Teasing or Torture?
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=12&ItemID=2537
Posted by
escapist
Nov 7, 2002 11:46 pm
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=12&ItemID=2537
Dissing Ideologies
I need the email add. of Miss Arundhutya Roy, Mr Noam Chomsky, Mr Robert Fisk. (Please ignore the spellin mistakes)
Can someone help me?
Thanks.
Posted by
escapist
Jun 15, 2002 03:14 pm
Hello all,I need the email add. of Miss Arundhutya Roy, Mr Noam Chomsky, Mr Robert Fisk. (Please ignore the spellin mistakes)
Can someone help me?
Thanks.
The Evolution of The Burqa
This is a personal experince of one who reverted to Islam and practised Hijab.
The URL is
http://muslim-canada.org/hamdard_hijab.html
A person blinded by prejudice may not see it, but a woman in hijab is as brightly beautiful as an angel, full of self-confidence, serenity and dignity. No signs of oppression scar her face.
When I returned to Islam, the religion of our inborn nature, a fierce debate raged about girls observing hijab at schools in France. It still does. The majority, it seemed, thought that wearing the headscarf was contrary to the principle that public - that is state-funded - schools should be neutral with regards to religion. Even as a non-Muslim, I could not understand why there was such a fuss over such a small thing as a scarf on a Muslim student`s head.
Muslims contributed a proportionate amount of tax to the state funds. In my opinion, schools could respect religious beliefs and practices of students as long as they did not disrupt the school routine, nor pose a threat to discipline. However, the French faced, apparently, increasing unemployment and they felt insecure about the immigration of Arab workers and the sight of hijab in their towns and schools aggravated their sense of insecurity.
More and more young people in Arab countries were (and are) wearing hijab, despite the expectations of many Arabs as well as non-Arabs that it would disappear as Western secularism took root in Arab societies. Such a revival of Islamic practices is often regarded as an attempt by Muslims to restore their pride and identity, both undermined by colonialism. In Japan, it may be seen and understood as conservative traditionalism, or a result of anti-Western feelings, something which the Japanese themselves experienced following the first contact with Western culture during the Meiji era: they too reacted against a non-traditional lifestyle and Western dress. There is a tendency in people to be conservative in their ways and to react against anything new and unfamiliar without taking the time to see if it is good or bad.
Western Feelings
The feeling still persists amongst non-Muslims that Muslim women wear hijab because they are slaves to tradition, so much so that it is seen as a symbol of oppression. Women`s liberation and independence is, so they believe, impossible unless they first remove the hijab.
Such a naivete is shared by ``Muslims`` with little or no knowledge of Islam. Being so used to secularism and religious eclecticism, pick and mix, they are unable to comprehend that Islam is universal and eternal. This apart, women all over the world, non-Arabs, are embracing Islam and wearing hijab as a religious requirement, not out of a misdirected sense of ``tradition``. I am but one example of such women. My hijab is not a part of my racial or traditional identity, it has no social or political significance, it is purely and simply, my religious identity.
For non-Muslims, hijab not only covers a woman`s hair, but also hides something, leaving them no access. They are being excluded from something which they have taken for granted in secular society.
I have been wearing hijab since I embraced Islam in Paris. ``The exact form of hijab varies according to the country one is in, or the degree of the individual`s religious awareness. In France I wore a simple scarf which matched my dress and perched lightly on my head so that it was almost fashionable. Now in Saudi Arabia, I wear an all-covering black cape; not even my eyes are visible. Thus, I have experienced hijab from its simplest to its most complete form.
What does hijab mean to me? Although there have been many books and articles about hijab, they always tend to be written from an outsider`s point of view. I hope this will allow me to explain what I observe as an insider, so to speak.
When I decided to declare my Islam, I did not think whether I could pray five times a day or wear hijab. Maybe I was scared that if I gave it serious thought I would, reach a negative conclusion, and that would affect my decision to become Muslim. Until I visited the main mosque in Paris, I had nothing to do with Islam - neither the prayers nor hijab were familiar to me. In fact, both were unimaginable, but my desire to become a Muslim was too strong (God be praised) for me to be overly concerned with what awaited me on the ``other side`` of my conversion.
The Benefits
The benefits of observing hijab became clear to me following a lecture at the mosque when I kept my scarf on even after leaving the building. The lecture had filled me with such a previously unknown spiritual satisfaction that I simply did not want to remove it. Because of the cold weather, I did not attract too much attention but I did feel different, somehow purified and protected; I felt as if I was in Allah`s company. As a foreigner in Paris I sometimes felt uneasy being stared at by men. In my hijab I went unnoticed, protected from impolite stares.
My hijab made me happy; it was both a sign of my obedience to Allah and a manifestation of my faith. I did not need to utter beliefs, the hijab stated them clearly for all to see, especially fellow Muslims, and thus it helped to strengthen the bonds of sisterhood in Islam. Wearing the hijab soon became spontaneous, albeit purely voluntary. No human being could force me to wear it; if they had, perhaps I would have rebelled and rejected it. However, the first Islamic book I read used very moderate language in this respect, saying that ``Allah recommends it (hijab) strongly`` and since Islam (as the word itself indicates) means we are to obey Allah`s will, I accomplished my Islamic duties willingly and without difficulty, Alhamdulillah. [all praise is to God] Hijab reminds people who see it that God exists, and it serves as a constant reminder to me that I should conduct myself as a Muslim. Just as police officers are more professionally aware while in uniform, so I had a stronger sense of being a Muslim wearing my hijab.
Two weeks after my return to Islam. I went back to Japan for a family wedding and took the decision not to return to my studies in France; French literature had lost its appeal and the desire to study Arabic had replaced it. As a new Muslim, with very little knowledge of Islam, it was a big test for me to live in a small town in Japan completely isolated from Muslims. However, this isolation intensified my Islamic consciousness, as I realised that I was not alone and Allah was with me. I had abandoned many of my clothes and with some help from a friend who knew dressmaking, I made some pantaloons, similar to Pakistani dress, I was not bothered by the strange looks the people gave me.
Visit to Cairo
After six months in Japan, my desire to study Arabic grew so much that I decided to go to Cairo where I knew someone. None of my host family there spoke English or Japanese and the lady who took my hand to lead me into the house was covered from head to toe in black. Even her face was covered. Although this is now familiar to me here in Riyadh, I remember being surprised at that time, recalling an incident in France when I had seen such a dress and thought, ``There is a woman enslaved by the Arabian tradition, unaware of real Islam``, (which I believed taught that covering the face was not necessary, but an ethnic tradition).
I wanted to tell the lady in Cairo that she was exaggerating her dress, that it was unnatural and abnormal. Instead, I was told that my self-made dress was not suitable to go out in, something I disagreed with since I understood that it satisfied the requirements for a Muslimah. [female Muslim]. But (acting on the dictum), when in Rome (do as the Romans do) ... I bought some cloth and made a long dress, called khimar which covered the loins and the arms completely. I was even ready to cover my face, something most of the sisters with whom I became acquainted did. They were, though, a small minority in Cairo.
Generally speaking, young Egyptians, more or less fully Westernised, kept their distance from women wearing khimar and called them ``sisters``. Men treated us with respect and special politeness. Women wearing a khimar shared a sisterhood which lived up to the Prophet`s saying (Allah`s Blessings and peace on Him) that ``a Muslim greets the person he passes by in the street, whether he knows him or not``. The sisters were, it is probably true to say, more conscious of their faith than those who wear scarves for the sake of custom, rather than for the sake of Allah.
Before becoming Muslimah, my preference was for active pant-style clothes, not the more feminine skirts, but the long dress I wore in Cairo pleased me. I felt elegant and more relaxed.
In the Western sense, black is a favourite colour for evening wear as it accentuates the beauty of the wearer. My new sisters were truly beautiful in their black khimar, and a light akin to saintliness shone from their faces. Indeed, they are not unlike Roman Catholic nuns, something I noticed particularly when I had occasion to visit Paris soon after arriving in Saudi Arabia. In the same Metro carriage I sat across a nun and I smiled at our similarity of dress. Hers was the symbol of her devotion to God, as is that of a Muslimah. I often wonder why people say nothing about the veil of the Catholic nun but criticise vehemently the veil of a Muslimah, regarding it as a symbol of ``terrorism`` and ``oppression``. I did not mind abandoning colourful clothes in favour of black; in fact, I had always had a sense of longing for the religious lifestyle of a nun even before becoming a Muslimah.
Lack of Understanding
Nevertheless, I balked at the suggestion that I should wear my khimar back in Japan. I was angry at the sister`s lack of understanding: Islam commands us to cover our bodies, and as long as this is done, one may dress as desired. Every society has its own fashions and such long black clothes in Japan could make people think I was crazy, and reject Islam even before I could explain its teaching. Our argument revolved around this aspect.
After another six months in Cairo, however, I was so accustomed to my long dress that I started to think that I would wear it on my return to Japan. My concession was that I had some dresses made in light colours, and some white khimars, in the belief that they would be less shocking in Japan than the black variety.
