[Field Story] Russia Dagestan temporarily bans wearing niqab due to terrorism concerns

The Autonomous Republic of Dagestan in southwestern Russia, which suffered simultaneous terrorist attacks last month, decided to temporarily ban the wearing of niqab (Muslim women's clothing that covers the entire body except the eyes) for security reasons.

(omitted)

On the 23rd of last month, a terrorist attack occurred in Derbent and Makhachkala in Dagestan, when gunmen opened fire at a synagogue, an Orthodox cathedral, and a police post, killing 22 people.

Although the instigator and motive of this attack have not yet been revealed in detail, there have been reports that one of the criminals tried to escape while wearing a niqab.

Dagestan, located in Russia's southern Caucasus region, is predominantly Muslim.

Previously, on the 25th of last month, the head of Dagestan, Sergei Melikov, said, "The niqab is not close to the Caucasian people, men can hide in it, and women can carry prohibited items in it," and "Even from the perspective of security, I am against wearing the niqab,” he said.

Source: Hankyung

And after I have plucked them up, I will again have compassion on them, mand I will bring them again each to his heritage and each to his land. And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, nto swear by my name, ‘As the Lord lives,’ even as they taught my people to swear by Baal, othen they shall be built up in the midst of my people. (Jer 12:15-16).

Lord, we are hearing that religious terrorism occurred in Dagestan and because the instigator has not yet been identified, that the wearing of the niqab is being banned. We see that religious conflict and heightened vigilance are widespread in Dagestan due to terrorism.

Lord, who gave us life, would you have mercy on these people and allow the Muslims of Dagestan to see and hear the death and resurrection of Jesus and experience the grace of God who forgives all our sins.

We pray that rather than terrorism and conflict, obedience and loyalty to the living God will spread throughout this land. Would you bless them so that the people of Dagestan may become those who strive to learn and follow the Word of God and boldly march forward as witnesses.

Therefore, among the people of God, may Dagestan become a nation that loves and obeys God the most, and that is established among all peoples and go out to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation!