Malick Asghar Hashmi/Mansooruddin Faridi / New Delhi

Indian Muslim scholars have strongly opposed the voices of support from outside India in favour of the Indian Muslims on the issue of Hijab. The scholars are unanimous in their opinion that the dispute whether the Hijab issue is a religious or a Constitutional right has to be resolved within the Indian system and the outsiders must stay out of it.

They said the Hijab or practice of women covering the head is not an alien concept in India and women have the choice of using it.

Speaking with Awaz- the Voice on the Karnataka Hijab issue, Prof Akhtar Al-Wasa, a prominent Islamic scholar and recipient of Padma Shri, said it’s surprising that the hijab row erupted from a Karnataka college while women including his sisters and many other women have graduated from the same schools.

He said it’s the constitution of the country that allows women the choice of what to wear and what to eat. On the social side, the hijab is not an issue of religious sensitivity but part of culture and tradition.

In India covering of head by women has been prevalent in the pre-Islamic era. The purpose of school uniforms is to ensure equality and there is no question of using religious identity or dress. He said that even men and women among Sikhs cannot keep their heads uncovered. He claimed Indian women leaders like Indira Gandhi and Maneka Gandhi were seen covering their heads with a sari.

Prof Wase says the commandment about the compulsory use of the veil by women is contained in two places in the Quran; one in Surah Al-Ahzab and the other in Surah Noor.

Akhtar al-Wase said that this is a matter “between India and Indian Muslims” and no country needs to interfere. Before speaking about the Indian scene, Malala Yousafzai, he said, should raise her voice about Pakistani girls. Pakistan too must look at its internal issues before speaking about India.

He said that on one hand, Prime Minister Modi wants to take the country ahead with the slogan of Sabka Vikas and Sabki Aastha, but some people are bent on negating this spirit. Similarly the slogan of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao will lose meaning if the girls are stopped from attending schools in the name of the Hijab.

Maulana Mufti Dr Muhammad Mukarram Ahmed, Imam of Fatehpuri Masjid in Delhi said that Hijab has turned into a political issue, but in reality, it’s a religious, social, and cultural issue. He claimed that the headscarf or veil is also prevalent among other religious denominations in India. It is a fundamental right and a matter of religious freedom.

Maulana Mukkaram said that voices from outside the country in support of the women’s right to wear the Hijab are part of a natural process. He, however, said the Indian Muslims have never looked for support nor have they appealed to anyone for help as they have a legal system and the Constitution to fight for their rights.

Eminent social activist Zafar Sareshwala says that a small issue has snowballed into a major controversy. A conversation about the use of head covers could have solved the problem. Unfortunately, he said in the surcharged situation, all sides are ready for a showdown and none wants to have a conversation.

He narrated a personal experience of resolving what could have become an issue. “When I returned from London in 2006, I applied for admission for my daughter in a school that had skirt and blouse as uniform. My daughter was not ready to wear a skirt. I spoke to the school administration and told them the truth; I told them I am not talking in terms of rights and laws.” The school administration allowed her to use trousers instead of a skirt. I think the Hijab issue should have been tackled intelligently.

Zafar Sareshwala says the voice for the Hijab from outside India is unnecessary as it’s our internal matter. He said all countries have their problems and they deal with these internally. Also, such statements are diplomatic and political games and harm the actual cause.

Maulana Zaheer Abbas Rizvi also said that Indian Muslims have never looked towards any country or foreign organization for support or resolving their issue. “Muslims are aware of the power of the Constitution and such cases are dealt with in courts by a strong judiciary,” he said.

Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi, Imam of Parliament Street Mosque in Delhi, said that the Hijab controversy is nothing but politics. A small incident in Karnataka has become a national issue. Hijab has never been a problem; it’s a constitutional right and no one can be deprived of it.

He further said that the court should resolve this issue. This issue is not religious; it’s social and cultural. You cannot destroy any civilization. I appeal to Muslims to be patient. Patience is the first step in education. He said if a hijab of the color of school or college uniform is used by women, no one could object to it.

Mumbai's leading scholar Maulana Zaheer Abbas Rizvi said that till recently the Hijab was no issue as it’s a fundamental right under the Constitution. It is not just about Muslims. He said, “The important point is that everyone is raising his voice on this be it a Muslim or a non-Muslim. That is the beauty of India.”

He said that the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this issue is very disturbing. He also said as elections are happening in five States and this issue of leading to polarization and therefore Muslims should be careful.”One thing is clear: the problem will be solved in the courts, not on the streets.”

Maulana Zaheer Abbas Rizvi on the incident of targeting of a girl student for not wearing hijab in Kashmir said that on one hand some forces are talking about forcibly removing hijab and on the other side someone is trying to forcibly wear hijab, both these actions are wrong. It is a matter of likes and dislikes.

Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi, on behalf of Pakistan and other countries, said that no country needs to look in this direction, the country's constitution and law are the most important which are the fundamental rights of the country's Muslims and religious. . Guarantee freedom These are the countries whose feet are burning and where minorities are oppressed.

On this issue, Kolkata's Imam-e-Eid Maulana Qari Altaf-ur-Rehman said that Muslims must take care as such situations (opposition to the Hijab) are recurring. “Most importantly, many non-Muslims are also standing with us in this matter. I saw many videos in which a Sikh brother was speaking in support of the hijab and expressing concern about the future.”

He said that this is a constitutional fight, there is no need to get emotional in it. It is said in the Holy Quran to act wisely. Even after the High Court, the way to the Supreme Court is open, so do not be discouraged, such battles go on for a long time.

Maulana Shafiq Qasmi, Imam of the historic Nakhoda Masjid in Kolkata, said there is no problem for Muslims for wearing the hijab, as women of other religions also use it.