Hijab, Niqab, and Burqa: Quranic Injunctions, Constitutional Freedom, and the Reality of Media Debate Hijab, Niqab, and Burqa: Quranic Injunctions, Constitutional Freedom, and the Reality of Media Debate Article (72) In the present era, some topics are deliberately sensationalized, prejudiced, and presented under a specific narrative.

بسم اللہ الرحمن الرحیم. 
Hijab, Niqab, and Burqa: Quranic Injunctions, Constitutional Freedom, and the Reality of Media Debate
    Article (72)
In the present era, some topics are deliberately presented with sensationalism, bias, and a specific narrative in such a way that the real issue is overshadowed and the discord becomes prominent. Hijab, Niqab, and Burqa have also become among these topics.
The lengthy debates on news channels ostensibly occur in the name of social reform, but in reality, they often feel like an attempt to make Islam and the lifestyle of Muslims seem suspicious, controversial, and backward. In such an environment, it is necessary to view this issue in the light of the Quran, reason, justice, and the Constitution, rather than emotions.
In Islam, the concept of veil is not limited to just a garment but is a part of modesty, dignity, and moral order.
Hijab is a broad term that includes covering the head, moderation in adornment, and protecting the gaze.
Niqab is a face veil in which only the eyes remain visible.
Burqa is a garment that covers the entire body, which is a form of hijab, but hijab is not just the name of burqa.
The word burqa is not mentioned in the Holy Quran, but the commandment of veil is present with complete clarity, as stated in Surah Al-Ahzab (59, 33) and Surah An-Nur (31), where the veil is linked to honor, identity, and protection.
Islam, Constitution, and Personal Choice
Islam has certainly given the commandment of veil, but it has not adopted a style of coercion. Similarly, the Constitution of a democratic country like India also guarantees every citizen religious freedom, personal choice, and equal opportunities.
Keeping this background in mind, if the current debate is observed, the real issue is not the dress but the mind-setting by targeting the dress.
In our country, India, it is an established fact that women adopt different styles of dress, and this diversity exists within Muslims as well. Some Muslim women wear hijab or burqa, and some do not - this is entirely their personal, religious, and constitutional right. Making any one style of dress a measure of progress or backwardness is neither a requirement of intellect nor of democratic values.
Similarly, if a shopkeeper sets some rules for the protection of his shop, it is his business prerogative. Women or individuals who comply with these rules will go there, and those who do not will choose another shop. This decision should be free from both sides, not in an environment of pressure, sarcasm, or hatred.
But to say that "if you want to progress, you have to remove the hijab or burqa" is not only an attack on the freedom of women but also a negation of their dignity and autonomy. The question is, by what authority are you linking a woman's dress to her ability, intelligence, or progress? And who gave you the right to impose your preferences and thoughts on others?
If someone considers himself modern, progressive, or advanced, then he should first learn to respect the choices of others. Taunting a woman based on her dress, trying to prove her inferior, or harassing her is, in fact, against the spirit of democracy and freedom of expression.
When every citizen has the right to live according to their own will, then why should a woman wearing hijab or burqa be considered deprived of this freedom? She is also a citizen of this country, lives under the same Constitution, and is bound by the same law. She is eligible to attain every education, position, and progress that she dreams of, provided that she abides by the laws of the country, which apply equally to every citizen.
Crime, Veil, and Collective Defamation
If any individual has used burqa or niqab for crime, then that crime is certainly condemnable, and the criminal should be punished according to the law. But to declare the entire Islam, veil, and Muslim woman as suspicious based on the actions of a few individuals is neither justice nor honesty.
Crime is not related to dress but to intention and action, and the law also looks at the action of the individual, not his dress.
Repeatedly presenting hijab, niqab, and burqa as a symbol against progress is actually an intellectual pressure, the purpose of which is to cut off the woman from her identity.
This narrative is not in accordance with Islamic teachings, nor with constitutional values, nor with the concept of true progress.
Hijab, niqab, and burqa are not a fashion, nor are they a tool to impose on anyone. They are an expression of faith, culture, dignity, and personal freedom.
The Quran has given the commandment of veil, the Constitution has given religious freedom, and reason has demanded justice.
The real issue is not dress, it is prejudice.
The real danger is not the veil, it is double standards.
If we really want a civilized, democratic, and just society, then we must:
Let crime remain crime
Dress remain dress
And let man live with his freedom
This is justice,
This is the requirement of the Constitution,
And this is the foundation of sustainable social harmony.
   By: Mahmoodulbari
Mahmoodulbari342@gmail.com