I was right. The Japanese reacted rather well to my white khimars, and they seemed to be able to guess that I was of a religious persuasion. I heard one girl telling her friend that I was a Buddhist nun; how similar a Muslimah, a Buddhist nun and Christian nun are. Once, on a train, an elderly man sitting next to me asked why I was dressed in such an unusual fashion. When I explained that I was a Muslimah and that Islam commands women to cover their bodies so as not to trouble men who are weak and unable to resist temptation, he seemed impressed. When he left the train he thanked me and said that he would have liked more time to speak to me about Islam.
Means of Identification
In this instance, hijab prompted a discussion on Islam with a Japanese man who might not normally be inclined to talking about religion. As in Cairo, hijab acted as a means of identification between Muslims; I found myself on the way to a study circle wondering if I was on the right route when I saw a group of sisters wearing hijab. We greeted each other with salaam and went on to the meeting together.
My father was worried when I went out in long sleeves and head cover even in the hottest weather, but I found that my hijab protected me from the sun. As a matter of fact, it was I who felt uneasy looking at my younger sister`s legs while she wore short pants. I have often been embarrassed even before declaring Islam, by the sight of women`s bosoms and hips clearly outlined by tight, thin clothing. I felt as if I was seeing something I was not supposed to see. If such a sight embarrasses me, one of the same sex, it is not difficult to imagine the effect on men. In Islam, men and women are commanded to dress modestly and not be naked in public, even in all male or all female situations.
It is clear that what is acceptable to be bared in society varies according to social or individual understanding. For example in Japan fifty years ago it was considered vulgar to swim in a swimming suit but now bikinis are the norm. If, however, a woman swam topless she would be regarded shameless. To go topless on the south coast of France, however, is the norm. On some beaches in America, nudists lie as naked as they were born. If a nudist were to ask a liberated female who rejects hijab why she still covers her bosom and hips which are as natural as her hands and face, could she give an honest answer? The definition to what part of women`s body should remain private to her is altered to suit the whims and fancies of either men or their surrogates, the so-called feminists. But in Islam we have no such problem; Allah has defined what may and may not be bared which we observe.
No Sense of Shame
The way people walk around naked (or almost so), excreting or making love in public, robs them of the sense of shame and reduces them to the status of animals. In Japan, women wear make-up only when they go out and have little regard for how they look at home. In Islam a wife will try to look beautiful for her husband and her husband will try to look good for his wife. There is modesty even between husband and wife and this embellishes the relationship.
Muslims are accused of being over-sensitive about the human body, but the degree of sexual harassment which occurs these days justifies modest dress. Just as a short skirt can send the signal that the wearer is available to men, so hijab signals loud and clear: ``I am forbidden for you.``
The Prophet (Allah`s Blessings and Peace be on Him), once asked his daughter, Fatimah (R.A.), [may Allah be pleased with her], ``What is the best for a women``. And she replied ``Not to see men and not be seen by them``. The Prophet (Allah`s Blessings and Peace be on Him), was pleased and said: ``You are truly my daughter.`` This shows that it is preferable for a woman to stay at home and avoid contact with male strangers as much as possible. Observing hijab when one goes out has the same effect.
Having married (a Japanese Muslim), I left Japan for Saudi Arabia, where it is customary for women to cover their faces outdoors. I was impatient to try the naqab (face cover) and curious to know how it felt. Of course non-Muslim women generally wear black cloak, rather nonchalantly thrown over their shoulder but do not cover their faces. Non-Saudi Muslim women also often keep their faces uncovered.
Once accustomed to the naqab, it is certainly not inconvenient. In fact I felt like the owner of a secret masterpiece, a treasure which you can neither know about, nor see. Whereas non-Muslims may think they are life imitating caricatures when they see Muslim couples walk in the streets, the oppressed and oppressor, the possessed, and the possessor, the reality is that the women feel like queens being led by servants.
My first naqab left my eyes uncovered. But in winter I wore a fine eye-covering as well. All the feelings of unease when a man`s eye met mine disappeared. As with sunglasses, the visual intrusion of strangers was prevented.
Effect of Judgement
It is an error of judgement to think that a Muslim woman covers herself because she is a private possession of her husband. In fact she preserves her dignity and refuses to be possessed by a stranger. It is non-Muslim (and ``liberated`` Muslim) women who are to be pitied for displaying their private self for all to see.
Observing hijab from outside, it is impossible to see what it hides. ``The gap, between being outside and looking in, and being inside and looking out, explains in part the void in the understanding of Islam. An outsider may see Islam as restricting Muslims. Inside, however, there is peace, freedom, and joy which those who experience it have never known before becoming practising Muslims, whether those born in Muslim families or those returned to Islam, choose Islam rather than the illusory freedom of secular life. If it oppresses women, why are so many well educated young .women in Europe, America, Japan, Australia indeed all over the world, abandoning the so-called ``liberty`` and ``independence`` and embracing Islam?
A person blinded by prejudice may not see it, but a woman in hijab is as brightly beautiful as an angel, full of self-confidence, serenity and dignity. No signs of oppression scar her face. ``For indeed it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts within the bosoms, that grow blind,`` says the Qur`an (Al-Hajj XXII:46). How else can we explain the great gap in understanding between us and such people? -
Posted by
escapist
Apr 8, 2002 12:33 pm
This is a personal experince of one who reverted to Islam and practised Hijab.
The URL is
http://muslim-canada.org/hamdard_hijab.html
A person blinded by prejudice may not see it, but a woman in hijab is as brightly beautiful as an angel, full of self-confidence, serenity and dignity. No signs of oppression scar her face.
When I returned to Islam, the religion of our inborn nature, a fierce debate raged about girls observing hijab at schools in France. It still does. The majority, it seemed, thought that wearing the headscarf was contrary to the principle that public - that is state-funded - schools should be neutral with regards to religion. Even as a non-Muslim, I could not understand why there was such a fuss over such a small thing as a scarf on a Muslim student`s head.
Muslims contributed a proportionate amount of tax to the state funds. In my opinion, schools could respect religious beliefs and practices of students as long as they did not disrupt the school routine, nor pose a threat to discipline. However, the French faced, apparently, increasing unemployment and they felt insecure about the immigration of Arab workers and the sight of hijab in their towns and schools aggravated their sense of insecurity.
More and more young people in Arab countries were (and are) wearing hijab, despite the expectations of many Arabs as well as non-Arabs that it would disappear as Western secularism took root in Arab societies. Such a revival of Islamic practices is often regarded as an attempt by Muslims to restore their pride and identity, both undermined by colonialism. In Japan, it may be seen and understood as conservative traditionalism, or a result of anti-Western feelings, something which the Japanese themselves experienced following the first contact with Western culture during the Meiji era: they too reacted against a non-traditional lifestyle and Western dress. There is a tendency in people to be conservative in their ways and to react against anything new and unfamiliar without taking the time to see if it is good or bad.
Western Feelings
The feeling still persists amongst non-Muslims that Muslim women wear hijab because they are slaves to tradition, so much so that it is seen as a symbol of oppression. Women`s liberation and independence is, so they believe, impossible unless they first remove the hijab.
Such a naivete is shared by ``Muslims`` with little or no knowledge of Islam. Being so used to secularism and religious eclecticism, pick and mix, they are unable to comprehend that Islam is universal and eternal. This apart, women all over the world, non-Arabs, are embracing Islam and wearing hijab as a religious requirement, not out of a misdirected sense of ``tradition``. I am but one example of such women. My hijab is not a part of my racial or traditional identity, it has no social or political significance, it is purely and simply, my religious identity.
For non-Muslims, hijab not only covers a woman`s hair, but also hides something, leaving them no access. They are being excluded from something which they have taken for granted in secular society.
I have been wearing hijab since I embraced Islam in Paris. ``The exact form of hijab varies according to the country one is in, or the degree of the individual`s religious awareness. In France I wore a simple scarf which matched my dress and perched lightly on my head so that it was almost fashionable. Now in Saudi Arabia, I wear an all-covering black cape; not even my eyes are visible. Thus, I have experienced hijab from its simplest to its most complete form.
What does hijab mean to me? Although there have been many books and articles about hijab, they always tend to be written from an outsider`s point of view. I hope this will allow me to explain what I observe as an insider, so to speak.
When I decided to declare my Islam, I did not think whether I could pray five times a day or wear hijab. Maybe I was scared that if I gave it serious thought I would, reach a negative conclusion, and that would affect my decision to become Muslim. Until I visited the main mosque in Paris, I had nothing to do with Islam - neither the prayers nor hijab were familiar to me. In fact, both were unimaginable, but my desire to become a Muslim was too strong (God be praised) for me to be overly concerned with what awaited me on the ``other side`` of my conversion.
