Hijab not essential in Islam like turban is for Sikhs, says Kerala Governor

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan said on Saturday that the hijab is not intrinsic to Islam like the turban is in Sikhism.

Speaking to India Today, Khan made the remarks in the backdrop of escalating tensions in Karnataka regarding certain schools and colleges banning Muslim students wearing hijabs from attending classes. 

One of the arguments being put forth in support of the girls equates the hijab to turbans for the Sikhs, asking why one is allowed while the other is not. Calling this comparison ‘preposterous’, Khan said, “In Sikhism, the turban is considered and accepted as essential to the religion. On the other hand, hijab in the context of women’s dress finds no mention in the Quran.”

Also Read: Karnataka hijab row: What Indian courts have said on the headscarf

Muslim students in colleges in Karnataka are demanding they be allowed to attend classes wearing the hijab – a traditional headscarf commonly worn by Muslim women. According to Khan, ‘vested interests’ were provoking the women to protest over the matter in order to push them ‘into the dark ages’.

“Don’t be instigated by outsiders, focus on your studies,” he said in an exclusive interview to India Today. 

He also acceded to the demand of the girls, calling it fair if there was a sudden change in the dress code of the college. “The basic question in my mind is whether this dress code was in force when they applied for admission. If not, I can understand why they are raising the issue,” he said.

Also Read: Karnataka Hijab Row: ‘Motivated comments not welcome’, India says after US remarks

A government order passed on February 5 fuelled the hijab row in the state, which started in December last year when Muslim girls wearing the headscarves in Udipi were asked to leave the classroom. Using the powers vested in the executive under Section 133 (2) of the Karnataka Education Act, 1983, the government had stated that the hijab was not going to be part of the uniform, reasoning that it is not an ‘essential religious practice’ of the Muslims guaranteed under the constitution.

Soon after the order, the situation in the state got tense and took a violent turn. A group of women approached the Karnataka high court, which is in the process of hearing arguments and might have to come out with a ruling on whether the hijab is an essential religious practice not.

Also Read: Bikini or hijab, woman’s right to decide: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Karnataka row

A bench led by Karnataka high court chief justice Rituraj Avasthi ruled Thursday that no “religious garments” will be allowed in campuses until the court issues a verdict.  

The Kerala Governor said that if the petitioners were to win the case, the Muslim women themselves will be ones at the losing end. “They [protesting Muslim women] are being used by those who will do anything to divide society and embarrass the government. These people are following the legacy of the Muslim League. How long will be engaged in these useless non-issues?”