Hijab

Hijab refers to the Islamic practice of modest dressing, particularly the headscarf worn by Muslim women to cover their hair, neck, and often the shoulders. The word "hijab" is derived from the Arabic word "ḥajaba," meaning to hide or conceal. While the hijab is most commonly associated with the covering of the head, it also represents modesty in behavior and dress as part of Islamic teachings.

In different parts of the world, the hijab is worn in various styles, and its significance varies among individuals and cultures. For many Muslim women, the hijab is a symbol of faith, modesty, and personal identity, while for others, it is seen as a cultural practice. The hijab has also been a topic of political and social debate, particularly regarding women's rights, freedom of expression, and religious tolerance.

In countries like India and France, the hijab has been at the center of controversies and legal battles concerning secularism, education, and personal freedom. The debate often revolves around whether wearing the hijab is a personal choice or an imposition, as well as how it fits within secular public spaces like schools and government institutions.

In September 2023, BOOM investigated a viral video that falsely claimed to show a student in a hijab being assaulted by classmates in India.

BOOM found that the incident actually took place in 2020 at a school in Purworejo, Central Java, Indonesia, debunking the claim that it was related to India.