BARMM observes World Hijab Day

  Photo shows Bangsamoro women who stand with pride while wearing their hijab in a gathering held on Monday, February 1, 2021, to partake in the global celebration of World Hijab Day. 

COTABATO CITY –The Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) led the observance of World Hijab Day in the region to recognize Muslim women who proudly wear hijab around the globe on Monday, February 1.
 
This celebration is in line with House Bill 8249, which declares February 1 of each year as National Hijab Day to promote national awareness of the Muslim tradition of wearing a hijab.
 
Monday's event, which was participated by BARMM key officials and employees from the different ministries, agencies, and offices, carries the theme "Don't let our pride be your prejudice" with the hashtag #EndHijabophobia.
 
BWC chairperson Bainon Karon said the occasion aims to encourage every Bangsamoro women to wear hijab; to end discrimination against women wearing hijab; and to protect freedom and practice of religion.
 
"Let us unite and help each other in advocating the importance of wearing hijab and promote simplicity amongst Bangsamoro women," she added.
 
The Member of Parliament also said that the event is not a celebration, rather an act of acknowledgement to the Muslim women that faces discrimination around the world.
 
Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim said, "Ang hijab ay hindi lamang isang uri ng kultura ng mga babaeng Muslim, kundi may kasamang obligasyon o pananampalataya sa Islam."
 
"Sa ating pananampalataya, may mas malawak na kahulugan ang hijab – saklaw nito ang kahinhinan, disiplina, at kabuuan ng pagiging isang tunay na Muslim, hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng pananamit ngunit higit lalo sa gawa at salita," he added.
 
Meanwhile, Bangsamoro Grand Mufti Abuhuraira Udasan addressed some concerns on the observance of World Hijab Day, noting that such occasion is [somewhat] an innovation or bid'ah. 
 
The Mufti responded, “I hope that every day will be hijab day, so that every day, our Muslim women will use [and wear] hijab.”
  
Various women organizations from Maguindanao and Cotabato City also attended the event. Attendees wore black abayas (long dress) and old rose-colored hijabs as symbol of peace, modesty, and unity in the week-long recognition. (Bangsamoro Information Office)