Muskaan Khan, Praised by Al-Qaeda Chief, Welcomes Karnataka’s Decision to Lift Hijab Ban

Muskaan Khan, the student lauded by Al-Qaeda chief Ayman Al Zawahiri for her stance on the hijab, expressed her approval of the Karnataka government’s decision to revoke the hijab ban imposed by the previous BJP government. She announced her intention to resume her studies following the resolution of the hijab controversy.

Muskaan, who faced heckling during protests over the hijab row in Karnataka, welcomed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s decision, stating, “I welcome CM Siddaramaiah’s decision. I will continue my studies again.” Her father, Mohammed Hussain Khan, thanked the state government and shared their plan for Muskaan to resume studies in Mandya.

The hijab ban in Karnataka had triggered protests, with Muskaan becoming a focal point when a group of students heckled her during the demonstrations. In response to ‘Jai Sri Ram’ slogans, she retorted with ‘Allah hu Akbar’. Al-Qaeda chief Zawahiri had praised Muskaan for defending the headscarf in a video statement.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Friday the withdrawal of the hijab ban in schools and colleges, emphasizing the individual’s prerogative in choosing clothing. The ban was initially imposed by the previous BJP government in 2022, leading to legal challenges and a split verdict by the Supreme Court.

The development marks a significant resolution to the hijab controversy in Karnataka, with Muskaan Khan’s positive response to the decision.