Wearing of hijab is not a mandate in Islam: Kerala Governor

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan said the hijab is not vital to the practice of Islam, despite a simmering dispute over its abolition in some Karnataka educational institutions. He called the notion that Sikhs can wear turbans yet Muslim women are forbidden from wearing hijabs in some institutions and schools "preposterous."

In an exclusive interview he 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.”

He further claimed that "vested interests" were inciting young Muslim women to demonstrate in support of their right to wear the headscarf. These "vested interests," according to Arif Mohammad Khan, intend to "push Muslim women back into the dark ages." He told the kids, "Don't be influenced by outsiders; focus on your studies."

The Karnataka hijab issue arose after a group of teenage Muslim students in Udupi were denied entry to their college because they wore hijabs. As more universities and schools issued identical directives, the problem expanded across the state. Students from opposing organizations began protesting in support of and against the freedom to wear hijabs in educational institutions. Saffron scarves were worn by those who opposed the Muslim girls.

The disagreement erupted into a full-fledged war of words, with national political parties waging war on each other over the topic. The protests have since extended across the country, and the case is currently before the Supreme Court.

Governor Khan commented on the matter, saying, "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."

If the argument of those protesting for the right to wear hijab is adopted, Muslim women, according to Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, will be "the losers."

The governor further said, "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?" 

In response to Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai's outspoken criticism of Karnataka's ban on hijab in educational institutions, he stated, "She may be misinformed. She doesn't realise that if this argument is accepted, Muslim women will suffer most."

He went on to add that Islam fosters a mindset that "to keep women suppressed."