SAM calls on Astrakhan women to abandon niqabs

The Muslim clergy of the Astrakhan Region has recommended that local women refrain from wearing niqabs in public places.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that a temporary ban on wearing niqabs was introduced in Dagestan. The Spiritual Administration of Muslims (SAM) of Karachay-Cherkessia also introduced a temporary ban on wearing niqabs. On July 7, the SAM (or Muftiate) of Kabardino-Balkaria stated, citing the opinions of Islamic scholars, that wearing niqabs is a custom, and not an obligation for Muslim women. The Main SAM of North Ossetia has recommended refusing to wear niqabs.

According to the SAM of the Astrakhan Region, "there are high risks of Islamophobia in the society," which "under certain circumstances may negatively affect the provision of public safety measures."

Let us remind you that Vladislav Davankov, a Deputy Speaker of the Russian State Duma proposed granting educational establishments the right to ban the wearing of religious clothing, as well as empower the legislative and municipal assemblies to impose a ban on wearing religious clothing in public places. The Muftis of Northern Caucasus stated that this decision violates believers' rights and is anti-Islamic.