Shia cleric Maulana Yasoob Abbas said the development showed the attitude of those behind the proposed restrictions. He said it had become clear how much hatred Meloni has for Islam.
“Islam regards women like jewellery,” the Shia cleric said. He added that wearing a burqa does not mean keeping a woman confined at home like a bird in a cage. Responding to claims that the burqa promotes extremism, Abbas said such views reflect the mentality of those making the claims and are not related to Islamic ideology or the burqa itself.
The Shia cleric said Islam has given women both dignity and respect. Referring to the proposed restrictions in Italy, he said the move to ban the burqa indicated the mindset of governments in Europe and alleged that their actions showed hatred toward Islam.
Abbas also said that discussions about banning the burqa were taking place in around 24 places in Europe.
The controversy follows Meloni’s announcement on Sunday at an event organised by the youth wing of her party, Brothers of Italy. She said the government would soon move to prohibit face-covering clothing in schools and that the proposal would be presented to the Cabinet.
The proposed rules specifically concern clothing that covers the entire face in schools. A burqa and niqab cover the face, while a hijab generally covers the head and neck but leaves the face uncovered. In her announcement, Meloni specifically referred to the burqa and niqab.
Italy is preparing to join the list of European countries where the burqa is banned, according to the source. Meloni is also planning to limit the number of foreign students in classes and make learning Italian compulsory for the parents of foreign students who face difficulties in learning or understanding the country’s culture.
The proposed school restrictions on full-face coverings, along with the other planned measures concerning foreign students and their parents, have placed the issue of clothing, education and cultural integration at the centre of the latest debate surrounding the Meloni government.
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