The Future of the Hijab
On September 16, the world lost an innocent life — Mahsa Amini who allegedly got beaten to death by ‘morality officers’ for wearing her hijab in an “improper manner”. Her death and the absurd reasons that led to the events of it could become the pivotal key to revolutionize not only Islamic countries but the world as a whole; from society to governments.
Think about it — a person got beaten to death simply because they’re not adhering to a dress code. It is ridiculous and small-minded how this could happen in the 21st century.
According to MSNBC, “she was subsequently imprisoned and did not return to her family alive.” According to police, Amini had a heart attack and fell into a coma during custody and was soon declared dead on the 16th of September which is contradicting her father’s statement to BBC that she was NOT in bad health. The authorities denied mistreating the victim and cited a further investigation into this case is ongoing.
As a result of Amini’s death, protests broke out in an attempt to question the Iranian government’s integrity. All of this is to convince them to take action to give Mahsa Amini and other unspoken victims the justice they deserve. As a symbol of resistance, women cut their hair and burned their hijabs to bring the world’s attention to the issue. Netizens through social media too encouraged the Internet to show solidarity for the same reason.
An Indonesian Human Rights Watch researcher, Andreas Harsono stated his opinion on this issue by saying: “Women who don’t wear the hijab should be afforded the same respect as those who wear it. It’s an individual choice”.
Amini’s death is a reflection of how humans are capable of committing outrageous acts, all in the name of religion. With that said, this question still remains unanswered: When will the Iranian government convey justice for Mahsa Amini and above that, the future of all Islamic women?
By: Otis Loong Chun Kit
