A Science Exhibition, a Hijab, and the Mindset It Reveals

A few days ago, while scrolling through X (formerly Twitter), I came across a video reportedly from a science exhibition at HUDA Montessori School. In the video, a fourth-grade student presents a project on Azab-e-Qabar (Punishment of the Grave), explaining how a woman’s veil (hijab) can lead her to Heaven (Jannat), and how those who don’t wear it are condemned to Hell (Jahannum), with even their prayers being rejected.[1]

This article is inspired by that video. However, the aim here is not to criticize the young girl but to reflect on the mentality the project represents. This is a brief and focused commentary on the condition of Muslim women in our society.

Before we proceed, it’s essential to understand that Islam prescribes multiple forms of veiling, such as the hijab, burqa, and abaya. Therefore, when I use the word “hijab” in this article, I refer to all these forms collectively.

Why Object?

The first and most important question is: Why should we object to incidents like this?

The fact that such a question even arises shows how deeply normalized this mindset has become. We can barely imagine a Muslim girl without a hijab anymore. We’ll come to how this normalization happened in a moment.

First, the objection itself is simple: everything has its proper context. Had this project been presented during a religious event, it would have made sense. But showcasing such a message at a science exhibition is completely inappropriate.

The girl, herself dressed in a hijab, is simply repeating what she’s been taught—at home or in a madrasa. She doesn’t fully understand what she’s saying or why. It’s not her own experience or belief. Like a programmed machine, she’s echoing someone else’s narrative.

The fault lies not with the child, but with the school authorities who allowed such a project to be included, and with the institutions that raise children to follow rigid doctrines without critical thought.

Incidents like these are a mirror to our society. On one hand, in the name of feminism, traditional Hindu symbols like bindi, sindoor, and saree are being sidelined or outright discarded. On the other hand, there’s a segment of society where a woman is still seen primarily as a symbol of modesty and honor. Worse, those who promote such thinking often take cover under the shield of “religious belief” while claiming superiority in the name of feminism elsewhere.

The Flawed Hijab Comparison

The hijab is not just a piece of clothing—it reflects a worldview where a woman is seen as the property of a man, someone he must “protect” from society.

That’s why comparing it to traditional attire is misguided. Traditional clothing is diverse and culturally rooted, while the hijab imposes a uniform not just on appearance but on thought and identity.

Despite contradicting the ideals of modern liberty and equality, the hijab has been so deeply internalized that today, imagining a Muslim girl without it seems almost impossible.

Several forces have contributed to this:

• The constant portrayal of hijab-clad women in films and advertisements
• A reluctance to openly confront religious dogma

As a result, it’s often assumed that any Muslim woman hired by a company will naturally wear a hijab. Even in schools and universities where pants and shirts are the standard uniform, institutions hesitate to enforce dress codes when it comes to Muslim girls in hijabs or burqas.

Across banks, exam centers, and government offices, religious exemptions for Muslim women are quietly accepted—while Hindu symbols are often frowned upon or banned altogether.[2]

The Glorification of Hijab

Adding to this normalization is the glorification of the hijab, both online and offline.

Social media is filled with content that promotes the hijab—how to wear it stylishly, why it’s empowering, and how it supposedly commands respect and safety in society.

Such messaging not only reinforces problematic ideas among Muslim girls but also fosters a false sense of inadequacy among non-Muslim girls.

Few people know that February 1st is celebrated as World Hijab Day. This global campaign encourages non-Muslim girls to wear the hijab under the guise of promoting modesty and dignity.[3]

What Can We Do?

1. Raise Awareness Respectfully: We must express our concerns logically and respectfully. Many may label you a fanatic or bigot for questioning such practices, but silence is worse.
2. Support Women Seeking Freedom: Many Muslim girls quietly reject the hijab. I’ve seen girls take off their hijabs and stuff them into bags once out of sight. These women deserve support, not judgment.
3. Push for Policy-Level Change: If you’re in a position of influence—whether in a government office, educational institute, or company—advocate for policies prioritizing individual freedom and upholding secularism in dress codes.

Citations

[1] https://x.com/HPhobiaWatch/status/1904046273205834077?t=6zATwIs_-eale4paxcld4w&s=19

[2] Telangana Shocker: Police Allowed ‘Burqa’ But Restricted ‘Mangalsutra’ At TSPSC Exam Centre (Times Now, 2022); https://www.timesnownews.com/videos/times-now/newshour/telangana-shocker-police-allowed-039burqa039-but-restricted-039mangalsutra039-at-tspsc-exam-centre-video-94956230

[3] World Hijab Day (Wikipedia); https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Hijab_Day