Shahood Asif, Lecturer Jamia Ahmadiyya International, Ghana
A few weeks ago, the ruling Brothers of Italy Party introduced a new bill in the Italian parliament, ostensibly aimed at tackling what it termed “Islamic Separatism.” According to the bill, face-covering garments such as the niqab or burqa would be prohibited in public spaces, markets, offices, universities and institutions. The proposed penalties range from €300 to €3,000 for violations.
Although the bill has not yet been passed into law, it is viewed as yet another example of the growing anti-Islam sentiment in Western societies.
Islam’s perspective on modesty
Islam grants women unparalleled honour, dignity and security – rights that remain unmatched in human history. The hijab is not merely a symbol of modesty and chastity, but also a practical expression of a woman’s self-respect and social dignity within an Islamic framework.
However, despite claims of upholding freedom of religion, the West has often targeted the hijab through prejudice, fear and political motivations.
Historical background
This mistrust and prejudice are not new. The Crusades (1095-1291 CE) sowed the seeds of fear and misunderstanding about Islam in the European mind.
While the wars were fought under religious pretexts, Europe simultaneously absorbed intellectual and scientific knowledge from the East – knowledge that later sparked the Renaissance.
Yet, an enduring perception took root portraying Muslims as a “threat” to Europe. This fear, though baseless, became deeply ingrained.
Over time, this psychological bias evolved into what is now termed Islamophobia. Following the tragic events of 11 September 2001, many in the West came to view Muslims as incapable of integrating into modern society, believing their religious values conflicted with Western culture.
As a result, Islamic symbols – especially the hijab, purdah, and other visible markers of faith – became frequent targets of political and social restriction.
The history of hijab bans
The wave of legal bans on the hijab began in Europe. In September 2003, Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court ruled in favor of an Afghan teacher’s right to wear a headscarf in school but also stated that individual federal states could legislate restrictions if they wished. Subsequently, many German states enacted laws banning teachers from wearing hijab in educational institutions.
France became the first European country to ban “religious symbols” including the Islamic headscarf in public schools in 2004, invoking secularism (laïcité) as justification.
In April 2011, France extended this restriction to include the niqab in all public spaces. Other European countries – including Russia, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Austria, Denmark, Switzerland, and Norway – have since implemented similar bans in schools, workplaces and public areas. Italy now appears poised to join this list.
Some Muslim-majority countries have also imposed restrictions on the hijab in educational or professional settings, though many have later eased them.
Freedom or prejudice?
Western nations claim such laws are enacted to promote “women’s freedom” arguing that veiling hinders social participation. They further assert that as long as Muslims cling to their religious customs, integration into Western society remains impossible. However, this reasoning is both illogical and inconsistent with the universal principles of religious freedom.
Europe prides itself on being the champion of human rights, yet Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights explicitly states:
“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to manifest one’s religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance.”
Hence, banning the hijab constitutes a clear violation of this fundamental right. It is an open contradiction that in the same Europe where Christian nuns’ attire is viewed as a mark of sanctity, Muslim women’s hijab is branded as extremism. This double standard undermines the ideals of interfaith harmony and tolerance.
Social consequences
As a result of these bans, thousands of Muslim women face academic, professional, and social challenges. Many students abandon their education when barred from wearing the hijab in schools or universities. Numerous employers refuse to hire veiled women. In some countries, harassment of Muslim women in public spaces has also increased.
Guidance from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa
True solutions lie in mutual respect, dialogue, and education among nations – not in bans that breed division and resentment.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, under the spiritual leadership of Khilafat, continues to promote peace, tolerance and religious freedom worldwide.
Every Ahmadi girl must observe purdah
Referring to the Western campaign against the veil, Huzooraa states that an Ahmadi girl must always act according to the command of God. He said:
“Here in Europe, waves of opposition against the veil continue to rise from time to time, and France is often at the forefront of such movements. Usually, these anti-veil campaigns begin there and then spread elsewhere. As a reaction, some Muslims take out rallies in defence of the veil. Ironically, among those participating in such demonstrations are many women who, in their daily lives, are seen unveiled in public – and some even dressed immodestly. This is because they have no true guidance; their reaction is emotional and temporary – merely an outburst in response to the ban on veiling.
