A Veil Should Not Become a Death Sentence: A Safety Appeal to Muslim Women Who Ride Motorbikes

Across many communities, the sight of Muslim women wearing beautiful, modest veils is a reflection of their faith, dignity, and devotion to religious principles. Islam encourages decency in dressing, and millions of Muslim women around the world proudly uphold this cherished obligation.

However, amid this admirable commitment to modesty lies a growing safety concern that deserves urgent attention. Reports from different parts of the world, especially in the northern part of Ghana continue to reveal heartbreaking incidents in which loose veils, scarves, and flowing garments become entangled in the moving parts of motorbikes, resulting in severe injuries and, in some cases, tragic loss of life.

For many families, what begins as an ordinary journey to work, school, the market, or a social gathering ends in unimaginable sorrow. A loose veil caught in the spokes or rear wheel of a motorcycle can tighten around the neck within seconds. The consequences are often devastating—strangulation, broken bones, spinal injuries, permanent disability, or death.

These are not mere statistics. Behind every incident is a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, or a friend whose life has been forever altered. Behind every tragedy is a grieving family left to ask whether the loss could have been prevented.

The purpose of this appeal is not to discourage modest dressing or challenge religious beliefs. Rather, it is to encourage a balance between faith and safety. Islam places immense value on the preservation of human life. The Holy Qur'an and Islamic teachings consistently emphasise the sanctity of life and the responsibility of believers to protect themselves from harm.

A veil is intended to preserve dignity, not to become a source of danger. Therefore, Muslim women who ride motorbikes, as well as those who are passengers on motorcycles, should take practical precautions before setting off on a journey.

Loose veils should be securely tucked in, shortened, fastened, or otherwise positioned in a manner that prevents them from hanging freely near the wheels or moving parts of the motorcycle. Where necessary, riders and passengers should temporarily remove or adjust outer garments that pose a safety risk and put them back on upon reaching their destination. Family members, husbands, brothers, friends, and motorcycle operators also have a responsibility to ensure that a passenger's clothing is safely secured before the journey begins. The few seconds spent adjusting a veil could mean the difference between life and death.

Road safety experts often remind us that accidents are not always caused by reckless driving. Sometimes they occur because of small oversights that seem harmless until disaster strikes. A loose veil fluttering in the wind may appear insignificant, but when it comes into contact with a motorcycle wheel, the consequences can be immediate and catastrophic.

Our communities must therefore intensify public education on this issue. Religious leaders, health professionals, road safety authorities, schools, and community organisations should collaborate to raise awareness and promote safe practices among women who use motorcycles as a means of transportation.

Life is one of God's greatest gifts to humanity. Every individual has a purpose to fulfil, a family to care for, and dreams yet to be realised. No one should lose that precious gift because of a preventable accident.

As we continue to uphold our faith and traditions, let us also embrace the wisdom of safety. Before mounting a motorcycle, take a moment to ensure that loose veils and garments are properly secured. That simple act of caution may save a life, spare a family from grief, and preserve the future that God has graciously entrusted to us.

A veil is a symbol of faith and dignity. It should never become a cause of tragedy.

The Trial News