ARIF SHAJAR
Ranchi, Feb 20: In order to provide maximum information to our readers on every crucial issue of India, we have decided to publish the editorial viws of India’s leading and reputed Urdu newspapers. Readers can also know what the editors of Urdu newspapers are saying on the critical issues in India. The controversy we have raised today from the editorials of Urdu newspapers is the issue of Hijab. Here’s what has been said in Urdu newspapers on the Hijab issue:
The daily ‘Inquilab’ writes in its editorial that ‘Hindutvists do not know that the custom of Odhni, Ghunghat, Hijab, Purdah, Niqab and Chadar is not only prevalent in Islam, but is also widespread in Hinduism in some form or the other.’ Women famously consider its use as part of their religion, belief and culture. In the editorial, PM Modi has also been criticized over the Hijab issue. It is said that a few days ago, during a rally, PM Modi mentioned the talaq law and took credit for empowering Muslim women. But the Prime Minister who preached New India, Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao remained silent when Hijab-clad girls in Karnataka were barred from entering the school campus and were forced to take off their Hijab or Burqa. Modi did not wake up even when the saffron goons, clad saffron shawl and attacked on Muskaan Khan, a lone girl wearing a hijab.
It cannot be said how long the process will last. Political observers call it a political ploy, however, we do not agree with this. The matter is presently in court. Whatever the decision, a party is bound to appeal against it at the Supreme Court. If the Apex Court decides in favor of the Hijab, then the government will reject it with a majority in Parliament, as in the Shah Bano case. If the verdict goes against the Hijab, it will embroil Muslims in a new controversy.
The Urdu daily ‘Salar’, published from Bangalore, has written in its editorial: We are calling for the law of the land to allow Hijaab, and that we have freedom to follow our religion. Now, the question being raised is that what will happen if freedom is not given, or if you have the freedom to wear the Hijab, others have the freedom to wear jeans and shorts; so why not allow it at religious places? It is also being said in this issue that there is a dress code in the school board, if you do not agree, then other options for schools are available. Now the question is of dress code. On one hand the law in the nation allows us to practice our religion, on the other hand the school dress code is designed in a manner that is completely opposite to our religious teachings. It is difficult to follow. The question is what to do: Carry the burden of being deprived of education or carry the blame of opposing the religion on your shoulders. The newspaper writes that what harm can a woman wearing a Hijab bring to someone, How is it a problem if a woman covers her head? Covering your face is said to be necessary to protect yourself from diseases like Corona these days. If a fine is imposed for not wearing a mask, then one may think that the religion may have imposed a Hijab on women to avoid any harm to them.
