Hijab Nation Event Gets Green Light from Mufti

by Ashiraf Zziwa

His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has endorsed the upcoming Hijab Nation event, scheduled for the evening of August 31, 2024. According to the organizers, the event aims to promote and popularize the Islamic dress code, the Hijab, as guided by Islamic teachings derived from the Holy Quran and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Mufti Mubaje gave his approval during a meeting held on August 30, 2024, with the organizing committee of the Muslim Women’s Council inauguration ceremony on October 8, 2024. The committee, selected by Hon. Sophie Safina Kenyangi, the UMSC National Chairperson of the Muslim Women Council, comprises UMSC departmental heads, district Kadhis, district secretaries, influencers, and other technocrats. The meeting took place in the Mufti’s office. In his remarks, Mufti Mubaje emphasized the efforts made by his administration to ensure that Muslim women are integrated into the mainstream leadership of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC). He noted that their involvement is crucial for the propagation of Islam, particularly among women. Mufti Mubaje also shared insights from his recent participation in an international conference convened by the Egyptian Ministry of Religious Affairs in Cairo, which focused on the role of Muslim women in raising awareness. He highlighted the significant roles played by the wives of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), especially Lady Aisha, who was a key figure in teaching Islamic values to both men and women of her time. He cited the Prophet’s advice to his companions to “pick half of your religious knowledge from Aisha.” Addressing the organizing committee, Mufti Mubaje encouraged Ms. Shamim Mayanja, the lead organiser of the Hijab Nation to disregard critics, particularly those using social media to undermine her efforts to promote the Hijab among young Muslim women in the corporate world. “My daughter, Shamim Mayanja, is on the right path in teaching her fellow sisters about the principles of the Islamic dress code,” he affirmed.
In conclusion, Mufti Mubaje disclosed that his office had formally requested President Museveni to extend an invitation to Her Excellency Maama Samia Suluhu Hassan, the President of the Republic of Tanzania, who has been selected as the Chief Guest for the Muslim Women’s Council inauguration ceremony. Hon. Prof. Dr. Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira, the UMSC National Chairperson, pledged full support to ensure that the upcoming ceremony is a success. The committee was blessed and given the mandate to begin mobilizing resources and encouraging the wider Muslim community, especially women, to participate in the forthcoming event.