchants and unite the people on important issue of fundamental human rights.
In the last article I wrote, I stated that I might write again this December if something important comes up. As much as I wanted to keep to my not writing till January, I think nothing could be more important to write about than the hypocrisy, bigotry and double standards of Christians as regards the #IstandwithFirdaus drama.
There is a well circulated claim championed by CAN, bought and sold for free by lots of Christians. They do claim that President Muhammadu Buhari is an Islamic fundamentalist and they have not stopped crying against the supposed attempt to Islamize Nigeria. Without giving thanks to Politics and hatred for Islam, they see the president as the heir of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and made him a scholar. Do they not even call the war against BIAFRA an attempt to exterminate Christians?
I cannot help to imagine how they think when the issue of sister Firdaus that was not called to Bar started. Many of them saw sister Firdaus as an extremist and a religious fanatic. They made reference to the daughter of the president who removed her Hijab citing her as an example of a peaceful, tolerant and a Muslim per excellence. The emphasis is not on the daughter of the president but the president himself and I begin to wonder how the president who is seen as a fundamentalist, fanatic and a frontier of Islamic propagation in Nigeria would condone taking off hijab just to be called to Bar! This is the same way one attains the position of an Islamic scholar and a devout Muslim if he goes to kill in the West without taking into cognizance to what level is his devotion to following the Qur’an and Sunnah.
It was not too long ago that we read about the case of Hijab in Osun State. When the heat was intense, Christians also decided to put on what represents their religion. I cannot help but to laugh when I came across a picture of some students putting on Sutana ( a type of gown mostly worn by celestial churches). They wore this to tell the Muslims that we are not the only one eligible to ask for freedom to practise our religion when we have never hindered them from practicing theirs. I was a Christian and went to a Secondary school owned by a Christian even Primary School.
The likes of Balikis in our class dared not buy the S.O.P! The Muslims were not left out when it comes to praise and worship songs, prayers and saying Amen in Jesus name, they were not even exempted from buying beret. I am now beginning to wonder how these students used to make it to jumm’ah when we close by 1PM on Friday not to even mention that we have the Friday praise and worship from 12pm-12:50pm yet they do not exempt Muslim students. Even in public schools, we see more of Christianization but they cry like the world is meant for them alone.
The students that wore Sutana to school have stopped but Muslims students are still putting on the hijab. Christians who know little or nothing about Islam think we are retarded and repugnant that they think anything makes us angry. The brain that makes them think the sight of pigs make us angry inspired putting on their traditional/religious dresses, posting it on social media then say if Muslims are allowed to have the hijab on to their Call to Bar ceremony, they will dress that way too.
So, I ask, “Can they survive without Islam/Muslims?”. The constitution says there are fundamental human rights and freedom of religion is not an exemption. Do I care if you go to school or a ceremony with your cross on your neck, offering box on your head or just simply wear obatala shrine? A law that grants us fundamental human rights cannot disrespect, infringe or trample on the right! The federal government should recognize the law it has given us, wear your religious garments anywhere, :” We know who go tire”
This morning, I wanted to write a rebuttal to a Muslim who wrote that sister Firdaus was just seeking attention then went on to make some disparaging comments. Personally, I pray that Allah continues to guide sister Firdaus, increase her in taqwa and make it easy for her to submit totally to the will of Allah till death. Ameen. I also read several comments from some Muslims against the sister. I will make a collective rebuttal by explaining what this sister did for us.
Sister Firdaus indeed called the attention of the world to how we muslims are treated like second class citizens in our own country. if they are not yanking off or pulling your niqob, they are not calling you to bar because of your hijab, making you inferior for growing beards and tagging you a terrorist for not dragging your trousers! We Muslims are not refugees in Nigeria and we cannot be treated like one. How long do we have to beg to practise our religion?
Sister Firdaus called our attention to the fact that we have been silent for too long. Silence is indeed golden but it does not apply to all occurrences. Despite our differences, majority of us decided to talk and it was effective. Non-muslims cannot continue to tell our own story, it was in this vein that we set up knowislam.com.ng. Maybe we will control what the media says about Islam, school our own children etc in the nearest future!
Many Muslims today misinterpret the Quran verse that says, “Lakum deenukum waliyadeen”. While this verse teaches religious tolerance at its climax, practicing your religion and let others practice theirs, some Muslims have taken it to mean compromise. Someone asked, “But all Muslims that were called to Bar in previous years, they go in without Hijab?”
Sister Firdaus’ action tells us we cannot settle for less in some aspects, aspects that would make a Muslim being seen as extremists and liberals seen as devout Muslims. AlhamduliLlah, some of our sisters that removed their hijab are now writing against their needing to remove their hijab stating that they were forced to compromise and feel bad that they are been used to argue against sister Firdaus. This is an era of change, we really need to stick to the Qur’an and Sunnah based on the understanding of the pious predecessors and desist from discarding some aspects of the deen that would earn practicing muslims the extremist tag.
That said, December is here, Christmas is near, if you are a Muslim hoping to celebrate this christmas, please save your money, spend it wisely, Sadaqah is an option. Muslims who do not celebrate Christmas can only be called fanatics because there are some Muslims who celebrate it. For how long do you want to misrepresent Islam and deface practicing Muslims? Sister Firdaus started this, let us follow. we can practise our religion in peace without romancing non-muslims and not being unjust to them. They want to celebrate the birthday of the son of God and the Qur’an makes it clear that Allah beget not neither was He begotten!
We need to wake up! In practicing our religion is respect for other religions, defining and living by our differences. Muslim parents also need to wake up. Your sons cannot club, draw tattoos, celebrate Christmas, walk around without hijab, abandon Solat without you worrying but when they say they are no longer Muslims, you start to hunt them (if many really care about their children being Muslims). If you cannot “force” them to Jannah, would you rather romance them to Jahannam?
