Brussels 20.06.2024 Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon approved a new law aimed at regulating the issue of wearing the hijab in the country. According to information provided by Asia-Plus agency, the law introduces a ban on wearing clothing that is considered “alien” to the traditions of Tajikistan. The press service of the head of state reported.

“The laws adopted in the new edition are aimed at protecting the true values ​​of national culture, preventing superstitions and prejudices, excesses and extravagance during celebrations and rituals,” the press service said. It is clarified that the law was signed by Rahmon in order to combat superstitions and fanaticism in society. The innovation involves penalties for wearing clothes that do not correspond to national traditions.

Previously, cases of fines for public wearing of the hijab have already been registered in the country, and there were also requirements for women to wear it in the form of a headscarf. These measures reflect the authorities’ desire to control manifestations of religiosity in public space.

Hijab, meaning to “cover”, observes the Islamic idea of “Awrah”, which is the religion’s law prescribing to hide certain body parts, for both men and women. Hijab, thought to have originated from the Arabic term hajaba, meaning to conceal, refers to men and women needing to wear plain, loose-fitting attire to cover their bodies.