Zaid Alsalami's response to Muslims often condemn Western countries that try to ban Hijab or Niqab. Should they also not condemn those Islamic countries that try to impose Hijab on all women regardless of their religion?

Muslims often condemn Western countries that try to ban Hijab or Niqab. Should they also not condemn those Islamic countries that try to impose Hijab on all women regardless of their religion?

Zaid Alsalami, Shaykh Dr Zaid Alsalami is an Iraqi born scholar, raised in Australia. He obtained a BA from Al-Mustafa University, Qom, and an MA from the Islamic College in London. He also obtained a PhD from... Answered 3 years ago

Bismihi ta'ala

If we were to take each by its correct definition, we will be able to see a difference here.

Western countries are generally democratic and secular. That means the political party is chosen by majority of votes, and secular is that religion has no involvement in the affairs of the government or laws.

Well, that's what it is assumed to be.

So, one can follow any religion, and the way they dress is not dictated onto them by government or law.

An Islamic country is different. It functions within what is mandated by religion. There is the public sphere, and the private. In the public, whether you are religious or not, you must observe the law of the religious state. In the private, you can do as you wish, if you are not religious or follow another religion.

So, after this very brief definition, according to the Western system of government and secular law, banning someone from wearing a religious garb is certainly against the very foundation of what they claim they have, which is freedom of expression of what to wear and which religion to follow, under secular rule.

You can condemn them based on what they are claiming they uphold, and that is the sad situation of today's society, unfortunately.

With prayers for your success.