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'#NoHijabDay' draws criticism, raises debate on social media
The use of the hijab is still a subject of debate among some Islamic scholars and prominent Muslim figures worldwide. Some say it is mandatory, interpreting a Quran verse that says a woman must cover her entire body with the exception of "that which is apparent" as meaning that a woman must cover everything but her face and hands.
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A Citilink Indonesia flight attendant sports the airline's hijab uniform. (JP/Jessicha Valentina)
The #NoHijabDay hashtag, which has been circulating on social media over the past few days to challenge World Hijab Day on Feb. 1, has apparently created a global furor, with many people condemning it.
Some social media users in Indonesia have criticized the No Hijab Day movement, saying it should not have started in the first place, while others, mostly hijab-wearing netizens, have defended their right to sport the religious veil with pride.
A Twitter user from Indonesia, @K19Niena, said that her hijab was her "beautiful crown". "I really can't [stand] this […] thing #NoHijabDay," she went on, using an expletive.
Some Muslim women on the other side of the spectrum, however, admitted that wearing a hijab was not their preference, especially when those who claimed to be more pious pushed them to wear one.
Twenty-seven-year-old, Noer, who goes by one name, said she had never thought of wearing a hijab until she applied for a media company in West Java. The company asked her to wear one at the office before hiring her.
"I faced a dilemma at that time. My parents kept telling me it was a good idea but I liked to wear knee-long skirts, skater dresses and such," said Noer, who bowed down to the pressure for fear of losing a career opportunity.
