Let’s be intelligent, polite in hijab debate

As a hijab-wearing working mother, I feel somewhat perplexed by the comments and posts by netizens who champion the idea of allowing women in uniform to wear the hijab.

From the religion’s perspective, the intention is noble. But many Muslim women here do view the hijab as optional, made possible largely by our secular society, which does not view non-hijab-wearing Muslim women negatively.

A non-Muslim once asked me why some wear the hijab and others do not. How do I address this without sounding holier-than-thou?

The credibility of those making personal attacks against the Muftis has been diminished, and so too the nobility of their intentions. Why? Just ask non-Muslims to honestly share how they feel about the comments. Instead of being offensive, we must be intelligent and polite in our debate to get the Government to understand the matter.

I salute those who shared their rational, knowledgeable insights, and not those who resorted to name calling and dragging in other religions to prove a point.

Lastly, I worry that, because of this matter, non-Muslim employers may generalise hijab-wearing women as a demanding lot. Most of us only want to earn an honest living.

While the hijab is a symbol of our commitment to the faith, we can also be committed to our work. In Islam, work is an act of worship.