Monday, September 10, 2012

The Origin Of The World Hijab Day

The Origin Of The World Hijab Day

4 September is celebrated as the  World Hijab Day. The decision to make this day as special for Muslim women who wear hijab occurred in 2004 in the UK. On that day, hundreds of people who came from various international agencies gathered for a conference following the banning of the hijab in France.

In early 2004, the French government passed a controversial ordinance banning the use of religious symbols in schools, including the hijab. Prohibition caused a strong reaction from Muslims around the world and spawned a variety of actions to condemn the decision of the French government at the time.

The decision spearheaded by Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin was also backed by French President Jacques Chirac who argue that banning religious symbols is to defend France's secular system of government.

Muslims certainly do not accept that decision and started doing demonstrations. In mid-January 2004, thousands of people filled the streets of Europe and the Middle East to protest the French government's plan violates the rights it.

On February 7, 2004, coordinated by the French Muslim Movement for Justice and Dignity staged a demonstration in front of the French National Assembly. About 10,000 people are involved in this action is also supported by the representatives of religious groups and human rights activists.

Flow resistance to the French government's decision to bring representatives of international agencies to gather and carry a conference in London, England. Around 300 delegates representing organizations from the UK and international gathering in London.

The international conference that carries the name of the Assembly Protection of Hijab (Pro-Hijab) was opened by the mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, known quite vocal in defending the rights of British Muslims in the freedom to live the teachings of Islam, including the headscarf issue. In this conference also attended by international Muslim leaders such as Dr. And Prof. Yusuf Qaradawi. Tariq Ramadan.

Some decisions born out of this conference. Among establish support for the veil, a plan of action to defend the rights of Muslim women in order to still be able to use the Muslim fashion, and determination of 4 September as International Hijab Solidarity Day.

That's the date that continues to this day is celebrated as the World Hijab Day. For although in Indonesia Muslim women have the freedom to wear this piety, but not so with Muslim women out there, especially those who live in western countries. Muslim women in Europe and America still faces opposition to Muslim women who wear hijab.

One case that still made an impression in the memory is the tragedy of Marwa El-Sherbini the past 2009 years. Marwa, a Muslim Egyptian who lives in Germany, is dead after being stabbed several times by a German man. Ironically, Marwa died in court after he demanded justice for the abuses that often berate him Marwa as "terrorists". The man covered his identity-then known as Alex Weins-not accept the decision of the court and stabbed Marwa, pregnant 3 months until death. Even more depressing, Marwa who want to help her husband actually shot by police who thought him as the perpetrator.

Shortly after the case of Marwa spread internationally, arising from the support of the international Muslim world to commemorate the death of Marwa on July 1, 2009. Starting that year also suggested that September 4 was originally a World Hijab Solidarity Day was changed to the World Hijab Day.

As a Muslim living in Muslim majority countries, we certainly should feel grateful because now there are no longer barriers for Muslim to carry out its obligations. Gratitude should be realized by the development itself to prove that the hijab is not an obstacle and that Muslim women who wear hijab are also able to compete with women all over the world.

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