Al-Sadr calls for protest in Iraqi schools against hijab ban

Al-Sadr calls for a protest in Iraqi schools rejecting decisions to ban the hijab

The leader of the Shiite National Movement, Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr, called for organizing a unified protest in Iraqi schools and universities, rejecting decisions that restrict wearing the hijab in some countries of the world and affirming freedom of dress.

According to Iraqi media on Sunday, October 18, 2026, the call includes public and private schools and universities, whether dedicated to female students or mixed, to be held at a unified time on the morning of next Thursday.

In a statement, al-Sadr stressed the importance that the protest be organized and peaceful, and that it last only a few minutes, taking care not to affect lessons and lectures or disrupt the academic curriculum.

He also emphasized that no pictures or banners should be raised during the event, except for the Iraqi flag, within the rules he set for organizing the protest.

This call comes amid escalating controversy over restrictions on wearing the hijab in educational institutions in some countries, notably Azerbaijan, where new school uniform rules have sparked criticism and calls to respect freedom of belief and not make religious dress a reason to deny education.

Al-Sadr had earlier criticized measures related to Islamic appearance in Azerbaijan, saying that freedom of belief and personal practices should be respected.

Schools and universities in Iraq that are concerned are expected to hold the protest next Thursday morning according to the timing and rules set out in the call.

Al-Wasat Iraqi newspaper