KARACHI:
Although man has seemingly progressed by going on the moon, mars and beyond, we continue witnessing a growth in intolerance and extremism, which is haunting humans around the world. Basic human rights and freedom are violated everywhere. This is exemplified by the hijab ban in France and the rest of Europe and the extremism in Iran, which has made the hijab compulsory for all women.
In Europe, which is known as the hub of freedom and free will, Muslim women face continuous violations openly. Society can and should stress modest clothing for both males and females, but should not force a group i.e. Muslims not to wear the Hijab as per their religious beliefs, whilst simultaneously allowing nuns, Mormons, and Hasidic Jews to cover their heads. These contradictions and growing intolerance need to end and human beings’ choice to wear modest clothes should be respected. State laws should be free from vindictive bias; they should be fair and respect individual rights.
Similarly, the Iranian leadership should review its strict laws and insist only on modest clothing. The West, particularly Europe, must also review their vindictive anti-Muslim policies and respect Muslims’ individual choices. Intolerance and over-zealous nationalist movements and leaders, such as Hitler, have led to world wars. Nationalism stretched beyond limits deems others inferior, advocates hate and violence, and violates basic human rights. Sanity must prevail to preserve peace and human dignity.
Malik Tariq Ali
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, December 6th, 2022.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