The Benefits
The benefits of observing hijab became clear to me following a lecture at the mosque when I kept my scarf on even after leaving the building. The lecture had filled me with such a previously unknown spiritual satisfaction that I simply did not want to remove it. Because of the cold weather, I did not attract too much attention but I did feel different, somehow purified and protected; I felt as if I was in Allah`s company. As a foreigner in Paris I sometimes felt uneasy being stared at by men. In my hijab I went unnoticed, protected from impolite stares.
My hijab made me happy; it was both a sign of my obedience to Allah and a manifestation of my faith. I did not need to utter beliefs, the hijab stated them clearly for all to see, especially fellow Muslims, and thus it helped to strengthen the bonds of sisterhood in Islam. Wearing the hijab soon became spontaneous, albeit purely voluntary. No human being could force me to wear it; if they had, perhaps I would have rebelled and rejected it. However, the first Islamic book I read used very moderate language in this respect, saying that ``Allah recommends it (hijab) strongly`` and since Islam (as the word itself indicates) means we are to obey Allah`s will, I accomplished my Islamic duties willingly and without difficulty, Alhamdulillah. [all praise is to God] Hijab reminds people who see it that God exists, and it serves as a constant reminder to me that I should conduct myself as a Muslim. Just as police officers are more professionally aware while in uniform, so I had a stronger sense of being a Muslim wearing my hijab.
Two weeks after my return to Islam. I went back to Japan for a family wedding and took the decision not to return to my studies in France; French literature had lost its appeal and the desire to study Arabic had replaced it. As a new Muslim, with very little knowledge of Islam, it was a big test for me to live in a small town in Japan completely isolated from Muslims. However, this isolation intensified my Islamic consciousness, as I realised that I was not alone and Allah was with me. I had abandoned many of my clothes and with some help from a friend who knew dressmaking, I made some pantaloons, similar to Pakistani dress, I was not bothered by the strange looks the people gave me.
Visit to Cairo
After six months in Japan, my desire to study Arabic grew so much that I decided to go to Cairo where I knew someone. None of my host family there spoke English or Japanese and the lady who took my hand to lead me into the house was covered from head to toe in black. Even her face was covered. Although this is now familiar to me here in Riyadh, I remember being surprised at that time, recalling an incident in France when I had seen such a dress and thought, ``There is a woman enslaved by the Arabian tradition, unaware of real Islam``, (which I believed taught that covering the face was not necessary, but an ethnic tradition).
I wanted to tell the lady in Cairo that she was exaggerating her dress, that it was unnatural and abnormal. Instead, I was told that my self-made dress was not suitable to go out in, something I disagreed with since I understood that it satisfied the requirements for a Muslimah. [female Muslim]. But (acting on the dictum), when in Rome (do as the Romans do) ... I bought some cloth and made a long dress, called khimar which covered the loins and the arms completely. I was even ready to cover my face, something most of the sisters with whom I became acquainted did. They were, though, a small minority in Cairo.
Generally speaking, young Egyptians, more or less fully Westernised, kept their distance from women wearing khimar and called them ``sisters``. Men treated us with respect and special politeness. Women wearing a khimar shared a sisterhood which lived up to the Prophet`s saying (Allah`s Blessings and peace on Him) that ``a Muslim greets the person he passes by in the street, whether he knows him or not``. The sisters were, it is probably true to say, more conscious of their faith than those who wear scarves for the sake of custom, rather than for the sake of Allah.
Before becoming Muslimah, my preference was for active pant-style clothes, not the more feminine skirts, but the long dress I wore in Cairo pleased me. I felt elegant and more relaxed.
In the Western sense, black is a favourite colour for evening wear as it accentuates the beauty of the wearer. My new sisters were truly beautiful in their black khimar, and a light akin to saintliness shone from their faces. Indeed, they are not unlike Roman Catholic nuns, something I noticed particularly when I had occasion to visit Paris soon after arriving in Saudi Arabia. In the same Metro carriage I sat across a nun and I smiled at our similarity of dress. Hers was the symbol of her devotion to God, as is that of a Muslimah. I often wonder why people say nothing about the veil of the Catholic nun but criticise vehemently the veil of a Muslimah, regarding it as a symbol of ``terrorism`` and ``oppression``. I did not mind abandoning colourful clothes in favour of black; in fact, I had always had a sense of longing for the religious lifestyle of a nun even before becoming a Muslimah.
Lack of Understanding
Nevertheless, I balked at the suggestion that I should wear my khimar back in Japan. I was angry at the sister`s lack of understanding: Islam commands us to cover our bodies, and as long as this is done, one may dress as desired. Every society has its own fashions and such long black clothes in Japan could make people think I was crazy, and reject Islam even before I could explain its teaching. Our argument revolved around this aspect.
After another six months in Cairo, however, I was so accustomed to my long dress that I started to think that I would wear it on my return to Japan. My concession was that I had some dresses made in light colours, and some white khimars, in the belief that they would be less shocking in Japan than the black variety.
I was right. The Japanese reacted rather well to my white khimars, and they seemed to be able to guess that I was of a religious persuasion. I heard one girl telling her friend that I was a Buddhist nun; how similar a Muslimah, a Buddhist nun and Christian nun are. Once, on a train, an elderly man sitting next to me asked why I was dressed in such an unusual fashion. When I explained that I was a Muslimah and that Islam commands women to cover their bodies so as not to trouble men who are weak and unable to resist temptation, he seemed impressed. When he left the train he thanked me and said that he would have liked more time to speak to me about Islam.
Means of Identification
In this instance, hijab prompted a discussion on Islam with a Japanese man who might not normally be inclined to talking about religion. As in Cairo, hijab acted as a means of identification between Muslims; I found myself on the way to a study circle wondering if I was on the right route when I saw a group of sisters wearing hijab. We greeted each other with salaam and went on to the meeting together.
My father was worried when I went out in long sleeves and head cover even in the hottest weather, but I found that my hijab protected me from the sun. As a matter of fact, it was I who felt uneasy looking at my younger sister`s legs while she wore short pants. I have often been embarrassed even before declaring Islam, by the sight of women`s bosoms and hips clearly outlined by tight, thin clothing. I felt as if I was seeing something I was not supposed to see. If such a sight embarrasses me, one of the same sex, it is not difficult to imagine the effect on men. In Islam, men and women are commanded to dress modestly and not be naked in public, even in all male or all female situations.
It is clear that what is acceptable to be bared in society varies according to social or individual understanding. For example in Japan fifty years ago it was considered vulgar to swim in a swimming suit but now bikinis are the norm. If, however, a woman swam topless she would be regarded shameless. To go topless on the south coast of France, however, is the norm. On some beaches in America, nudists lie as naked as they were born. If a nudist were to ask a liberated female who rejects hijab why she still covers her bosom and hips which are as natural as her hands and face, could she give an honest answer? The definition to what part of women`s body should remain private to her is altered to suit the whims and fancies of either men or their surrogates, the so-called feminists. But in Islam we have no such problem; Allah has defined what may and may not be bared which we observe.
No Sense of Shame
The way people walk around naked (or almost so), excreting or making love in public, robs them of the sense of shame and reduces them to the status of animals. In Japan, women wear make-up only when they go out and have little regard for how they look at home. In Islam a wife will try to look beautiful for her husband and her husband will try to look good for his wife. There is modesty even between husband and wife and this embellishes the relationship.
Muslims are accused of being over-sensitive about the human body, but the degree of sexual harassment which occurs these days justifies modest dress. Just as a short skirt can send the signal that the wearer is available to men, so hijab signals loud and clear: ``I am forbidden for you.``
The Prophet (Allah`s Blessings and Peace be on Him), once asked his daughter, Fatimah (R.A.), [may Allah be pleased with her], ``What is the best for a women``. And she replied ``Not to see men and not be seen by them``. The Prophet (Allah`s Blessings and Peace be on Him), was pleased and said: ``You are truly my daughter.`` This shows that it is preferable for a woman to stay at home and avoid contact with male strangers as much as possible. Observing hijab when one goes out has the same effect.
Having married (a Japanese Muslim), I left Japan for Saudi Arabia, where it is customary for women to cover their faces outdoors. I was impatient to try the naqab (face cover) and curious to know how it felt. Of course non-Muslim women generally wear black cloak, rather nonchalantly thrown over their shoulder but do not cover their faces. Non-Saudi Muslim women also often keep their faces uncovered.
Once accustomed to the naqab, it is certainly not inconvenient. In fact I felt like the owner of a secret masterpiece, a treasure which you can neither know about, nor see. Whereas non-Muslims may think they are life imitating caricatures when they see Muslim couples walk in the streets, the oppressed and oppressor, the possessed, and the possessor, the reality is that the women feel like queens being led by servants.
My first naqab left my eyes uncovered. But in winter I wore a fine eye-covering as well. All the feelings of unease when a man`s eye met mine disappeared. As with sunglasses, the visual intrusion of strangers was prevented.
