Video: New bride’s public veiling ceremony ignites condemnations, hate as Muslims call for review  

A viral video has sparked intense debate online, showing a Muslim bride appearing to be forcefully covered in a burqa on her wedding day.

The controversial video, uploaded by one Amir Sibesibe, has prompted intense online discussions among internet users, including members of the Nigerian Muslim community, who are debating the suitability of the bride’s public veiling ceremony.

While many acknowledge that Muslim women have the right to cover their faces if they choose to do so, some commenters believe that such displays are better done away from the camera’s eye. The video has raised questions about the balance between personal choice and public display.

A commenter, Hauwa Abdulrahman condemned the way the burqa was used on the bride, accusing those involved of ‘making a mockery of the religion’.

She pointed out that exposing a woman’s hair in public goes against Islamic teachings, and also expressed suspicion that the bride may be pregnant, which would render the marriage invalid.

Hauwa questioned whether the couple was prioritizing cultural practices over religious doctrine, or simply doing as they pleased.

She wrote: “This people just like to make a mockery of the religion… you open a woman’s hair in public that is against the teachings of Islam and the bride looks pregnant if my eyes are not misleading me. if so, then there is no marriage ..is either they are just doing their cultural practices neh or they are doing what they like neh…”

Adeyinka Adebowale Mulkat Kikelomo shared similar sentiments, voicing her disapproval of the bride’s hair being exposed publicly before donning the burqa. She, “So opening hair is not a sin again. Many people saw her hair before she put on the Eleha cloth .. Make we Dey play sha ..”

Watch the controversial video here

The video also sparked a backlash from some non-Muslims, who used the opportunity to express their disdain for Islam. Ajibade Adegboyega drew parallels between the burqa and African masquerades, stating, “There is no difference between this eleha and our African masquerades.” This comparison was met with outrage from members of the Muslim community online, who found it offensive and disrespectful.

As the controversy surrounding the viral video persists, many are urging for a more informed and thoughtful approach to Islamic traditions, emphasizing the importance of consent and a deeper understanding of the faith before taking any actions in its name.