Aisha Sulaiman reports
On Wednesday, 24th July, 2024, a Nigerian Muslim and Niqobite, Maryam Hanbali signed a petition titled “Mockery and Defaming of Muslim Women” where she dragged Nancy Isime’s movie to Change.org.
The petition was signed to take down the yet-to-be-released Nollywood movie directed by Nancy Isime titled “Life Lately/Life of an Actor” where the actors distorted the image of the Muslim women, as they robbed banks carrying guns and ammunition while putting on Niqab – a long garment worn by Muslim women to cover their face and the entire body.
In the petition currently signed by over 12,000 people, the petitioner condemned the distortion associated with the band, claiming that associating the Muslim women’s dress code with violence and terrorism is a threat to the Islamic faith and dress code.
Change.org is an online platform where people start campaigns, mobilize supporters, and work with decision-makers to drive solutions.
The petitions focus on causes such as general justice, economic justice, criminal justice, human rights, education, environmental protection, animal rights, health, and sustainable food.
Taking to Change.org, Maryam wrote: “I am a Muslim woman, and I proudly wear the Hijab and Niqab as they are not just pieces of attire, but symbolize my profound faith and obedience to my religion.
“Watching the misrepresentation of Muslim women like me in the Nigerian movie “Life Lately/Live of an Actor” produced by Nancy Isime was deeply hurtful and offensive. The movie portrayed a character dressed in such attire, but judged criminally by wielding guns and other deadly weapons…”
In her words, she demanded immediate withdrawal of the movie from all platforms, in addition to a public apology from the producers.
“Let’s stand together against misrepresentation and religious defamation. Please sign this petition to support our cause and to demand respect and understanding for all religions and faiths.”
Reacting to the petition, Aisha Kolade said: “This post serves as a hate speech against the religion of Islam. Modest clothing for Muslim women has been used to symbolize violence and paint a bad image of Islam and its teachings.”
Similarly, Raji Kazeem noted: “This movie will cause society damage and also show the children that wearing this type of clothing does not prevent you from doing evil. We need to stand against showing good manners with bad traits. Also, Isime and her colleague should know that we are in decorum and not a lawless society like America and Europe.”