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Muslim headcover conundrum: When covering up actually exposes
Now Wahhabism has become more mainstream in Indonesia, especially in politicized contexts and as the 2024 presidential elections approach.
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Muslims take part in a demonstration denouncing a ban on hijabs at certain educational institutes in Chennai, India, on Feb. 14. (AFP/Arun Sankar)
Do you have a favorite number? For Indonesians and Muslims, it seems to be the number five.
The state ideology Pancasila has five principles, and Islam has five pillars: 1) shahada, the belief that "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God"; 2) shalat, prayer five times a day 3) zakat, giving alms; 4) fasting during the month of Ramadhan; and 5) making the haj pilgrimage to Mecca, for those who can afford it.
But did you know there is a sixth pillar? It’s the wearing of the hijab.
Just kidding! There is no such sixth pillar! But the way many Muslims go on about it, it would seem as if it were. The Quran says both men and women should guard their modesty, true, but it certainly doesn’t say outright that women should cover their hair. However, currently, not only are non-hijab wearers admonished that they will go to hell if they don’t, they are also told they will drag their families with them as well. Wow!
Ironically, proof that the hijab is not compulsory comes from Saudi Arabia, which recently relaxed its dress code, no longer requiring women to wear the garment.
What? The hijab no longer required in the heartland of Islam, an absolute monarchy based on sharia (Islamic law) and considered the most conservative Islamic country in the world?
Yes, sirree! Crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS) recently waived the rule that women should wear the hijab. This is one of many reforms implemented since 2016 as part of the country’s modernization project to reduce its dependence on oil.
