Shamim Byantalo not bothered by attacks on ‘Hijab Nation’ event

by Isa Kigongo
Muslim platforms for weeks now have been discussing nothing but the upcoming event dubbed “the hijab nation.”

Sheikhs and ordinary Muslims and even some non-Muslims have been discussing whether Shari’a has room for such an event.

Some prominent Sheikhs have backed the event while others have described it in unpalatable terms like calling it an affront on Islam.

This negativity although has attracted a push back by the organizer Shamim Mayanja aka Byantalo, she nonetheless says she’s not bothered by detractors.

She has on the other hand lashed out against anybody who is against the event saying she will not take Shari’a lesson from such people.

The push back has also attracted a debate of its own with some arguing that Mayanja’s response has been too vile particularly against Muslim scholars.

The Friday Call reached out to Mayanja to discuss the event and the firestorm it has attracted. In an interview Mayanja said contrary to the expectation of many, the negative reactions have hardened her resolve and is actually the driving force towards having a successful event.

“I’m used to bullying and negative reactions. Those who don’t like the event have energized me. I’m very ready to move ahead with it,” Mayanja said.

Mayanja said she knows so many Muslim girls who have been denied employment opportunities because of their way of dressing.

She said this was one of the cardinal reasons she organized such an event to show the world how Muslims are supposed to put on.

She says this will also give confidence to girls who don’t dress like Muslims for fear of being victimized. She added that many Muslim girls have also been discouraged by their friends to dress decently.

This, she says, is now the chance to show the world that veiling does not mean that someone is ugly or less knowledgeable.

“It’s up to us as Muslims to respect the hijab and defend it. No other person will defend the hijab if we don’t do so,” Mayanja said, adding that the occasion will also be used to encourage men to buy hijabs for their wives because they can be even more beautiful than those who put on miniskirts.

Mayanja said although attacks against her event have not affected her that much, they have taught her that there are sheikhs whose interest is no longer propagating Islam but to get social media followings.

“I’m used to negativities from people but I have learnt that there are sheikhs who are looking for likes and views. They comment on things they do not have any knowledge about and even lie to the public. I also now know that there are others who are interested in knowing what the event is about and even guide on where I can adjust. I’m not perfect, that’s why I organized this event so that I can also improve my religion. I urge those who do things for God’s sake to stay focused because they will be awarded by Allah,” Mayanja said.

In support of the event, Sheik Qassim Ramadhan urged Mayanja to move ahead without listening to detractors. He added that even they as Sheikhs get attacked by people even when they have quoted clear scriptures.

“I want to tell Shamim not to become emotional. Don’t react to sheikhs even if they attack you. Those Allah set to come and attend the event will come and attend. When you attack Sheikhs, this will negatively affect our religion,” Ramadhan said.

The hijab nation which is scheduled to take place on August 31 at Lugogo Millennium Grounds is organized under the theme, “Motivating young girls to be proud of their hijabs.”

Other than showcasing the different styles of hijabs, the event will also feature Quran competitions, Islamic poems, Islamic quizzes, talabs, nasheeds among others.

There will also be a number of sheikhs who will preach on different topics although focus will be on Muslim dressing.