Hijab (Islamic veil) as an act of worship (Part 2)

 Consequences on lack of knowl­edge about Hijab can cause Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)

 Lack of knowledge about the use of Hijab and its role in promoting modesty can contrib­ute significantly to immoral behaviour in societies, which in turn increases the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

In Islamic teachings, the Hijab is not only a piece of clothing but a broader concept of modesty, dignity and moral conduct.

When society underestimates the value of modesty in behaviour, dress and interactions, it can lead to per­missiveness in relationships, unsafe sexual practice, and other behaviours that increase the risk of STDs.

Peer Pressure and Western Influ­ence in Urban Areas

In Urban centres like Accra and Ku­masi, younger generations are often influenced by Western media and fashion trends that promote revealing clothing and casual attitudes towards relationships.

This cultural shift, coupled with inadequate education about Islam­ic principles like the hijab’s role in promoting modesty, can lead to high incidence of promiscuity.

For instance, young women and men engaging in risky sexual be­haviour without understanding the consequences often do so under the influence of societal trends. This increase exposure to sexually trans­mitted diseases like HIV/AIDS, which remains a public health issue in Ghana.

Misinterpretation of Freedom and Modernity

In higher educational institutions, some students perceive wearing the hijab as outdated or limiting their freedom. This lack of knowledge about the hijab’s significance can lead to adopting lifestyles that priori­tize fashion over modesty.

For example, a university student might choose to attend social gather­ings where alcohol and casual sexual encounters are common, driven by peer pressure and a desire to fit in.

Without the grounding principles of modesty and chastity, the chances of unprotected and reckless sexual ac­tivity rise, contributing to the spread of diseases like gonorrhea or syphilis.

Both scenarios highlight how a lack of knowledge about the hijab’s deep­er values can lead to behaviors that put individuals and society at risk.

While the hijab alone does not guarantee moral behavior, its prin­ciples, when understood and em­braced, can foster a culture of self-respect and responsibility that mitigates the spread of STDs.

Education on these values, coupled with awareness of sexual health, is critical for addressing this challenge in society. Casual relationships con­tribute to the spread of STDs, which harm both individuals and communi­ties.

Fundamental Human Rights: Reli­gious Freedom

Ghana, like many democratic nations, guarantees the right to freedom of religion. Article 21(1) ( c ) of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana explicitly states: “All persons shall have the right to freedom to practice any religion and to manifest such practice.”

This provision protects every citi­zen’s right to practice their religion, including the wearing of Hijab, with­out discrimination or intimidation.

Similarly, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 1948, Article 18, asserts:

“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance.”

These legal provisions recognise Hijab as part of the manifestation of Islam and affirm that Muslim women have the right to wear Hijab in public institutions

By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author