Mosque Demolition and Hijab Disputes Highlight Global Anti-Muslim Tensions
Mosque Demolition and Hijab Disputes Highlight Global Anti-Muslim Tensions
————————————–
A series of incidents across Tajikistan and India highlight escalating global pressures against Muslim communities concerning religious identity, freedom, and historical rights.
In Tajikistan, the death of 63-year-old Saidazam Rahmonov in police custody has raised serious concerns about religious persecution. Rahmonov was detained in Dushanbe for refusing to remove his beard, an act tied to the government’s strict policy against religious appearance. Rahmonov’s family was reportedly told he died of a heart attack, but the incident has intensified scrutiny of the government’s campaign against beards and the hijab, which it views as foreign and radical, Radio Free Europe reported.
In Ahmedabad, India, the Supreme Court refused to stay the partial demolition of a 400-year-old mosque required for a road widening project, Maktoob Media reported. The court’s decision clears the way for the demolition of parts of the historic structure, sparking anguish among the local Muslim community who view the act as an assault on their religious and cultural heritage.
A high school student in Kerala, India, was forced to leave a church-run school after being asked to remove her headscarf (hijab). The dispute centered on the school’s strict uniform code which conflicts with the student’s religious observance, as reported by Muslim Mirror. The student decided to transfer to another institution rather than comply with the ban, underscoring ongoing tensions over religious dress in educational settings. In wake of the incident, Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty announced on Saturday that the state government is prepared to assist the Muslim girl student to secure admission in any institution of her choice.
