Despite these legal protections, Muslim women in Ghana often face challenges when attempt­ing to observe Hijab as modesty and as an act of worship in public insti­tutions such as Universities, Banks, Ministries, public health institutions and government agencies.

This is a violation of their constitu­tional rights and an infringement on their freedom of worship.

We call upon public institutions in Ghana to:

Respect the constitutional pro­visions and allow Muslim women to wear the Hijab without fear of discrimination.

Promote inclusivity by ensuring that dress codes accommodate reli­gious attire, including the Hijab.

Educate staff and the public about the importance of religious tolerance and diversity.

As the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, nor of a non-Arab over an Arab, nor of a white person over a black person, nor of a black person over a white person, except by piety.”

(Musnad Ahmad, 22391).

Rewards of Observing Hijab in Dunya and Akhirah

Observing the Hijab brings immense rewards in both this world and the Hereafter. The Hijab protects women from harm, preserves their dignity, and earns the pleasure of Allah.

In the Hereafter, those who obey Allah’s commands will be rewarded with eternal bliss: “Indeed, those who have believed and done righ­teous deeds will have gardens be­neath which rivers flow. That is the great attainment.” (Quran 85:11).

Summary and Conclusion

Servants of Allah, the Hijab is a divine command, a mark of faith, and a human right protected by Ghana’s Constitution and international law. It is a shield of modesty that protects individuals and society from immo­rality.

The Quran says: “And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect.” (Quran 65:2-3).

Servants of Allah, with these co­gent submissions on the hijab, the evidence of its benefits cuts across humanity in general. Remember, the religious injunctions emanate from Allah, your Lord.

Therefore, let us work collectively to ensure that the congenial envi­ronment is created for Muslim and non-Muslim women alike to cultivate voluntary love for the hijab as part of modesty and are not denied their right to wear hijab in any public insti­tution such as the universities, banks, ministries, public health institutions and government agencies as well as other public and private institutions.

May Allah guide us to uphold His commands and strengthen our faith. Ameen thuma Ameen.

References

• The Noble Quran

• Sahih Bukhari

• Sahih Muslim

• The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), 1948

• Tafsir Ibn Kathir

• Works by contempo­rary scholars like Sheikh Ibn Baz and Dr Zakir Naik

By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author

 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