The hijab is more than just a piece of cloth; it refers to both physical and metaphysical veils, such as the head covering by a large rumal (a full-length cloak that covers the head and neck except the eyes), commonly used by South Asian Muslim girls and women. It symbolizes identity, culture and the beauty of women’s personality worldwide. It also reflects their beliefs, values and norms as a dynamic and evolving practice that changes across time, place and context. In contemporary times, the hijab represents the emotions and pride of individuals who embrace a tradition followed by countless women globally. It also serves as protection for the head and functions as a custom re-flecting modesty, social status and spiritual devotion.
Wearing the hijab is a common cultural practice among women in Muslim and European countries, sometimes to protect from cold winters or as a fashion statement. However, after the end of the Cold War and in the post-9/11 era, the rise of religious and regional nationalism has intensified de-bates around the hijab in multicultural societies, where it increasingly symbolizes religion and com-munity identity.
The hijab has a rich and multifaceted history, with origins tracing back to ancient civilizations such as Greece, Arabia, Rome and the Ottoman Empire. Historically, it became a cultural norm reflecting piety and social identity, often worn by elite or upper-class women in ruling, feudal or noble families. It signified high social standing and distinguished them from the general populace, acting as a physi-cal barrier that symbolized protection and honour. In contemporary times, however, Muslim com-munities in Europe and India face negative reactions for wearing the hijab, as Muslim girls and women are often perceived as socially and culturally different.
Recently, a viral clip on social media from the Indian State of Bihar showed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar pulling down a Muslim girl’s hijab during an official function while handing over appointment letters to newly recruited doctors. The clip shows the CM forcefully pulling down the hijab of Nusrat Parveen in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, while Health Minister Mangal Pandey and the Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary, Deepak Kumar, are seen laughing. This action has deepened fears of discrimination and undermined the principles of equality and freedom of re-ligion. Amnesty International condemned the act as an assault on the girl’s dignity and identity. It sends the wrong message to society and violates human rights, as no one has the right to police someone’s faith or clothing.
According to human rights activist Arundhati Roy, Nitish Kumar set a dangerous precedent; his act constitutes an attack on Indian secularism, which is based on equality. His actions reflect personal prejudice and bias against the hijab, which is an expression of individual faith, devotion and dignity. Roy demands unequivocal condemnation and accountability. It is well-known that Nitish Kumar is a staunch member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which promotes the Hindutva ideology, hostile toward Islam. His discriminatory act is a clear attempt to dehumanize, punish and ostracize Muslims for choosing to wear the hijab.
A similar controversy occurred in Karnataka in 2022 at the Government Girls Pre-University College in Udupi. Muslim female students attending classes wearing the hijab faced protests from Hindu ex-tremist students, who claimed that the hijab violated the existing uniform policy. The college devel-opment committee, headed by a local MLA from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), supported the ban, triggering widespread protests across Karnataka. Muslim students faced verbal and physical attacks and intimidation for wearing the hijab. Eventually, the students, wearing hijab, were allowed back onto campus, but they were segregated into separate classes and isolated from their peers.
The hijab is not merely a piece of clothing; it is a symbol and signifier of Islamic culture and identity. For many Muslim women, wearing the hijab expresses faith, devotion and dignity. It is not a static rule but a flexible and adaptable practice that evolves with the changing challenges of Muslim women and their societies.
—The writer is a Defence and Security Analyst based in Islamabad.
