🇫🇷 France Faces Criticism Over Abaya Ban in Schools – Muslim Rights Groups Speak Out

France has once again come under global scrutiny after enforcing a nationwide ban on the traditional Islamic garment, the abaya, in public schools. The decision, announced by the French Education Ministry earlier this month, has sparked outrage among Muslim communities and international human rights organizations.

🎓 The Controversial Move

According to the government, the abaya – a modest overgarment worn by many Muslim women – allegedly violates the secular principles of French public institutions. The ban is part of a broader enforcement of France's controversial "laïcité" (secularism) laws, which seek to separate religion from state affairs, particularly in schools.

French Education Minister Gabriel Attal stated, “Religious clothing has no place in our classrooms. The abaya is a religious symbol.” However, critics argue that the garment is cultural, not religious, and banning it unfairly targets Muslim girls.

🌍 Global Reactions & Muslim Rights Advocacy

The move has triggered widespread condemnation. Organizations such as the Human Rights Watch and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed deep concern over what they call the criminalization of Islamic identity in France.

“This is a direct attack on the religious freedom of Muslim students,” said a representative from the Collectif Contre l’Islamophobie en France (CCIF).

Protests have erupted in several French cities, with students and rights activists calling for the repeal of the decision. Online, the hashtag #LetMuslimGirlsLearn has gone viral, demanding that Muslim girls not be forced to choose between faith and education.

🧕 What is the Abaya?

The abaya is a long, flowing dress-like garment worn by Muslim women for modesty. It is particularly common in Middle Eastern, African, and South Asian communities. In Islamic tradition, modest clothing is not only a religious practice but also a cultural expression of identity and dignity.

🧭 Islamic Perspective

In Islam, modesty is a core principle. The Qur'an states:

“O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments…”
— Surah Al-Ahzab (33:59)

From an Islamic standpoint, forcing Muslim girls to remove religiously inspired clothing contradicts the very concept of religious freedom and human dignity.

🔍 The Bigger Picture

France has faced several accusations of Islamophobia in recent years, especially after the 2004 ban on headscarves in schools and the 2010 full-face veil ban. Critics say these measures marginalize the Muslim community and normalize discriminatory policies under the guise of secularism.

💬 Final Words

This ban is not just a dress code issue—it is a test of how far religious freedom can be pushed in a secular society. As the world watches, many call on international bodies to intervene and protect the rights of Muslim minorities in France.

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🌐 Sources: Al Jazeera, Human Rights Watch, France24, OHCHR | Compiled & Edited by: ababilislamicnews.blogspot.com