“However, an Ahmadi woman, and particularly an Ahmadi young girl who has reached the age of observing purdah, must always remember that veiling is a part of her faith. It is one of the commandments clearly enjoined by the Holy Quran. By the grace of Allah, many Ahmadi girls understand this reality.
“Recently, when the anti-veil sentiment intensified once again in France, a young Ahmadi girl – who is a Waqf-e-Nau and currently pursuing her master’s degree in journalism – wrote a letter to a newspaper. In her letter, she stated:
“‘On one hand, Europe proudly proclaims the slogans of personal liberty and freedom of religion; yet on the other hand, it bans the veil – which is one of the commandments of our faith. We, the women who observe the veil, do so willingly and out of joy, in obedience to the command of our God. Therefore, your claim of granting religious freedom is nothing more than an empty declaration; it holds no real substance.’”
(Friday Sermon, 25 July 2009, Al Fazl International, 21 June 2013, p.2)
Lajna should hold meetings to discuss significance of hijab
In another meeting with Lajna Imaillah Norway in 2011, Huzooraa instructed that women should organise discussions on why modest clothing and hijab are essential. He stated:
“Especially young girls aged 16 to 18 should discuss topics such as: Why should our dress be modest? Why is hijab important? How can an Ahmadi girl contribute positively amidst the anti-hijab movements in Europe?”
(“Meeting with National Amila Lajna Imaillah Norway, 2 October 2011”, Al Fazl International, 23 December 2011, p.11)
We should challenge such laws in court
In an online meeting with Lajna Imaillah India, Huzooraa advised that in countries where bans exist, women should also lawfully challenge such discriminatory laws in court and write in newspapers.
Lajna should write in newspapers and express their perspective
He also encouraged Ahmadi women in Germany and other European nations to write in newspapers and express their perspective:
“In the Western world, the issue that arises with regard to [Muslim] women is that it is alleged that they do not have freedom; the restriction of purdah applies to them; such and such restrictions are made against women and such and such injustices are committed upon them. Women should write about these issues and explain that ‘you say such and such [about us]; I am a woman and this is my response to your assertion.’”
Hijab for employed women
A question was presented regarding the removal of the veil during employment. It was asked: If a woman is employed in a bank and is required to remove her veil while on duty, what should she do? Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa provided the following guidance:
“Working in a bank is not an occupation that can be described as a service to humanity. Therefore, for ordinary jobs of this nature, permission cannot be granted to remove the hijab. Particularly in such workplaces where women are expected to appear in regular attire, with makeup, and without any specific professional uniform, the removal of hijab is not permissible.”
Referring to women employed in the medical field, His Holinessaa further explained:
“I had mentioned an exception only for those working in the field of medicine, where, due to the nature of their duties – it is not possible to wear the traditional veil or full hijab while working. Even then, once their professional responsibilities are over, they must resume observing the veil.”
(Friday Sermon, 13 January 2017, Al Fazl International, 3 February 2017, p.6)
If law prohibits then we should prefer our faith
If, however, the government were to enact a law prohibiting employment while wearing the veil, Huzooraa instructed Ahmadi women to give precedence to their faith over worldly matters. He stated:
“If ever a law is enacted banning hijab at work, pray that it does not happen. But if it does, then remember: religion comes first, the world after.”
(“Class with Lajna students, Germany, 10 June 2006”, Al Fazl International, 7 July 2006, p. 11)
Similarly, with regard to schools where wearing the hijab is prohibited, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa advised that, if possible, parents should seek admission for their daughters in an institution where modest and decent attire, including the hijab, is permitted. (Ibid.)
Motto for Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya
To ensure the moral and spiritual training of Ahmadi girls from an early age, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa proposed the following slogan for Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya for a particular year:
Modesty is Part of Faith
It is incumbent upon every Ahmadi woman and girl to diligently observe the injunctions of Islam while safeguarding her chastity and moral integrity, even within the liberal and permissive environments of the Western world.