Effect of Judgement
It is an error of judgement to think that a Muslim woman covers herself because she is a private possession of her husband. In fact she preserves her dignity and refuses to be possessed by a stranger. It is non-Muslim (and ``liberated`` Muslim) women who are to be pitied for displaying their private self for all to see.
Observing hijab from outside, it is impossible to see what it hides. ``The gap, between being outside and looking in, and being inside and looking out, explains in part the void in the understanding of Islam. An outsider may see Islam as restricting Muslims. Inside, however, there is peace, freedom, and joy which those who experience it have never known before becoming practising Muslims, whether those born in Muslim families or those returned to Islam, choose Islam rather than the illusory freedom of secular life. If it oppresses women, why are so many well educated young .women in Europe, America, Japan, Australia indeed all over the world, abandoning the so-called ``liberty`` and ``independence`` and embracing Islam?
A person blinded by prejudice may not see it, but a woman in hijab is as brightly beautiful as an angel, full of self-confidence, serenity and dignity. No signs of oppression scar her face. ``For indeed it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts within the bosoms, that grow blind,`` says the Qur`an (Al-Hajj XXII:46). How else can we explain the great gap in understanding between us and such people? -
She is Special
Posted by
escapist
Jun 24, 2001 12:33 am
Am I the only one who got this poem from some emailing list....and stuff. Again and again...
Reforming the Armed Forces
How true about aunty candy. I even met (ahm, NOt what u think) one of her girls, wearing nice jeans and t shirt, and was from samanabad. (She was a trainee there i guess)
Never thought she d be discused on chowk. I was told her major client include the top bearucrate of the city.
Sad...it is.
Posted by
escapist
Jun 17, 2001 11:36 am
krashid #192.How true about aunty candy. I even met (ahm, NOt what u think) one of her girls, wearing nice jeans and t shirt, and was from samanabad. (She was a trainee there i guess)
Never thought she d be discused on chowk. I was told her major client include the top bearucrate of the city.
Sad...it is.
Just Another Stupid Love Story
Zehra, Urstruly, Farzana Varsey, Sadaf..
Kon Log ho tusey!
Sarey baar chely gay ho!
Had ho gayee...
Good one urstruly, as always. Loved all your writings.
Regards
Me
Posted by
escapist
Apr 14, 2001 08:09 pm
Hmm...Zehra, Urstruly, Farzana Varsey, Sadaf..
Kon Log ho tusey!
Sarey baar chely gay ho!
Had ho gayee...
Good one urstruly, as always. Loved all your writings.
Regards
Me
Ghazali On Women In Islam
very interesting yet at times disturbing discussion :)
as for omarphoenix, urstruly, Farungi_kush..
let me just say
Allah karey Zor - e - bayan aur ziyada``
btw
i need to ask u ppl this..ijtihad can only be used where we do not find order or guindence from Allah (s w t ) and his prophet. thats how i understand..
so i dont think u can ijithad on circumcision and start cutting penises of rapist, coz there punishment is also there.
regards
PS: i d love to read more of Omar phoneix.
he is good.
Posted by
escapist
Dec 13, 2000 12:17 am
hmm..salam allvery interesting yet at times disturbing discussion :)
as for omarphoenix, urstruly, Farungi_kush..
let me just say
Allah karey Zor - e - bayan aur ziyada``
btw
i need to ask u ppl this..ijtihad can only be used where we do not find order or guindence from Allah (s w t ) and his prophet. thats how i understand..
so i dont think u can ijithad on circumcision and start cutting penises of rapist, coz there punishment is also there.
regards
PS: i d love to read more of Omar phoneix.
he is good.
Oh For Those Fries!
this has taken quite and interstin turn.
it seemed like the more a guy treated a girl meanly or rude or uncaring the more the girl wanted or was into the dude...or something along those lines...does this hold true to men also...if a girl does it to the guy?`
and what bout..
the unga bunga days when men just grabbed women by the hair, hit them, and raped them..
Posted by
escapist
Oct 2, 2000 07:51 pm
tahmed..froggoddess..this has taken quite and interstin turn.
it seemed like the more a guy treated a girl meanly or rude or uncaring the more the girl wanted or was into the dude...or something along those lines...does this hold true to men also...if a girl does it to the guy?`
and what bout..
the unga bunga days when men just grabbed women by the hair, hit them, and raped them..
Oh For Those Fries!
froggodess....Chaa gayee hain aap!
nice nice..
Posted by
escapist
Oct 1, 2000 12:51 pm
hmmfroggodess....Chaa gayee hain aap!
nice nice..
Oh For Those Fries!
i was wanted to look at her pic or something...
buss aisay hi...
Posted by
escapist
Sep 26, 2000 09:17 pm
hmm..all i have to say is..does Miss Ikram has a web presence....i was wanted to look at her pic or something...
buss aisay hi...
Nuns and Tawaifs
:)
guess im a fanatic
Posted by
escapist
Jul 21, 2000 03:06 am
well..i do belive this guy should be killed by some brother in islam for misquouting the quranic ayahs and rediculing islam and allah message :)
guess im a fanatic
To Western Women
she sure has every right to express her self.
any way..
i just read this article and i feel it pretty much says all that thre is to say about the concept of Hijab ...obviously some of you still would call it the ``different interpretation``
NIQAB
By Um Amir
All too often Muslim women in niqab are ridiculed and called names regardless of time and place. Unfortunately, a woman who wears niqab in the United States will get better reception from the kafir than from Muslims. Muslim women often call women in niqab “ninjas” and “fitna on the face”, only failing to realize that they have wronged themselves.
Allah said: “If you do good, you do good for your own selves, and if you do evil, you do it against yourselves.” (17:7)
“Whosoever does righteous deeds it is for the benefit of himself, and whosoever does evil, it is against his own self.” (41:46)
This paper was written in response to those people who say things like ``The niqab is not in Islam”, or niqab is ``bad for dawa``, as well as those individuals who scoff at it too lightly. People should understand that the niqab is from the Qur’an and Hadith. Even if you hold the view of it not being wajib it is still THE BEST thing and anyone who wears it is to be respected. Anyone who discourages the wearing of niqab or denies it being in Islam or makes fun of someone who wears it should fear ALLAH and re examine their hearts and intentions.
``Allah has sent us to deliver whomsoever chooses, from the worship of
men to the `uboodiyah (worship and servitude) of Allah. And from the
narrowness of this world, to the vastness of this world and the Hereafter. And from the oppression of the (false) religions, to the justice of Islam.`` - Sahabee Rab`ee ibn Aamir [Ibn Katheer`s al-Bidayah wa an-Nihaayah]
Religious Reference to Niqab
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the
believers to draw their cloaks (veils, screen themselves completely except the eyes ) all over their bodies.” (Surah Al-Ahzaab – Verse #59 This tafseer is Agreed upon by Ibn Kathir, Qurtabi and At Tabrani )
“And Say to the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, head cover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) (Surah An-Nur, Verses 30-31, This tafseer is Agreed upon by Ibn Kathir, Qurtabi and At Tabrani )
Generally there are two opinions regarding covering the face. One view held by the Ulema is that the niqab (covering the face) is wajib (compulsory) and other Ulema hold the view it is Mustahab (recommended and the best thing to do but not compulsory). Both scholarly opinions are dependent upon the concept of perceiving Ummul Mu’mineen, the wives of the prophet, as being an example to all Muslim women, or in a category of their own.
Be that as it may, following the etiquettes Allah taught the Prophet’s wives was the way of his companions and those that came after them. And, the best way is to follow Rasulullah’s, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, practice as well as his companions. Ibn Kathir holds that these commandments are applicable to all Muslim women. (Tafseer Ibn Kathir, Vol. 3, p. 483)
This following hadith explains when and under what circumstance the verses of hijab was revealed. The wives of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam used to go to Al-Manasi, a vast open place (near Baqia at Medina) to answer the call of nature at night. `Umar used to say to the Prophet ``Let your wives be veiled,`` but Allah`s Apostle did not do so. One night Sauda bint Zam`aradi Allahu anha the wife of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam went out at `Isha` time and she was a tall lady. `Umarradi Allahu anhu addressed her and said, ``I have recognized you, O Sauda.`` He said so, as he desired eagerly that the verses of Al-Hijab (the observing of veils by the Muslim women) may be revealed. So Allah revealed the verses of ``Al-Hijab`` (A complete body cover excluding the eyes). (Hadith -Sahih Bukhari 1:148)
After the verses of hijab were revealed certain changes took place within the society at the time. For instance, women were carried on camels in a covered Haudaj, and they only went out if their faces and bodies were fully covered as explained in the following hadiths:
`A`isha radi Allahu anha used to say: ``When (the Verse): `They should draw their veils over their necks and bosoms,` was revealed, (the ladies) cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their faces with the cut pieces.`` (Hadith - Sahih Bukhari 6:282)
“When the verse ``That they should cast their outer garments over their
persons`` was revealed, the women of Ansar came out as if they had crows
over their heads by wearing outer garments.” (Hadith - Abu Dawud, Narrated Umm Salamah, Ummul Mu`minin radi Allahu anha)
Narrated `A`isha radi Allahu anha who said, ``The riders would pass us while we were with the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). When they got close to us, we would draw our outer cloak from our heads over our faces. When they passed by, we would uncover our faces.” (Hadith - Recorded by Ahmad, Abu Dawud and ibn Majah, Narrated `A`isha. [In his work Jilbab al-Marah al-Muslimah, al-Albani states (p. 108) that it is hasan due to corroborating evidence. Also, in a narration from Asma {who was not the wife of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), Asma also covered her face at all times in front of men.)
