Members of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria( FOMWAN), Ondo State Chapter on February 1, 2021 joined other Muslim women across the globe to mark this year’s celebration of World Hijab Day.
At the event held at the Akure Central Mosque and well attended by Muslim women across the state, Muslim women were reminded on the need to dress according to the tenets of their religion as Hijab is the pride of any Muslim woman.
In her remarks, the State Amirah, Alhaja Aminat Akinpelu said the annual event is put together to create awareness about the use of Hijab and to encourage Muslim women to wear it as their mode of dressing is expected to reflect the teachings of the Qur’an.
While noting that the celebration was first marked in February 2013, Alhaja Akinpelu also urged female Muslim students to wear Hijab as it helps to promote solidarity and acceptance into the larger society.
In her lecture, Alhaja Medinat Mimiko underscored the importance of Muslim women wearing Hijab as according to her, it is the laid down uniform for Muslim women.
Alhaja Mimiko who said wearing of Hijab not only identifies Muslim women with their professed religion but that it also avoids provocative dressing which might attract insult from the people in the society.
“Wearing Hijab is the pride of a Muslim woman. It is important that I also say that wearing of Hijab does not necessarily make one a good Muslim woman but as commanded in the Holy Qur’an, it is primarily to cover women’s nakedness and also to act as a form of adornment”, she added just as she stressed the importance of modest dressing even in a sane culture.
Alhaja Mimiko who also charged Muslim religious leaders to always rise up to defend the cause of Muslim women who are denied their rights as a result of their use of Hijab however appealed to the media to be fair in their reportage of the activities of Muslim communities.
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Akure kingdom, Alhaji Yayi Abdul Akeem Akorede while congratulating FOMWAN on the success of the event, charged FOMWAN members to ensure they dress up with Hijab as charity begins at home and that once their homestead is in order, the larger society will feel their impact.
In her goodwill message, the State Chairperson of Women In CAN, the women wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (WOWICAN), Deaconess Grace Ademokoya expressed support for the use of Hijab saying the issue of decent dressing in the society is something to be encouraged.
Deaconess Ademokoya who said WOWICAN is in full support of the use of Hijab said growing rate of sexual assault can be closely linked with indecent dressing among young ladies in the society.
This year’s celebration which earlier started out with an awareness trek from the Central Mosque to the ‘A’ Division area, along Oba Adesida street in Akurelatera climaxed at the Mosque and it also featured presentation of awards to some students.
Other dignitaries in attendance at the event include Alhaji Atere, Secretary General, Islamic Council of Nigeria, the MSSN State Chair, Engr. Sulaimon Olaleye, NCWS State President, Pastor Mrs. Jumoke Aborode among others. (TopNewsShot)