Her Right To Choose

The news of the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini has sparked protests in Iran and around the world. Mahsa had traveled to Tehran with her family last week when she was detained for wearing “improper hijab” by the Islamic guidance patrol, also known as the “morality police”. 

According to Iranian authorities, she died after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest. However, there are reports that she was beaten while in custody and suffered a blow to the head which had caused the base of her skull to fracture. 

There has been a large international response on social media to Mahsa’s death with some women filming themselves cutting their hair while others taking off their hijabs in videos. Such demonstrations are representative of resistance against the Iranian regime’s oppression. 

It is important to note that this incident does not justify Islamophobia. Iranian women fighting to remove their hijabs and Muslim women in Quebec fighting to keep their hijabs is the same fight. It is the fight for their right to choose.

Another incident that has come to light is that of 20-year-old Mariam Tirab in Sudan who was sentenced to death by stoning after being charged for adultery. Mariam was sentenced without being granted proper legal aid or provided any basic information about her rights. Women’s rights and human rights groups started a campaign and organized protests calling for her release and for legal reforms pertaining to women’s rights.

Mahsa and Mariam are two of many examples of justice systems in oppressive regimes failing Muslim women. We have seen unprecedented amounts of violence against women over this past year and it is completely unacceptable. 

Muslim women and girls are fighting for their rights around the world. We are witnessing the Taliban’s distortion of Islam to control and oppress women in Afghanistan, as well as seeing Muslim women in India fighting for their rights in the wake of state-sponsored brutality.

(Muslim) Women have their own agency and have the right to wear whatever they choose. Authorities and institutions that take away the agency and rights of Muslim women do so as a form of misogyny and patriarchy and to exercise power and control over women. This is contrary to the Islamic values of equality, justice and God’s mercy.

CCMW stands with Muslim women and women across borders who are claiming their rights and resisting oppression.