A`isha radi Allahu anha narrated: ``May Allah bestow His Mercy on the first Muhajirat (emigrants). When Allah revealed, `...and draw their Khumur over their Juyubihinna...`, they (i.e. the women) tore their material and covered themselves with it.``(Sahih Bukhari) Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalanee, who is known as Ameer Al-Mu`mineen in the field of Hadeeth, said that the phrase, ``covered themselves``, in the above Hadith means that they ``covered their faces``. [Fath Al-Bari].
A’isha radi Allahu anha says: “(during Hajj in the state of Ihraam) when the male should walk in front of us while in the company of Rasulullah (sallallahu Alayhi wa sallam), then we would drop our veils from the head over the face.”
In addition, women were no longer required or encouraged to participate in Jihad unless completely necessary. They were forbidden to travel without a Mahram. A man who did not apply these rules on his family was called a Dayyouth.
In order to shed more light on the issue, it is just as important to look at the opinions of the scholars about Niqab.
Ibn Abbas radi Allahu anhu, who was one of the most knowledgeable companions of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, states that the Muslim women are ordered to cover their head and faces with outer garments except for one eye.
Ibn Katheer said...
‘Women must not display any part of their beauty and charms to strangers except what cannot possibly be concealed.’
Imam Ghazaali(mentions in his famous book of Fiqh Ihyaal Uloom):
``Woman emerged (during the time of Rasulullah `saw`) with niqabs on their Faces``
Jami`atul Ulema Junbi Africa sate that the proper opinion for the Hanafi madhab is that ``A woman must be properly and thoroughly covered in a lose outer cloak which totally conceals her entire body including her face!``
(This from the book Islamic Hijab by Jami`atul Ulema P.12)
It is also state in the Famous books of Fiqh Durrul Mukhtar...
``Young women are prohibited from revealing their faces in the presence of men.``
The Mufassireen, such as Al-Qurtubi, site in their Tafseer of the Ayah on Jilbab (Al-Ahzab 33:59), that the Jilbab is: ``a cloth which covers the entire body... Ibn `Abbas and `Ubaidah As-Salmaani () said that it is to be fully wrapped around the women`s body, so that nothing appears but one eye with which she can see.`` [Tafseer Al-Qurtubi].
Imam Qurtubi in his Al-Jamia li Ahkaamul Qurăn states:
‘All women are in effect covered by the terms of the verse which embraces the Shari`a principle that the whole of a woman is ‘Awrah’ (to be concealed) – her face, body and voice, as mentioned previously. It is not permissible to expose those parts except in the case of need, such as the giving of evidence…’
In Fathul Bari, chapter Hajj, a tradition reported on the authority of A`isha radi Allahu anha says: ``A woman in a state of Ihram (during Hajj and Umrah) should stretch her head - cloth over to her face to hide it.``
Sheikh ibn Uthaimin ....
“The Islamic hijab is for the women to cover everything that is forbidden for her to expose. That is, she covers everything that she must cover. The first of those bodily parts that she must cover is her face. It is the source of temptation and the source of people desiring her. Therefore, the woman must cover her face in front of those men that are not mahram. As for those of who claim that the Islamic hijab is to cover the head, shoulders, back, feet, shin and forearms while allowing her to uncover her face and hands, this is a very amazing claim. This is because it is well-known that the source of temptation and looking is the face. How can one say that the Shari`a does not allow the exposure of the foot of the woman while it allows her to uncover her face? It is not possible that there could be in the Esteemed, Wise and Noble Shari`a a contradiction. “
Jamaal Zarabozo (a scholar of Islam in the United States)....
“In Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 59, Allah has ordered the believing women to wear a jilbab. A jilbab as defined in all the books of tafseer is a cloak that covers the woman`s body from the top of her head to her feet. It is also described in those books, form the scholars of the earliest generation that after that verse was revealed, the women would completely cover themselves, leaving, for example, just one eye exposed so they can see the road. Hence, this is the outer garment of the woman that she must wear when she is in front of men she is not related to. “
Ridiculing Niqab
Allah subhana wa ta’ala says: “The hypocrites fear lest a Sűrah (chapter of the Qur`ân) should be revealed about them, showing them what is in their hearts. Say: ‘(Go ahead and) mock! But certainly Allâh will bring to light all that you fear.’ If you ask them (about this), they declare: ``We were only talking idly and joking.`` Say: ``Was it at Allâh, and His Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and His Messenger sallallahu alayhi wa sallam that you were mocking? Make no excuse; you have disbelieved after you had believed. If We pardon some of you, We will punish others amongst you because they were Mujriműn (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, criminals, etc.)” The hypocrites, men and women, are from one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief and polytheism of all kinds and all that Islâm has forbidden), and forbid (people) from Al-Ma`rűf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and they close their hands [from giving (spending in Allâh`s Cause) alms, etc.]. They have forgotten Allâh, so He has forgotten them. Verily, the hypocrites are the Fâsiqűn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh). `` (Sura At-Taubah 9:64-67)
Regardless of whether it is concerning woman`s hijab or any other matter of the Shari’a, mocking and rediculing a Muslim for holding onto and applying the teachings of Islam NO MATTER HOW DETAILED of an issue it is, OR HOW UNIMPORTANT IT MAY SEEM TO SOME, EVEN THE POINT OF MOCKING one for use of a MISWAK, that renders a person a kafer, let alone ridiculing the decent women of niqab or calling them ``ninjas`` those are the actions of disbelievers, and render anyone who commits them a kafer even if his excuse is ``I was merely Joking`` . Make no excuse; you have disbelieved after you had believed!
At a gathering during the Battle of Tabuk, one man said, ``I have not seen anyone like our Qur’anic readers who is more desirous of food, more lying in speech and more cowardly when meeting the enemy.`` A man said, ``You have lied and you are a liar. I shall definitely tell the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) about that.`` That news was conveyed to the Messenger of Allah and the Quran was revealed. Abdullah ibn Umar added, ``I saw the man holding on to the bag of the camel of the Messenger of Allah and the dust was striking him while he was saying, `O Messenger of Allah, we were just joking and playing. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said [saying the verse of the Quran], ``Was it Allah, and His Signs and His Messenger you were mocking? Make no excuse, you have disbelieved after you had believed. If We pardon some of you, We will punish others among you because they were sinners.`` (al-Tauba 65-66).
Based on this, ridiculing believers has been equated with ridiculing Allah, His Signs and His Messenger and constitutes disbelief.
I am certain that many of us have come across women who do not wear hijab and yet still possess better adab than one who does. Allah is all Knowing and all Seeing. However, that does not negate the injunctions Allah has put upon all of us that we should obey. The fact still remains that the practice of Islam is not only in words but more significantly in deed. Ridiculing any practice in Islam goes against the belief that Allah is the Creator and that He is the only one who knows the nature of His creations
Tabarruj
“O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty, then be not soft in speech, lest he is whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy or evil desire for adultery) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner.
And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves (tabarruj) like that of the times of ignorance (jahiliyya, before Rasulullah’s teachings), and perform as-salat, and give zakat and obey Allah and His messenger. Allah wishes only to remove ar-rijis (evil deeds and sins) from you, O members of the family of the prophet, and to purify you with a thorough purification.” (Surah al ahzab 32-33)
Mujahid and Qatadah say that the word Tabarruj in this verse means
walking in a lewd way. Muqatil states that Tabarruj is when a woman only
covers her head with her head with her scarf without covering her neck
and chest. Mubarrad says that Tabarruj is when a woman reveals her
physical attractiveness which she is required to hide.
Lais states that Tabarruj is when a woman does not hide the beauty of her face and her physical shape and considers it good to reveal it. Abu Ubaidah
(radiallahu anhu) says Tabarruj is when a woman exhibits her beauty and
her body in a way as to cause sexual excitement in men. Ibn Jauzi, after quoting the above statements, writes in regards to “stay in your houses”: “I believe that coming out of her house and roaming about the streets in itself is sufficient to cause trouble, let alone exhibiting her beauty and her body.” (Ahkaamun-Nisa`) Thus as much as possible women should remain in their homes.
