Title: On Rules Prohibiting Hijab for School Going Girls Question: In Singapore, puberscent school girls are not allowed the hijab in public schools. Recently, some parents have ignored that policy and as a result, their kids are expelled. Currently, the group of parents is in the process of bringing the matter to court once they've gathered enough funds. Please tell me if it is right for such parents to 'enforce' the hijab on their daughters (whether willingly or unwillingly accepted), when they go to these schools, knowing that the child will very likely be expelled from school. They can opt for Islamic schools, but these are few and those that graduate from such schools in Singapore face very uncertain prospects of getting jobs in Singapore. The Mufti of Singapore issued out a statement that 'education is of higher priority'. Thats it. Can this be classified as a situation of 'darurah' ? Hope to know your opinions on this. Thanks. I'm glad to have stumbled upon your site. Its been very beneficial. Jazakallah ! A Sister Singapore Answer: Keeping the issue of whether or not wearing Hijab is prescribed by the Shari`ah aside, let us assume that there are people who - rightly or wrongly - consider it an obligatory requirement of the Shari`ah . For all such people, wearing Hijab would be perceived as a directive of the Almighty, which must be followed. If the institutions in one's place of residence pass and implement such rules which not only hinder in living our lives according to the requirements of our beliefs, but also force us to living a life of disobedience towards the directives of the Almighty, then the first thing that we should attempt to do is to take all such actions which are within the legal framework - as, for instance, seeking legal help - in getting the rules of the institutions amended to the extent that a person is not forced to commit an act which is inconsistent with his/her religious affiliations. However, if this option is not open to any community and, thus, the person is not left with the option of getting his concerns heard by those in authority, then he should try to seek alternative institutions which allow him the freedom to live a life which is consistent with his system of beliefs. Finally, if such alternative institutions are not available or are not functioning at a satisfactory level or are, in any other way, not providing satisfactory level of services, then the person should seriously consider moving to a place, if doing so is possible under his particular circumstances, where he is allowed the freedom to live a life which is consistent with his system of beliefs. As a Muslim, our first and foremost concern should be to live a life of obedience to the Almighty. If our society and our state hinder our freedom to live a life of obedience to the Almighty and force us into committing acts of disobedience, then it is best to leave that society, if possible, and find a place where we are free to live in conformity with our beliefs. Nevertheless, before taking - or even considering - any extreme measures, we should first be fully satisfied that the particular issue because of which we are considering such measures, is, in fact, an essential requirement of the Shari`ah . I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad January 12, 2003