Hizb ut Tahrir / Malaysia: Embassy of Azerbaijan Refuses to Receive HTM Delegation Submitting Protest Memorandum over Hijab Ban

Hizb ut Tahrir / Malaysia (HTM) has condemned the Azerbaijani government’s imposition of restrictions on the wearing of the hijab in educational institutions, which has reportedly led to Muslim students and teachers being barred from entering schools. HTM characterized these measures as a clear manifestation of the secular regime’s hostility toward Sharia (Islamic law).

The protest was voiced during a peaceful demonstration held in front of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Ampang, Selangor, on 23/10/2026 Friday morning, attended by approximately 100 participants. Beginning around 10:30 AM, participants carried banners and placards denouncing the hijab restrictions and expressing solidarity with Azerbaijani Muslim women.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abu al-Ain commenced the proceedings by reading the protest memorandum in English, addressed directly to the Azerbaijani government. The memorandum questioned the regime's stance of treating the wearing of the hijab as though it posed a threat to education, emphasizing that it is an obligation commanded by Allah (swt).

The memorandum further demanded an immediate repeal of the hijab restrictions targeting Muslim students and teachers, urging that their rights be restored without requiring them to compromise their religious duties.

In his address, Ustadh Nordin Abu Ali delivered three core messages: a stern condemnation of the Azerbaijani government, an expression of solidarity with the affected Muslim women, and a warning regarding the perils of secularism facing the Muslim Ummah.

He asserted that the Hijab is neither a mere article of clothing nor a cultural symbol, but rather a divine commandment prescribed by Allah (swt) that must be obeyed. Urging Azerbaijani Muslim women to remain steadfast in defending the Hijab and not to retreat from this obligation, he stated firmly: “Know that you are not alone in this issue! Know that we stand by your side and support you.”

In another speech by Ustadh Mu’adz Abu Talhah, he examined the history of Azerbaijan as an integral part of the Muslim world prior to coming under Russian colonization and Soviet rule.

He described the current Hijab restrictions as a continuation of Soviet secularism's legacy, aimed at eroding Islamic identity. He also criticized the rule of the Aliyev regime and its geopolitical relations with the United States and ‘Israel’, calling upon the Muslim community to advocate for the re-establishment of the Khilafah (Caliphate) through Da'wah and political struggle.

HTM Spokesperson Ustadh Abdul Hakim Othman, speaking at the close of the event, explained that the delegation's effort to submit the memorandum proved unsuccessful as the embassy gates remained locked, with no representative coming forward to receive the document.

He noted that the embassy had been notified in advance of the delegation’s arrival and that Friday morning constituted regular working hours. However, embassy officials remained entirely unresponsive, even after he extended Salam (greetings) three times via the intercom system in an attempt to hand over the memorandum.

Abdul Hakim also denounced the attitude of the Azerbaijani government, accusing it of perpetuating the secular policies inherited from the Soviet era. Furthermore, he expressed regret over the Malaysian government's inaction, pointing out that it had failed to issue a diplomatic protest note regarding the Hijab ban.

He emphasized that defending Azerbaijani Muslim women is a collective duty incumbent upon the entire Muslim world, calling on Muslims to persist in the struggle to re-establish the Caliphate to implement Islamic law comprehensively, thereby safeguarding the honour and dignity of Muslim women globally.

The demonstration concluded with a prayer led by Ustadh Ali before the attendees dispersed peacefully.

Friday, 12 Jumadah 1448 AH - 23 October 2026 CE

[Press Conference by Ustadh Abdul Hakim Othman]

[Highlights of the Event]

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