The Muftiate of Dagestan, led by Mufti Ahmad-Afandi Abdulaev, has announced plans to issue a fatwa banning the niqab.
A fatwa is a formal ruling or interpretation on a point of Islamic law given by a recognized islamic authority, such as a mufti. This decree provides guidance to Muslims on religious, legal, or societal matters.
This announcement comes amid a broader national debate on the niqab, with significant figures like Valeriy Fadeev, head of the Russian Human Rights Council, advocating for a ban to mitigate extremism risks. Additionally, Alexander Bastrykin, chairman of the Investigative Committee, has called for urgent legislative measures following terrorist attacks in Dagestan.
In contrast, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has warned against linking Islam with terrorism, emphasizing the need for careful speech. Ildar Alyautdinov, chief imam of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, has expressed concerns that a ban might provoke tensions among Russian Muslims, arguing that it could infringe on constitutional rights to religious freedom.
The fatwa is expected to be released shortly.
