01.09.2019
Important Message With Regard To Face Cover Of Muslim Women
Asslalamu Alaikum Warahmathullahi Wabarakathuhu,
Wearing a dress code of one’s own choice is one of the fundamental human rights of every male and female on earth. The constitution of this country enshrines these rights very clearly.
Followed by the deplorable incident of 21st of April, an unusual situation prevailed in the country and the emergency law was imposed by the Government. Followed by this, a temporary ban of facial cover or niqab was too imposed during the time of the emergency law. Though, the emergency law was lifted on the 23rd of August, a Special Gazette has been issued enabling the deployment of armed forces to maintain public order in the country. Ever since the incident, it seems that the fear psychosis among the people is still not completely detached.
In this current situation, there seems to be possibilities that the Muslim women who attire the face cover publicly, may face inconveniences. So, at this uncertain political situation, it is our responsibility to ensure all possible means to avoid paving the way to racial elements.
The ACJU requests especially the Muslim women to avoid possible inconveniences that may be caused by attiring the face cover in the public and to act in a responsible and serious manner considering the present situation. The ACJU strongly believes that our own etiquette and responsible behavior among the various communities would definitely help us to protect our own rights and privileges.
The ACJU also believes that the religious freedom, rights and privileges within our cultural diversity enjoyed by the Muslims of Sri Lanka throughout the history should still be preserved and protected.
Ash-Shaikh H. Omardeen
Secretary – Propagation Division
All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama