Beyond Modesty: How Hijab Strengthens Marital Bonds
Hijab has been described as an essential element that strengthens the marital bond.
A guest lecturer, former Amirah of the Hamadiyyah Society in Ondo State and a school proprietor, Alhaja Ganiyat Odutola, made this statement while delivering a presentation on the theme “Unity in Hijab” to mark the 2026 World Hijab Day, held at Ile-Oluji/Oke Igbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
While discussing family life, she harped on the role of hijab within marriage, noting that modesty, mutual respect, love, and protection are essential elements that strengthen the marital bond.
Hajia Odutola further linked hijab to moral values, explaining that true hijab begins with the heart and is reflected in behaviour, speech, and interactions.
She highlighted that Islam teaches modesty for both men and women and encourages a society where individuals are valued for character and intellect rather than appearance.
She emphasised that the hijab is more than a piece of clothing, describing it as a symbol of modesty, faith, identity, and moral responsibility.
She opened with prayers and reminded attendees that Islam places great importance on unity within the Ummah, despite cultural and stylistic differences in how the hijab is worn across the world.
The speaker traced the history of World Hijab Day, explaining that it was founded in 2013 by Nazma Khan, a Bangladeshi-American Muslim woman, to promote religious tolerance and understanding.
She noted that the day has grown into a global movement observed in over 100 countries, encouraging dialogue and solidarity against discrimination, Islamophobia, and gender-based prejudice.
Highlighting the theme of unity in diversity, Hajia Odutola stated that variations in hijab styles and colours reflect the richness of Muslim cultures worldwide and should be seen as a strength rather than a division.
She urged Muslim women to focus on shared values of modesty, faith, and character.
The lecture also addressed the importance of teaching hijab to children, stressing early education, positive role modelling, and gradual introduction.
According to the speaker, nurturing modesty and respectful behaviour from a young age helps to build strong moral foundations.
She called for action, urging participants to support Muslim women, educate others about the meaning of hijab, and respect diversity within the Muslim community.
The celebration in Ondo State drew participants from all 18 local government areas, who converged at Ile-Oluji/Oke Igbo to mark the event. It brought together Muslim women and community members, including primary school pupils, to reflect on the spiritual, moral, and social significance of hijab in Islam.
The event also featured an awareness walk through the nooks and crannies of the ancient community of Ile-Oluji and the marketplace, where traders were further enlightened on the use and significance of hijab.
Speaking at the celebration, the Ondo State Amirah of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Alhaja Medinat Omikunle, said the event was held in Ile-Oluji because the date coincided with the inauguration of new executives of the association’s branch.
She appreciated the community for warmly receiving women from the 18 local government areas of the state and urged them not to discriminate against Muslim women wearing hijab, which she said is ordained by Almighty God as the prescribed mode of dressing for women.
She said the celebration would be crowned with presentation of gift Ines and hijabs to two schools in fact of the 18 local government areas respectively.