A hadith that supports this stance is: Yahya related to me from Malik from Yahyah ibn Sa`id from Amra bind Abd ar-Rahman thats ``Aisha radi Allahu anha, the wife of the prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, said ``If Rasulullah, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam had seen what women do now, he would have forbidden them to go into the mosques, just as the women of the bani Isra`il were forbidden.`` Yahya ibn sa`id said that he asked `Amra, ``Were the women of the bani Isra`il forbidden to go into the mosques?`` and she said, ``Yes.`` (almuwatta 14.6.15)
All the criterions in the verse 33:32-33 were taught to the Wives of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) to safeguard their chastity, and since the wives of the Prophet are examples to all Muslim women, we are required to follow these Commandments. (Imam Abu Bakr Jassaas, Jassaas, vol. 5,p. 230)
“Oh you who believe! Enter not the Prophet’s houses, unless permission is given to you for a meal, (and then) no to wait for its preparation. But when you are invited, en enter, and when you have taken your meal, disperse without sitting for a talk. Verily, such behavior annoys the Prophet, and he is shy of asking you to go; but Allah is not shy of (telling you) the truth. And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen: that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts...”(33:53)
Muslims were forbidden from entering the houses of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), as they used to enter each others houses without permission in the days before Islam. Allah chose modesty and honor for this Ummah and commanded them to observe Hijab. Undoubtedly, this commandment is in respect and honor of this Ummah. (Tafseer Ibn Kathir)
Although the three Commandments in this Verse --entering the house of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) after permission, not engaging in idle talk after the meal, and observing Hijab between men and the wives of the Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam were revealed specifically for the houses of the Prophet and his Wives, these are binding for all Muslims as we are required to follow the guidance and tradition of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). The only instances injunctions are not applicable to all Muslims is if Allah Himself specifies that a particular rule is meant only for the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) and the Ummah is not subjected to it.
It is not the case here. (Ibn `Arabi, Ahkaam-ul-Qur`aan, vol. 5, p. 342) This Verse provides the permission to ask, from behind a screen (Hijab), the Wives of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) for any necessary thing, including any matters of religion. And, all Muslim women would be bound by the same rule. Beside this Verse, other principles of the Islamic doctrine also tell us that a woman, for her honor) deserves to be hidden - her body as well as her voice. (Tafsir-ul-Qurtubi, vol. 14 , p. 227)
* * * * * *
There are many more proofs and references regarding niqab. It is evident by these mentioned above that niqab is not a matter to be belittled. If anything, the niqab should symbolize the strength of Muslim women to uphold their teachings in the midst of all the evil in society.
In all attempts to revive any teaching, a visual image of resurgence is sought after in every society. The niqab should serve as that-- a symbol and remembrance for each Muslim that we as Muslims are different from the kafir, that we have a purpose in life other than material gain, that this life is just a test. Its visual effect on the Islamic resurgence should be seen as an opportunity for all of us to earn a good deed.
Zayd bin Talhah narrated that Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: “Every religion has distinctive quality, and the distinctive quality of Islam is modesty.” (al bayhaqi, ibn majah and imam malik’s almuwatta)
Allah subhana wa ta’ala said: “By the passing time, man is indeed in loss, excpet thsoe who believe, do good deeds, enjoin upon one another the keeping to truth, and enjoin upon one another patience in adversity.” (103:1-3)
So, how can people say that the niqab has no place in this day and age? when it clearly says in this ayah that we are at a loss through the time? I would assert that there is even a GREATER NEED nowadays to wear a face cover in order to give the Muslim woman the honor and dignity Allah gave the Ummul Mu’mineen.
Abdullah bin ‘Umar related that Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: “Modesty and faith exist together, when one disappears, the other also disappears.” (al bayhaqi)
There are quite a few reasons as to why there is a need to wear niqab. However only one is for certain the best intention and purpose-- to please Allah, that one believes Allah has enjoined it upon her, and that Rasulullah’s sallallahu alayhi wa sallam wives wore them. Only with that intention in any endeavor we take on can we change ourselves and purify our hearts as women as well as a community.
“Verily, Allah does not change a people’s condition unless they change what is in themselves.” (13:11)
‘Verily, Allah will most certainly support the one who supports His cause; verily, Allah is the Most Powerful and Almighty.” (22:40)
Posted by
escapist
May 3, 2000 12:23 pm
well...give the writer a break..she sure has every right to express her self.
any way..
i just read this article and i feel it pretty much says all that thre is to say about the concept of Hijab ...obviously some of you still would call it the ``different interpretation``
NIQAB
By Um Amir
All too often Muslim women in niqab are ridiculed and called names regardless of time and place. Unfortunately, a woman who wears niqab in the United States will get better reception from the kafir than from Muslims. Muslim women often call women in niqab “ninjas” and “fitna on the face”, only failing to realize that they have wronged themselves.
Allah said: “If you do good, you do good for your own selves, and if you do evil, you do it against yourselves.” (17:7)
“Whosoever does righteous deeds it is for the benefit of himself, and whosoever does evil, it is against his own self.” (41:46)
This paper was written in response to those people who say things like ``The niqab is not in Islam”, or niqab is ``bad for dawa``, as well as those individuals who scoff at it too lightly. People should understand that the niqab is from the Qur’an and Hadith. Even if you hold the view of it not being wajib it is still THE BEST thing and anyone who wears it is to be respected. Anyone who discourages the wearing of niqab or denies it being in Islam or makes fun of someone who wears it should fear ALLAH and re examine their hearts and intentions.
``Allah has sent us to deliver whomsoever chooses, from the worship of
men to the `uboodiyah (worship and servitude) of Allah. And from the
narrowness of this world, to the vastness of this world and the Hereafter. And from the oppression of the (false) religions, to the justice of Islam.`` - Sahabee Rab`ee ibn Aamir [Ibn Katheer`s al-Bidayah wa an-Nihaayah]
Religious Reference to Niqab
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the
believers to draw their cloaks (veils, screen themselves completely except the eyes ) all over their bodies.” (Surah Al-Ahzaab – Verse #59 This tafseer is Agreed upon by Ibn Kathir, Qurtabi and At Tabrani )
“And Say to the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, head cover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) (Surah An-Nur, Verses 30-31, This tafseer is Agreed upon by Ibn Kathir, Qurtabi and At Tabrani )
Generally there are two opinions regarding covering the face. One view held by the Ulema is that the niqab (covering the face) is wajib (compulsory) and other Ulema hold the view it is Mustahab (recommended and the best thing to do but not compulsory). Both scholarly opinions are dependent upon the concept of perceiving Ummul Mu’mineen, the wives of the prophet, as being an example to all Muslim women, or in a category of their own.
Be that as it may, following the etiquettes Allah taught the Prophet’s wives was the way of his companions and those that came after them. And, the best way is to follow Rasulullah’s, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, practice as well as his companions. Ibn Kathir holds that these commandments are applicable to all Muslim women. (Tafseer Ibn Kathir, Vol. 3, p. 483)
This following hadith explains when and under what circumstance the verses of hijab was revealed. The wives of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam used to go to Al-Manasi, a vast open place (near Baqia at Medina) to answer the call of nature at night. `Umar used to say to the Prophet ``Let your wives be veiled,`` but Allah`s Apostle did not do so. One night Sauda bint Zam`aradi Allahu anha the wife of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam went out at `Isha` time and she was a tall lady. `Umarradi Allahu anhu addressed her and said, ``I have recognized you, O Sauda.`` He said so, as he desired eagerly that the verses of Al-Hijab (the observing of veils by the Muslim women) may be revealed. So Allah revealed the verses of ``Al-Hijab`` (A complete body cover excluding the eyes). (Hadith -Sahih Bukhari 1:148)
After the verses of hijab were revealed certain changes took place within the society at the time. For instance, women were carried on camels in a covered Haudaj, and they only went out if their faces and bodies were fully covered as explained in the following hadiths:
`A`isha radi Allahu anha used to say: ``When (the Verse): `They should draw their veils over their necks and bosoms,` was revealed, (the ladies) cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their faces with the cut pieces.`` (Hadith - Sahih Bukhari 6:282)
“When the verse ``That they should cast their outer garments over their
persons`` was revealed, the women of Ansar came out as if they had crows
over their heads by wearing outer garments.” (Hadith - Abu Dawud, Narrated Umm Salamah, Ummul Mu`minin radi Allahu anha)
Narrated `A`isha radi Allahu anha who said, ``The riders would pass us while we were with the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). When they got close to us, we would draw our outer cloak from our heads over our faces. When they passed by, we would uncover our faces.” (Hadith - Recorded by Ahmad, Abu Dawud and ibn Majah, Narrated `A`isha. [In his work Jilbab al-Marah al-Muslimah, al-Albani states (p. 108) that it is hasan due to corroborating evidence. Also, in a narration from Asma {who was not the wife of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), Asma also covered her face at all times in front of men.)
A`isha radi Allahu anha narrated: ``May Allah bestow His Mercy on the first Muhajirat (emigrants). When Allah revealed, `...and draw their Khumur over their Juyubihinna...`, they (i.e. the women) tore their material and covered themselves with it.``(Sahih Bukhari) Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalanee, who is known as Ameer Al-Mu`mineen in the field of Hadeeth, said that the phrase, ``covered themselves``, in the above Hadith means that they ``covered their faces``. [Fath Al-Bari].
