Some of the hijab-wearing women
About 100 women took up the Islamic vale or hijab on Sunday in Waredala, Biriwa chiefdom, Bombali District.
The women - both young and old - said they wanted “to get closer to Allah through the teachings and deeds of his prophet to be purer.
“I have decided to start wearing the hijab because I want to protect myself from preying men,” a teenager who prefers anonymity told Politico. “I believe this will ward off men who make advances at young girls as I believe they have a conscience,” she went on. She added this would enable her finish schooling and become a medical practitioner.
The chief organiser of the event, Haja Mariama Fadika said the 98 women were Mandingoes, Limbas and Lokos who live in and around Waredala. She said they had now formed themselves into the Biriwa Hijab Movement to promote the wearing of the Muslim vale.
The vales were provided by the Voice of Islam women’s wing, represented by Ms Fadika, and some individuals who provided funds to buy them.
Assorted used clothing was also provided for some 130 others by the Munadhammah Alda’awa Al-Islamiya.
The hijab movement launch came after five days of intensive Quranic reading for the souls of Waredala ancestors and for the protection of the current generation of sons and daughters from a place known especially for the Fofanas.
Led by Alhaji Foday Musa Fofana, they prayed for their safety and protection against evil and for peace, stability and democracy in Sierra Leone.
(C) Politico 19/04/16
