Tajikistan is Set to Ban Hijab and Other Islamic Clothes

Tajikistan, a central Asian nation neighboring Afghanistan, is poised to implement a ban on the hijab and other traditional Islamic clothing following the passage of a law by the upper house of its parliament, Majlisi Milli, on June 19. 

This significant legislative move also includes restrictions on children's festivities during two major Islamic holidays—Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

The decision was made during the 18th session of the Majlisi Milli, presided over by its chairman, Rustam Emomali. The lower chamber, Majlisi Namoyandagon, had previously passed the bill on May 8. 

The law specifically targets "alien garments," a term referring to the hijab and other traditional Islamic attire that officials in Tajikistan perceive as linked to Islamic extremism.

Sulaiman Davlatzoda, head of the Religion Committee, explained that the prohibition of children's holidays aims to ensure "proper education and ensuring their safety during Ramadan and Eid al-Adha." 

The session also saw the Majlisi Milli press center support amendments to laws regarding holidays, cultural practices, the role of teachers in children's upbringing, and parental duties.

The influx of Middle Eastern garments in recent years has been viewed with suspicion by Tajik authorities. 

This new legislation has sparked debate among the country's predominantly Muslim population. 

Lawmakers have also introduced new penalties for violations, including substantial fines. 

Individuals found breaking the new dress code could face fines as high as 7,920 somonis, while companies could be fined up to 39,500 somonis. 

Government officials and religious leaders could face even steeper fines, reaching up to 54,000 somonis and 57,600 somonis respectively.

The hijab has faced unofficial restrictions in Tajikistan for years. 

The government's crackdown began in 2007 when the Ministry of Education banned both Islamic attire and Western-style miniskirts for students. 

This prohibition gradually extended to all public institutions, with certain organizations mandating that employees and visitors remove their headscarves. 

Special enforcement teams were formed, and police conducted market raids to catch violators. 

Despite numerous reports from women claiming they were fined for wearing the hijab, officials have consistently denied such incidents.

In a broader cultural campaign, the Tajik government has promoted traditional Tajik clothing. 

In 2017, millions of text messages were sent encouraging women to wear national attire, highlighting the importance of preserving this tradition. 

This effort culminated in 2018 with the publication of a 376-page manual titled "The Guidebook Of Recommended Outfits In Tajikistan," which outlined appropriate dress for various occasions.

Additionally, there has been an informal discouragement of men wearing bushy beards, with reports indicating that thousands of men have been forcibly shaved by police over the past decade. 

In March of this year, Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon addressed the issue, stating, “Xenophobia in clothing, i.e., wearing foreign clothes with fake names and hijab, is another pressing issue for our society.”

The new law marks a significant step in Tajikistan's ongoing efforts to control cultural and religious expression within its borders. 

As the country moves forward with these regulations, it faces the challenge of balancing national identity with the religious freedoms of its citizens.