A’isha radi Allahu anha says: “(during Hajj in the state of Ihraam) when the male should walk in front of us while in the company of Rasulullah (sallallahu Alayhi wa sallam), then we would drop our veils from the head over the face.”
In addition, women were no longer required or encouraged to participate in Jihad unless completely necessary. They were forbidden to travel without a Mahram. A man who did not apply these rules on his family was called a Dayyouth.
In order to shed more light on the issue, it is just as important to look at the opinions of the scholars about Niqab.
Ibn Abbas radi Allahu anhu, who was one of the most knowledgeable companions of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, states that the Muslim women are ordered to cover their head and faces with outer garments except for one eye.
Ibn Katheer said...
‘Women must not display any part of their beauty and charms to strangers except what cannot possibly be concealed.’
Imam Ghazaali(mentions in his famous book of Fiqh Ihyaal Uloom):
``Woman emerged (during the time of Rasulullah `saw`) with niqabs on their Faces``
Jami`atul Ulema Junbi Africa sate that the proper opinion for the Hanafi madhab is that ``A woman must be properly and thoroughly covered in a lose outer cloak which totally conceals her entire body including her face!``
(This from the book Islamic Hijab by Jami`atul Ulema P.12)
It is also state in the Famous books of Fiqh Durrul Mukhtar...
``Young women are prohibited from revealing their faces in the presence of men.``
The Mufassireen, such as Al-Qurtubi, site in their Tafseer of the Ayah on Jilbab (Al-Ahzab 33:59), that the Jilbab is: ``a cloth which covers the entire body... Ibn `Abbas and `Ubaidah As-Salmaani () said that it is to be fully wrapped around the women`s body, so that nothing appears but one eye with which she can see.`` [Tafseer Al-Qurtubi].
Imam Qurtubi in his Al-Jamia li Ahkaamul Qurăn states:
‘All women are in effect covered by the terms of the verse which embraces the Shari`a principle that the whole of a woman is ‘Awrah’ (to be concealed) – her face, body and voice, as mentioned previously. It is not permissible to expose those parts except in the case of need, such as the giving of evidence…’
In Fathul Bari, chapter Hajj, a tradition reported on the authority of A`isha radi Allahu anha says: ``A woman in a state of Ihram (during Hajj and Umrah) should stretch her head - cloth over to her face to hide it.``
Sheikh ibn Uthaimin ....
“The Islamic hijab is for the women to cover everything that is forbidden for her to expose. That is, she covers everything that she must cover. The first of those bodily parts that she must cover is her face. It is the source of temptation and the source of people desiring her. Therefore, the woman must cover her face in front of those men that are not mahram. As for those of who claim that the Islamic hijab is to cover the head, shoulders, back, feet, shin and forearms while allowing her to uncover her face and hands, this is a very amazing claim. This is because it is well-known that the source of temptation and looking is the face. How can one say that the Shari`a does not allow the exposure of the foot of the woman while it allows her to uncover her face? It is not possible that there could be in the Esteemed, Wise and Noble Shari`a a contradiction. “
Jamaal Zarabozo (a scholar of Islam in the United States)....
“In Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 59, Allah has ordered the believing women to wear a jilbab. A jilbab as defined in all the books of tafseer is a cloak that covers the woman`s body from the top of her head to her feet. It is also described in those books, form the scholars of the earliest generation that after that verse was revealed, the women would completely cover themselves, leaving, for example, just one eye exposed so they can see the road. Hence, this is the outer garment of the woman that she must wear when she is in front of men she is not related to. “
Ridiculing Niqab
Allah subhana wa ta’ala says: “The hypocrites fear lest a Sűrah (chapter of the Qur`ân) should be revealed about them, showing them what is in their hearts. Say: ‘(Go ahead and) mock! But certainly Allâh will bring to light all that you fear.’ If you ask them (about this), they declare: ``We were only talking idly and joking.`` Say: ``Was it at Allâh, and His Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and His Messenger sallallahu alayhi wa sallam that you were mocking? Make no excuse; you have disbelieved after you had believed. If We pardon some of you, We will punish others amongst you because they were Mujriműn (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, criminals, etc.)” The hypocrites, men and women, are from one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief and polytheism of all kinds and all that Islâm has forbidden), and forbid (people) from Al-Ma`rűf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and they close their hands [from giving (spending in Allâh`s Cause) alms, etc.]. They have forgotten Allâh, so He has forgotten them. Verily, the hypocrites are the Fâsiqűn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh). `` (Sura At-Taubah 9:64-67)
Regardless of whether it is concerning woman`s hijab or any other matter of the Shari’a, mocking and rediculing a Muslim for holding onto and applying the teachings of Islam NO MATTER HOW DETAILED of an issue it is, OR HOW UNIMPORTANT IT MAY SEEM TO SOME, EVEN THE POINT OF MOCKING one for use of a MISWAK, that renders a person a kafer, let alone ridiculing the decent women of niqab or calling them ``ninjas`` those are the actions of disbelievers, and render anyone who commits them a kafer even if his excuse is ``I was merely Joking`` . Make no excuse; you have disbelieved after you had believed!
At a gathering during the Battle of Tabuk, one man said, ``I have not seen anyone like our Qur’anic readers who is more desirous of food, more lying in speech and more cowardly when meeting the enemy.`` A man said, ``You have lied and you are a liar. I shall definitely tell the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) about that.`` That news was conveyed to the Messenger of Allah and the Quran was revealed. Abdullah ibn Umar added, ``I saw the man holding on to the bag of the camel of the Messenger of Allah and the dust was striking him while he was saying, `O Messenger of Allah, we were just joking and playing. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said [saying the verse of the Quran], ``Was it Allah, and His Signs and His Messenger you were mocking? Make no excuse, you have disbelieved after you had believed. If We pardon some of you, We will punish others among you because they were sinners.`` (al-Tauba 65-66).
Based on this, ridiculing believers has been equated with ridiculing Allah, His Signs and His Messenger and constitutes disbelief.
I am certain that many of us have come across women who do not wear hijab and yet still possess better adab than one who does. Allah is all Knowing and all Seeing. However, that does not negate the injunctions Allah has put upon all of us that we should obey. The fact still remains that the practice of Islam is not only in words but more significantly in deed. Ridiculing any practice in Islam goes against the belief that Allah is the Creator and that He is the only one who knows the nature of His creations
Tabarruj
“O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty, then be not soft in speech, lest he is whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy or evil desire for adultery) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner.
And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves (tabarruj) like that of the times of ignorance (jahiliyya, before Rasulullah’s teachings), and perform as-salat, and give zakat and obey Allah and His messenger. Allah wishes only to remove ar-rijis (evil deeds and sins) from you, O members of the family of the prophet, and to purify you with a thorough purification.” (Surah al ahzab 32-33)
Mujahid and Qatadah say that the word Tabarruj in this verse means
walking in a lewd way. Muqatil states that Tabarruj is when a woman only
covers her head with her head with her scarf without covering her neck
and chest. Mubarrad says that Tabarruj is when a woman reveals her
physical attractiveness which she is required to hide.
Lais states that Tabarruj is when a woman does not hide the beauty of her face and her physical shape and considers it good to reveal it. Abu Ubaidah
(radiallahu anhu) says Tabarruj is when a woman exhibits her beauty and
her body in a way as to cause sexual excitement in men. Ibn Jauzi, after quoting the above statements, writes in regards to “stay in your houses”: “I believe that coming out of her house and roaming about the streets in itself is sufficient to cause trouble, let alone exhibiting her beauty and her body.” (Ahkaamun-Nisa`) Thus as much as possible women should remain in their homes.
A hadith that supports this stance is: Yahya related to me from Malik from Yahyah ibn Sa`id from Amra bind Abd ar-Rahman thats ``Aisha radi Allahu anha, the wife of the prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, said ``If Rasulullah, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam had seen what women do now, he would have forbidden them to go into the mosques, just as the women of the bani Isra`il were forbidden.`` Yahya ibn sa`id said that he asked `Amra, ``Were the women of the bani Isra`il forbidden to go into the mosques?`` and she said, ``Yes.`` (almuwatta 14.6.15)
All the criterions in the verse 33:32-33 were taught to the Wives of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) to safeguard their chastity, and since the wives of the Prophet are examples to all Muslim women, we are required to follow these Commandments. (Imam Abu Bakr Jassaas, Jassaas, vol. 5,p. 230)
“Oh you who believe! Enter not the Prophet’s houses, unless permission is given to you for a meal, (and then) no to wait for its preparation. But when you are invited, en enter, and when you have taken your meal, disperse without sitting for a talk. Verily, such behavior annoys the Prophet, and he is shy of asking you to go; but Allah is not shy of (telling you) the truth. And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen: that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts...”(33:53)
Muslims were forbidden from entering the houses of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), as they used to enter each others houses without permission in the days before Islam. Allah chose modesty and honor for this Ummah and commanded them to observe Hijab. Undoubtedly, this commandment is in respect and honor of this Ummah. (Tafseer Ibn Kathir)
Although the three Commandments in this Verse --entering the house of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) after permission, not engaging in idle talk after the meal, and observing Hijab between men and the wives of the Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam were revealed specifically for the houses of the Prophet and his Wives, these are binding for all Muslims as we are required to follow the guidance and tradition of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). The only instances injunctions are not applicable to all Muslims is if Allah Himself specifies that a particular rule is meant only for the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) and the Ummah is not subjected to it.
