• Women
  • January 28, 2010
  • 18 minutes read

To wear the burqa or not.

To wear the burqa or not.

No doubt, clothes are a matter of choice and a part of an individual’s freedom, but I agree that women should not be allowed to wear the veil in work places.

 

Yes, making it illegal is indeed a drastic step. But being a Muslim myself, I feel if a woman wishes to abide by the Islamic teachings, then why in the first place is she getting out of the house and working?

 

Women who observe the veil should also be aware that not only is it mandatory for us to observe purdah by covering our physical selves but we also have to observe purdah of the voice.

Just because one has covered her face doesn’t give her the liberty to freely interact with men.

Naila Sikander, Dubai

·         Millions of Muslim women don’t wear the Burqa due to their choice. It means no harm or threat to any religion. So, what is the harm in wearing the Burqa? Security concern is a lame excuse as overcoats, pullovers and other dresses can pose a bigger threat. In that case, swim suits should be best prescribed for ladies … for security!!

Behzad, Dubai

·         Burqa provides a sort of protection for women. It is not a punishment. Talking about freedom and fundamental rights does not mean they exist in France. It is the individual’s right to decide what to wear, and no one has the right to ban a dress.

Muzammil, Dubai

·         When we expect others to live in our country respecting our culture, we need to live according to their culture in their country. It is reciprocal. If we cannot accept this, we should not live there.

France does not believe in religion calling itself ‘liberated’. Hence they have long banned the display of religious symbols.

Ramy, Abu Dhabi

·         Everybody has a right and so does every  nation. If Saudi Arabia requires all women to cover their bodies  while in their country, nobody can refute it. Then why not allow France to do what it wants?

Baby Angel, UAE

·         The first ever nation in the world which introduced its independence by announcing loudly, ‘Freedom, Equality and Brotherhood’ has now narrowed it down by lifting the ‘freedom’.

Mohammed Kunhi, Saudi Arabia

·         If France calls for the veil ban for Muslim women then Arabs should implement compulsory ‘full Islamic Veil,’ for all other religions.

Yes, Mr Sarkozy was right in saying that his country respects human rights. But then, why does he want Muslim women to stop wearing the Burqa which is their right? 

SAK Jeelani, Dubai

·         In this day and age, with terrorism and Muslims being blamed for all sorts of things, there is a need to protect the majority of Muslims rather than the tiny minority which  has these extreme interpretations of faith. Why should majority of the Muslims be treated with suspicion, discrimination and hatred when a tiny bunch insists on wearing something that has nothing to with religion?

Islam insists that you follow the laws of the country you choose to live in, in peace and harmony.

Adam, Saudi Arabia

·         Preventing Muslim women from wearing the veil is intolerance, especially in France where the population of Muslims is larger than that of any other non-Muslim country in the world. It’s simply injustice.

M Fayaz Khan, Dubai

·         If Western societies have the right to uncover themselves, Muslim society has the right to cover them. The West for no reason is creating dual standards — of liberty and human rights.

Ahmad Jamal, Dubai

·         It’s the right of every individual to wear what he wishes, no matter what religion he follows. That is freedom. If a rule is set to bar people from wearing what they want, that rule hinders the freedom of an individual.

Ameer Fouzi, Dubai

·         It is the fundamental right of every Muslim woman to wear the burqa. Nobody can object to this and it is up to individuals if they want to uncover the face and hands, as well.

Lateef Khilji, Pakistan

·         Wearing clothes is a matter of choice and a part of an individual’s freedom. As long as you are modestly (especially women) covered, there should not be a problem.

Yousuf Sheriff, Ras Al Khaimah

·         It is a ridiculous decision of the government of France. France is a democratic country, and each one has its own rights. It’s compulsory in Islam for Muslims to wear the burqa and they know about this. Maybe they want the French Muslims to be evacuated.

Khan, Abu Dhabi

·         It shows the dark face of the West. How can they call themselves democratic if they ban individual rights?

Tariq Bangash, Al Ain

·         It is unfortunate that the French legislature has found time to ban the Burqa targetting a minority. The question is, are the French against the word Burqa or against the Muslim dress? Don’t be against any religion. Let secularism flourish.

Farida Naaz, New Delhi

·         While the fully covered dress used by priests and ‘sisters’ is glorified, the same dress code if prescribed for the Muslim woman, is hated and uncivilised.

Rajesh, Muscat

·         A good step taken by the French, I must say. If Muslims are so much against the ban and if their religion tells them to cover themselves, then what about the Muslim ladies who don’t wear the Burqa, especially those living in non-Muslim countries?

Anamika Sandhu, Dubai

·         This is just exploiting the innocent people and religion! Truly an act of discrimination from a ‘so called’ human rights leader! Why target Muslims especially Muslim women and their dignity?

Did anyone ask a nun to uncover her head because something may be hidden in her headscarf? It seems like the aim is to mistreat Muslims.

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