Hawzah News Agency- In an official statement, Hojatoleslam Syed Hassan Mousavi, head of the Jammu and Kashmir Shia Sharia Association, denounced the incident as a blatant violation of religious freedom, women’s dignity, and basic human rights. He described the act—reportedly involving a Muslim doctor—as deeply offensive and unacceptable, particularly given that it was carried out by a high-ranking government official.
Warning of Serious Social Consequences
Mousavi stressed that the incident should not be dismissed as a personal mistake or momentary lapse in judgment, warning that it carries serious and far-reaching consequences for social harmony.
“This act has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of millions of believers and poses a grave threat to peaceful coexistence in a pluralistic society,” he said.
Hijab as a Symbol of Faith and Dignity
Emphasizing the spiritual and ethical significance of hijab, Hojatoleslam Mousavi said it is not merely a form of dress, but a symbol of faith, chastity, and dignity for Muslim women.
“Any disrespect toward it is an attack on women’s honor and religious identity and cannot be justified under any circumstances,” he said, adding that such behavior sends a dangerous message that religious values and women’s dignity can be violated under the shadow of power.
Religious Rituals a Moral Red Line
The prominent Kashmiri scholar further underlined that respect for religious rituals and the protection of women’s honor constitute a moral, religious, legal, and humanitarian obligation.
“These principles are not negotiable,” he said. “Any violation of them is a red line that must not be crossed in a democratic society.”
Call for Apology and Accountability
Hojatoleslam Mousavi demanded an immediate, explicit, and unconditional public apology from the Bihar chief minister, stressing that an apology alone would not suffice.
“Clear accountability mechanisms must be put in place to prevent the recurrence of such shameful incidents,” he said, calling on legal bodies, civil society organizations, and relevant institutions to pursue the matter seriously and take concrete steps to safeguard religious freedom and human dignity.
Tebyan Institute Also Condemns the Incident
In a separate statement, Hojatoleslam Syed Abed Hussain Hussaini, Director General of the Tebyan Quranic Research Institute of India, also strongly condemned the chief minister’s behavior, describing it as contrary to moral, religious, and human values.
He said that in today’s world, protecting the dignity, security, and religious rights of women is an undeniable necessity, noting that Islam grants women a lofty status as mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives—an approach that forms the moral foundation of any civilized society.
Respect for Women Across Religions
Hussaini added that respect for women is not confined to Islamic teachings but is deeply rooted in other divine religions and cultural traditions. He cited Hinduism, where figures such as Sita are revered as symbols of chastity, loyalty, and dignity.
Referring to the Holy Qur’an, he highlighted its emphasis on the unity of human nature, noting that men and women are described as originating from a single soul—an expression of their inherent equality and shared dignity.
Gap Between Teachings and Reality
Expressing concern over prevailing social realities, Hussaini said that women—particularly in professional and public spaces—often do not receive the respect, security, and dignity that are their unquestionable rights.
“This gap between religious teachings and social practice is deeply worrying and calls for serious reflection,” he said.
Demand for Immediate Apology
Describing the incident as “extremely shameful,” Hussaini condemned it in the strongest terms and demanded that Nitish Kumar issue an immediate and unconditional apology to the public for what he called an offensive and degrading act.
The statements reflect growing concern among religious and civil circles in India over the protection of women’s dignity and religious freedoms amid rising social and political tensions.
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