In Shaa Allah, we will discuss this sister Firdaus’ issue till there is a conclusion, welcome counter-arguments that would be met with constant rebuttals! For how long are we going to be Muslims without Islam? Indeed, “Alla will not change the condition of a people till they change what is in their hearts”
A brief summary, then, of these key points:
1. Jesus differentiated between himself and God. On one hand he exalted God,
but on the other hand he humbled himself before his Creator in worship. To his
followers, Jesus defined himself as nothing more than a man and a prophet.
2. The disciples agreed, and acknowledged Jesus Christ as a man and a prophet.
3. The only New Testament verse (1 Timothy 3:16) held to support the doctrine
of Incarnation is corrupt—even more, if it can be imagined, than the widely
discredited John 1:14 and Colossians 2:9.
4. The Bible describes the life and history of Jesus in terms which can only be
associated with humanity.
5. Rational arguments for the humanity of Jesus overwhelm the emotional
defenses of those who seek to support the Incarnation.
6. The example of Jesus, in appearance, manners, religious practices and creed,
is better exemplified in the lives of practicing Muslims than in the lives of
practicing Christians.
7. Pauline theology and that of Jesus Christ are separate and divergent, having
resulted in different schools of thought—so much so that, from the time of Paul,
a person had to choose between being a person “of Paul” or “of Christ.”
Lacking an explicit Bible verse to support the doctrine of the Incarnation, the
Christian world is forced to justify the theology on the basis of what they consider to be
suggestive evidence. What follows, then, is a list of this evidence, followed by rebuttal.
Divinity of Jesus?
The “Evidence”
The truth that makes men free is for the most part the truth which men
prefer not to hear. —Herbert Agar
Exhibit #1 — Miracles
Some associate Jesus with divinity because he performed miracles. Many
Unitarian Christians and all Muslims point out that Jesus did indeed perform miracles,
but by the will of God and not through any divine powers of his own. To repeat the quote
of Acts 2:22, “Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and
signs which God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves also know” (italics
mine). In conformity with both the Bible and Holy Qur’an, Muslims contend that the
miracles of Jesus were performed by the power of God. As the Holy Qur’an states,
Then will Allah say: “O Jesus the son of Mary! Recount My favor
to you and to your mother. Behold! I strengthened you with the holy spirit, so that you spoke to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I
taught you the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel. And behold!
You made out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My leave, and
you breathed into it, and it became a bird by My leave, and you healed
those born blind, and the lepers, by My leave. And behold! You brought
forth the dead by My leave (TMQ 5:110).
The Islamic perspective is that miracles can be Godgiven signs of prophethood,
but don’t imply divinity. Hadith (Islamic traditions relating the words, deeds, appearance,
and approvals of Muhammad) relate numerous miracles of Muhammad with greater
historical authenticity than found in biblical manuscripts. While the science of hadith
authentication is regarded as a wonder of historical recordkeeping, the Bible doesn’t
satisfy many of the most basic standards of historical accuracy.* For example, the authors
of most of the books of the Bible (gospels included) are unknown, the time period in
which they were written is illdefined, and the source of much of the information is
ambiguous. These issues will be discussed later at greater length, but as a small teaser
let’s examine the story of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus to the chief priests. Who was the
author, and why should we believe him? Was he present at the betrayal? If so, then what
was he doing there, and why didn’t he alert Jesus? And if not, then where did he get his
information, and why should we trust it?
It is reported in As-Sahih (Al-Bukhari) from Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) that Allah’s Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him)
said: “None of you should say: ‘O Allah, forgive me if You wish; O Allah, be Merciful to me if You wish; but he should always appeal to Allah with determination, for nobody can force Allah to do something against His Will.”
Muslim reports: “One should appeal to Allah with firm determination for nothing is too much for, or beyond Allah.”
Important issues of the Chapter
1) Forbiddance of making any exclusions in the supplication.
2) The reason for not saying ‘If You wish’.
3) The Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said to make the appeal with firm determination.
4) Ask whatever you can of Allah.
5) The reason for that (for nothing is too much for, or beyond Him).
A Nigerian Law School graduate denied access to the venue of the call to bar ceremony recently, Miss Firdaus Amasa, has revealed that she was prepared to fight the battle until she gets justice.
She said her demand remains the need to grant approval for the use of hijab among Muslim law graduates.
Firdaus Amasa, a graduate of the University of Ilorin, had been denied access to the ceremony after insisting on wearing hijab during the ceremony.
She was specifically refused entry into the hall for insisting to wear the wig on top of her hijab–a headscarf.
The case has attracted significant attention on social media, with Nigerians divided on her decision and that of the authorities of the law school.
Amasa while speaking on Saturday maintained that she remained resolute in her convictions to set a precedent for Hijab-wearing Muslims during the ceremony.
She said, “My major concern is the approval of Hijab so that every person coming behind me will be able to use it for the call to bar (ceremony)”.
When asked whether she was aware of rules and regulations against the use of Hijab at the ceremony, she said there was none, stressing that it was merely based on conventions.
“There is nothing like that (laws preventing the use of Hijab)”.
“When you ask them too, they tell you it is convention; that that is how it is done and it has to remain like that”.
Asked what motivated her to take the decision, she explained that she wanted to change the narrative and give Muslim ladies the rights to express their constitutional rights as enshrined in the constitution.
“I knew that was what was going to happen”
She, however, declared that she remained resolute in her convictions to speak for the recognition of rights of female Muslim law graduates.
She explained further that the Law School has not said anything on the case, adding that the support from the Muslim community has been impressive.
