Two Countries Ban Hijabs and Eid Celebrations
A number of countries worldwide have implemented strict regulations concerning Islamic religious symbols and celebrations. In Tajikistan and parts of Spain, local governments have even introduced policies restricting the wearing of hijabs and Islamic holiday observances.
In Tajikistan, the upper chamber of parliament, the Majlisi Milli, passed legislation banning the use of “foreign clothing” and various traditions associated with Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha celebrations. The session was presided over by Majlisi Milli Chairman Rustam Emomali on 19 June 2024.
The law targets hijabs and other traditional Islamic clothing that have become increasingly worn by Tajikistan’s population in recent years. Additionally, the new regulations also prohibit idgardak, a tradition wherein children go door-to-door requesting gifts during Eid celebrations.
Since 2007, the country’s Ministry of Education has banned the wearing of Islamic clothing in schools.
For context, approximately 95 to 98 per cent of Tajikistan’s population is Muslim.
Spain Restricts Eid Celebrations
Similar restrictions on Islamic religious activities have emerged in Spain. According to Deutsche Welle, Spain’s ombudsman is investigating a decision by the municipal government of Jumilla in the Murcia region to prohibit the use of public facilities such as community centres and sports arenas for certain religious activities.
The regulation encompasses social, cultural, or religious activities not directly linked to the municipal government, including Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha celebrations. The policy was enacted by the municipal government, led by the conservative People’s Party, following a proposal from the far-right Vox party.
The municipal government stated that the decision aims to preserve local cultural values and identity. However, several Muslim organisations in Spain have criticised the policy, deeming it discriminatory.
Mounir Benjelloun Andaloussi Azhari, president of the Federation of Islamic Organisations in Spain, labelled the restriction as Islamophobia and discriminatory. Mohamed El Ghaidouni, secretary of the Union of Muslim Communities in Spain representing over 900 Muslim communities in the country, described the ban as institutionalised Islamophobia.
Vox party members in Murcia welcomed the measure on social media, stating: “Thanks to Vox, the first step to ban Islamic festivals in Spain’s public spaces has been enacted. Spain is and will forever be Christian land!”
“We must protect public space from practices foreign to our culture and way of life,” wrote party leader Santiago Abascal. “Spain is not Al-Andalus,” referencing the historical name for Islamic Spain, which fell in 1492 when Catholic forces reclaimed the territory.
Meanwhile, Spain’s ombudsman has requested clarification from the municipal government regarding how they will ensure the rights of religious groups to practise their faith in public spaces. For context, approximately 1,500 Muslims reside in Jumilla, which has a total population of around 27,000 inhabitants.