What is the ruling on celebrating the World Hijab Day on the first of February, and is that considered an innovation (bid'ah)?

The World Hijab Day is an idea by Nazma Khan, a Bangladeshi-American Muslim woman, to counter discrimination against the hijab. The hijab is a religious obligation and a symbol of chastity and piety. It is impermissible to designate a World Hijab Day for the following reasons:

1. Imitation of Disbelievers: Designating a day that recurs annually to celebrate something is a custom of disbelievers, and this makes the day an 'Eid (festival). Festivals in Islam are specific (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Friday). 2. Frivolity and Idleness: Celebrating this day is usually accompanied by frivolity and play, and an invitation for women of all religions to wear the hijab for one day for promotional purposes, which contradicts the sanctity of this obligation that requires intention and permanence. 3. Distortion of the Hijab's Image: The hijab worn on this occasion is often not in accordance with Islamic law, as it does not adhere to its conditions regarding looseness, covering, and lack of adornment.

Based on this, it is impermissible to celebrate this day, even if the intention is good. However, it is permissible to advocate for the lawful hijab without designating a specific day or imitating disbelievers, while emphasizing that the hijab is a permanent obligation and not for a single day.