Hijab made mandatory even for non-Muslim women in Bada Imambara !

Laxmanpuri (Uttar Pradesh) – The administration of the historic Bada Imambara here has mandated that women will be granted entry only if they cover their heads, that is, wear a hijab; otherwise, they will be denied entry. Justifying the decision, the administration stated, “This is a religious site, and Islamic norms must be observed here.”

On the other hand, Muslim as well as Hindu women have objected to this, stating that while covering one’s head when entering a mosque may be understandable, the Imambara premises include several areas beyond the mosque that attract large numbers of tourists. They have termed the decision a violation of their ‘right to freedom’.

1. Following years of demands by a Muslim organisation named ‘Hussaini Tigers’, permission for this move was granted by H.P. Shahi, Secretary of the Hussainabad Trust and Additional District Collector (West).

2. The Deputy Collector stated that since the Bada Imambara is a religious site of the Shia community, covering the head has been made mandatory for women in accordance with their demand.

3. Visitors will be provided with scarves on-site to cover their heads.

4. Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawwad has supported the decision, stating that every religious place has its own rules. “We have the full right to deny entry without a hijab. As this is a religious site, entry without covering the head will not be permitted,” he said.

Hindu girls have bitter experience

It has been alleged that some Hindu girls who visited the Imambara were asked to kick posters bearing the slogan ‘Death to America and Israel’. They were reportedly denied entry until they agreed to wear the hijab.

Several women’s organisations have opposed the decision. Activist Renu Mishra stated that the State Government or the High Court should intervene and halt this decision. She added that such measures push women back into medieval times and are not permitted under the Constitution.

Editorial Perspectives

This area is neither Pakistan nor is it Congress ruled state of Karnataka to witness such fatwas being issued ! The Yogi Adityanath government of Uttar Pradesh is expected to take action against those who issue such fatwas and that district collector who allows them !

Why is the pro (re) gressive tribe that spits vitriol against Hindu customs in the name of religious freedom, now suddenly gone silent ? Based on this tribe’s hypocritical standards, is it safe to say that its religious freedom is just a sham, only looking for opportunity to spew venom against Hindus ?