Hijab Is Not Mentioned As An Essential Part Of Islam In The Quran: Arif Mohammed Khan

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has expressed that hijab is not a part of Islam as a turban is of Sikhism, Hindustan Times reports.

Khan revealed that hijab is mentioned only seven times in Quran. However, it hasn’t been done in connection to women’s dress code.

Rather, it is in relation with ‘purdah’, which mandates that one should have purdah in between when one speaks.

“Hijab is not a part of Islam. Hijab is mentioned seven times in Quran, but it is not in connection with the women's dress code. It is in connection with 'purdah' which means that when you speak, you should have 'purdah' in between,” Khan was quoted in a report by the aforementioned publication.

Drawing a parallel with Sikhism, the Governor added, “The argument that wearing a turban is allowed to the Sikhs but the Muslim girls are not being allowed to wear hijab inside the classroom is absurd. Turban is an essential part of the Sikh religion. However, the hijab is not mentioned as an essential part of Islam in the Quran.”

Further, Khan opined that the ongoing hijab controversy in Karnataka will derail the progress made by Muslim women.