Tajikistan's Upper House Approves Hijab Ban and Restrictions on Islamic Festivities

In a move that has sparked controversy, the Central Asian nation of Tajikistan is poised to impose a hijab ban after the upper chamber of the country's parliament approved a bill on June 19. The bill, which targets traditional Islamic clothing, specifically the hijab, an Islamic head scarf, has been met with criticism from Muslim communities around the world.

The bill, passed during the 18th session of the upper house of Parliament, Majlisi Milli, presided over by its head, Rustam Emomali, aims to ban "alien garments" and children's celebrations for two of the most important Islamic holidays - Eid al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. These Muslim festivals, known as idgardak, are a time when children visit houses in their streets to greet people.

The development comes after the lower chamber of the country's parliament, Majlisi Namoyandagon, approved the bill on May 8. The bill imposes penalties for offenders, ranging from 7,920 somonis for individuals to 39,500 somonis for legal entities. Government officials and religious authorities are subject to significantly higher fines of 54,000 somonis to 57,600 somonis, respectively, upon conviction.

Tajikistan's official clampdown on hijab comes after years of an unofficial ban. The country has unofficially banned bushy beards as well. In 2007, the Education Ministry banned both Islamic clothing and Western-style miniskirts for students and later extended this ban to all public institutions.

Why it Matters : The hijab ban in Tajikistan is not just a matter of personal freedom, but also has broader implications for the country's Muslim population. The ban is seen as a move to suppress Islamic identity and impose a secular identity on the population. It also raises concerns about the government's interference in religious practices and the erosion of religious freedom.

The ban is also seen as a part of a larger campaign to promote the Tajik national dress. In 2018, the government released "The Guidebook Of Recommended Outfits In Tajikistan," which encouraged citizens to wear traditional Tajik attire. In 2017, mobile phone users received messages from the government urging women to wear Tajik national attire.

The move has sparked criticism from Muslim leaders and human rights groups, who see it as a violation of religious freedom and a move to suppress Islamic identity. The ban is also seen as a part of a broader trend of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment in the region.

Key Takeaways

• Tajikistan's parliament has approved a bill to ban hijab and "alien garments" in the country.
• The bill imposes penalties for offenders, ranging from 7,920 somonis for individuals to 39,500 somonis for legal entities.
• The ban is seen as a move to suppress Islamic identity and impose a secular identity on the population.
• The government has been promoting the Tajik national dress through various campaigns and initiatives.
• The ban has sparked criticism from Muslim leaders and human rights groups, who see it as a violation of religious freedom.