The Central Asian nation of Tajikistan, bordering Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, is poised to impose a strict ban on the hijab after its upper house of parliament approved a bill on June 19. The bill, passed during the 18th session of the Majlisi Milli, presided over by its head, Rustam Emomali, targets what it calls ‘alien garments,’ specifically the Islamic headscarf, commonly known as the hijab.
This legislation also extends to children’s celebrations for two major Islamic holidays – Eid al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, known as idgardak, during which children traditionally visit homes in their streets to greet people.
The bill’s approval follows the lower house of parliament, Majlisi Namoyandagon, approving amendments to the code of administrative violations on May 8. These amendments explicitly target traditional clothing, with specific emphasis on the hijab. The amendments further introduce hefty fines for those found in violation of the new regulations.
While the code of administrative violations previously did not mention hijab or other religious clothing as violations, the lawmakers have now established a tiered penalty system. Individuals found wearing ‘alien garments’ face a fine of 7,920 somonis, while legal entities could be fined 39,500 somonis. Government officials and religious authorities face even stricter penalties, with fines ranging from 54,000 to 57,600 somonis upon conviction.
This official clampdown on the hijab comes after years of an unofficial ban on Islamic clothing in Tajikistan. The country has also unofficially banned bushy beards. In 2007, the Education Ministry banned both Islamic clothing and Western-style miniskirts for students, later extending this ban to all public institutions.
In recent years, the Tajik government has actively promoted the wearing of traditional Tajik dress, a campaign underscored by the release of “The Guidebook Of Recommended Outfits In Tajikistan” in 2018. As far back as 2017, mobile phone users received government messages urging women to wear Tajik national attire.
The move towards a stricter enforcement of dress codes raises concerns about religious freedom in Tajikistan and its potential impact on the country’s Muslim population. The ban on the hijab and other ‘alien garments’ further highlights the ongoing tension between traditional Islamic practices and the government’s efforts to promote a specific cultural identity.
