Some are more equal than others

IT IS UPSETTING to read in the mass media and see visual clips of young Muslim female students being victimised, locked outside college gates and excluded from classes in Karnataka, India, for wearing a cloak and a headscarf commonly known as hijab.

India is a country that advocates diversity, inclusiveness, pluralism, rights such as religious freedom and supports female education, thus to dehumanise Muslim women in such a manner must be condemned and stopped. It is against the constitution of India, which promises equality for all.

In numerous speeches, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed his commitment to developing India into a prosperous, peaceful and free country for its various customs, languages, religious and indigenous groups.

In spite of Modi’s promises, it is clear the Bharatiya Janata Party, under his leadership, is redesigning India into a nation where some are more equal and privileged than others.

The hijab is a veil that many Muslim women wear in accordance with their religious obligations.

Islam commands men and women to lower their gazes and dress in a modest manner.

The hijab is a symbol of an Islamic dress code and thus a source of liberation, spirituality, modesty and empowerment.

Believers are ordered in the Qur’an to obey their creator and not what society expects of human beings.

Instead of accepting misconceptions, we should empower ourselves and not believe everything fearmongers or politicians make us believe. If we do this as human beings, we will win the war against bigotry, sectarianism, fascism and extremism.