The controversy surrounding wearing the hijab in classrooms has raised many opinions and questions. When I discuss this issue, the question most often asked is what will happen to the future and education of the six girls who have vowed to attend classes in the same class. Hijab Or don’t come at all.
The issue of hijab, education and the future of girls who are protesting a court order banning hijab in the classroom takes me back to my pre-university days. We were a group of five friends – Shaesta, Rukhsana, Anita, Patricia and I. A friendship that went beyond their name or religion. We were often teased as the “Amar, Akbar and Anthony” of the class.
Shaesta and Rukhsana were studious, while we took their notes to complete ours. Shaista wanted to become a lecturer in political science, Rukhsana was eyeing to become a pilot. Young and eager to go, we never thought this was not achievable.
Both Shaesta and Rukhsana came from orthodox Muslim families and attended classes in the prescribed uniform – shirt and pinafore dress.
When we met him outside college hours, he would appear in black Burkha With a beautiful brooch near the chin or sometimes in a hijab. Yet the screen didn’t change his aspirations, character or his beautiful smile.
I would often ask him if he felt the need to wear different clothes and he would reply that it was his choice. Wearing the hijab is a compulsory practice in Islam, and Islamic teachings speak of covering important parts of the body, and they have learned to respect it.
I once asked Rukhsana: “How do you plan to go about your training? Do your parents support you?”
The tall, retarded and angelic Ruksana replied confidently: “They know I’m really serious about training to be a pilot. I’m sure they’ll be convinced. You just need to show gumption.”
Shaesta was equally confident that his family would support his choice to become a lecturer. A year after our degree course, I received a wedding invitation from Shaesta.
Shocked, I called to wish her well. At the other end, I heard my friend’s melodious voice, but with a tone of defeat. “My parents found a rich and decent husband for me. He lives in UAE. They did not let me continue my education because they thought I would become more qualified and I would not get a groom,” Shaesta said, adding that she would not be able to complete her degree.
I quickly dialed Rukhsana’s number to discuss what I felt was complete dismay on the part of Shaesta’s parents.
Rukhsana in return gave me some advice. “I understand the social and family pressures. But stand firm and Allah will do the rest. Never give up on your dream of becoming a journalist,” she said.
Fifteen years later, I met Rukhsana in a private airline. He and his crew had safely escorted 135 passengers from Mumbai to Bengaluru and I was one of them. I was filled with pride to see my friend fly high and reach my goal.
Amidst the hijab controversy, Rukhsana and Shaesta are two examples, both from extremely conservative Muslim families, but one where their lives took a different turn.
Islamic scholars, social commentators, young girls who wear hijab and those who don’t all agree – it’s a matter of choice.
Many of the hijab-clad girls I met in Udupi, Mangaluru and Bangalore were of the opinion that it was their cultural, religious upbringing and many preferred to follow it. Girls have been wearing the hijab to go to school or college, but they used to take it off in the ladies room before attending class.
“An issue that could have been resolved inside a campus took an ugly turn as some groups wanted to further their political aspirations. I wear a hijab to college, but I stick to the uniform. Those young girls have become victims of politicians,” said a young student from the coastal district of Kundapura Karnataka,
Social commentators are of the opinion that if the hijab issue continues, it could mean that young girls will either be thrown out of schools or forced into Islamic educational institutions, which will only deepen social divisions. .
Today the thoughts and aspirations of many girls torn between their religion and their future have been covered up. But tomorrow it is up to these girls to stand their ground like Rukhsana and make their dreams come true.
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