It is not the case here. (Ibn `Arabi, Ahkaam-ul-Qur`aan, vol. 5, p. 342) This Verse provides the permission to ask, from behind a screen (Hijab), the Wives of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) for any necessary thing, including any matters of religion. And, all Muslim women would be bound by the same rule. Beside this Verse, other principles of the Islamic doctrine also tell us that a woman, for her honor) deserves to be hidden - her body as well as her voice. (Tafsir-ul-Qurtubi, vol. 14 , p. 227)
* * * * * *
There are many more proofs and references regarding niqab. It is evident by these mentioned above that niqab is not a matter to be belittled. If anything, the niqab should symbolize the strength of Muslim women to uphold their teachings in the midst of all the evil in society.
In all attempts to revive any teaching, a visual image of resurgence is sought after in every society. The niqab should serve as that-- a symbol and remembrance for each Muslim that we as Muslims are different from the kafir, that we have a purpose in life other than material gain, that this life is just a test. Its visual effect on the Islamic resurgence should be seen as an opportunity for all of us to earn a good deed.
Zayd bin Talhah narrated that Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: “Every religion has distinctive quality, and the distinctive quality of Islam is modesty.” (al bayhaqi, ibn majah and imam malik’s almuwatta)
Allah subhana wa ta’ala said: “By the passing time, man is indeed in loss, excpet thsoe who believe, do good deeds, enjoin upon one another the keeping to truth, and enjoin upon one another patience in adversity.” (103:1-3)
So, how can people say that the niqab has no place in this day and age? when it clearly says in this ayah that we are at a loss through the time? I would assert that there is even a GREATER NEED nowadays to wear a face cover in order to give the Muslim woman the honor and dignity Allah gave the Ummul Mu’mineen.
Abdullah bin ‘Umar related that Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: “Modesty and faith exist together, when one disappears, the other also disappears.” (al bayhaqi)
There are quite a few reasons as to why there is a need to wear niqab. However only one is for certain the best intention and purpose-- to please Allah, that one believes Allah has enjoined it upon her, and that Rasulullah’s sallallahu alayhi wa sallam wives wore them. Only with that intention in any endeavor we take on can we change ourselves and purify our hearts as women as well as a community.
“Verily, Allah does not change a people’s condition unless they change what is in themselves.” (13:11)
‘Verily, Allah will most certainly support the one who supports His cause; verily, Allah is the Most Powerful and Almighty.” (22:40)
Study in Black
krashid:well..ur questions
1. how do i want to implement.
well..its is not my duty to implement this interpretation of islam as you put it.
it is the duty of the ruler to do all that..i can only implement that on my self..and for those whom im responsicble.
and of course i have autority over those.
bina:
interesting suggestion regarding men..but dont you think we should as muslim agree o those conditions for men and women which were practised in the madina during the time of prophet.
i agree on the point that some scholers do feel that covering the face is not ``fardh`` but they all agree they it certainly a good act.
by the way, i guess we can agree on the headcovering part ..cant we.
PS: my point still remains that relegious beliefs are not based on logical arguments..take hijab as part of the deal.
may you live in interesting times.
Posted by
escapist
May 1, 2000 12:37 pm
salam allkrashid:well..ur questions
1. how do i want to implement.
well..its is not my duty to implement this interpretation of islam as you put it.
it is the duty of the ruler to do all that..i can only implement that on my self..and for those whom im responsicble.
and of course i have autority over those.
bina:
interesting suggestion regarding men..but dont you think we should as muslim agree o those conditions for men and women which were practised in the madina during the time of prophet.
i agree on the point that some scholers do feel that covering the face is not ``fardh`` but they all agree they it certainly a good act.
by the way, i guess we can agree on the headcovering part ..cant we.
PS: my point still remains that relegious beliefs are not based on logical arguments..take hijab as part of the deal.
may you live in interesting times.
Study in Black
well..this is my first time here on the forum..and i think im already addicited to this..so its good bye to mIRC .
im not really good with words..so that is one thing.
i found htis discussion pretty interesting and well, for one thing i am begining to like FARANGI_KUSH`s ideas.. hmm does that make me fundo, talibanized and decadent..?!
do i really care? NO!
i think Omar mIrza`s article are in very bad taste, and i find the same hatered, and ignorence that he claims is the basic characterstic of taliban.
im not very well versed with islamic system of education that is madrassah, but according to my understanding, ppl spend around eight years over studying jurisprudence and hadith and linghuistics, which hardly makes them ``jahil`` as our friend repeatedly tells us. well, there might be lot of ulema, who are not helping islam, and perhaps bringing bad name and all, but then again..dont we have liberals like Omar Mirza, who want to ban hijab and beard and even shalwar kameez.
problem as i see it, and i may be wrong, is that we have alienated our selves from islam, and have hard time looking at our deficencies and find it more easier to blame it on MULLAHs
i hope FARANGI_KUSH would put more light on it.
now coming back to the article, i think bina has done some good writing here, but she fails to understand that matters of relegion are not based on logical arguments, though islam still remains pretty rationale.
Now considering ur self in the folds of islam, i wonder if concept of free sex really makes anysense. one should either reject the islam or follows it wholeheartedly.
O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the
believers to draw their cloaks (veils, screen themselves completely except the eyes ) all over their bodies.” (Surah Al-Ahzaab – Verse #59 This tafseer is Agreed upon by Ibn Kathir, Qurtabi and At Tabrani )
And Say to the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands dress like veil, gloves, head cover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) (Surah An-Nur, Verses 30-31, This tafseer is Agreed upon by Ibn Kathir, Qurtabi and At Tabrani )
Generally there are two opinions regarding covering the face. One view held by the Ulema is that the niqab (covering the face) is wajib (compulsory) and other Ulema hold the view it is Mustahab (recommended and the best thing to do but not compulsory)
i dont wanna make it as a sermon as some of you would point out that i have no right to propogate my ideas of islam and its personal matter. but i d still say islam does not belive in subjectivism. and i have quoted just the quran.
the truth is that hijab is not for anyone, its a identity of muslim women and the will of allah.
and that is it. if one doesnt practise it, as a muslim he must not redicule the concept. as in quran allah (swt) says.
``Was it Allah, and His Signs and His Messenger you were mocking? Make no excuse, you have disbelieved after you had
believed. If We pardon some of you, We will punish others among you because they were sinners`` (al-Tauba 65-66).
thank you
PS farungi Kush and Omar Phoenix: Allah karey Zore Qalam Aur Zyada.
allah says : ``
...and shun the word that is false.`` xxii:30
Posted by
escapist
Apr 22, 2000 02:50 am
salam all.well..this is my first time here on the forum..and i think im already addicited to this..so its good bye to mIRC .
im not really good with words..so that is one thing.
i found htis discussion pretty interesting and well, for one thing i am begining to like FARANGI_KUSH`s ideas.. hmm does that make me fundo, talibanized and decadent..?!
do i really care? NO!
i think Omar mIrza`s article are in very bad taste, and i find the same hatered, and ignorence that he claims is the basic characterstic of taliban.
im not very well versed with islamic system of education that is madrassah, but according to my understanding, ppl spend around eight years over studying jurisprudence and hadith and linghuistics, which hardly makes them ``jahil`` as our friend repeatedly tells us. well, there might be lot of ulema, who are not helping islam, and perhaps bringing bad name and all, but then again..dont we have liberals like Omar Mirza, who want to ban hijab and beard and even shalwar kameez.
problem as i see it, and i may be wrong, is that we have alienated our selves from islam, and have hard time looking at our deficencies and find it more easier to blame it on MULLAHs
i hope FARANGI_KUSH would put more light on it.
now coming back to the article, i think bina has done some good writing here, but she fails to understand that matters of relegion are not based on logical arguments, though islam still remains pretty rationale.
Now considering ur self in the folds of islam, i wonder if concept of free sex really makes anysense. one should either reject the islam or follows it wholeheartedly.
O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the
believers to draw their cloaks (veils, screen themselves completely except the eyes ) all over their bodies.” (Surah Al-Ahzaab – Verse #59 This tafseer is Agreed upon by Ibn Kathir, Qurtabi and At Tabrani )
And Say to the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands dress like veil, gloves, head cover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) (Surah An-Nur, Verses 30-31, This tafseer is Agreed upon by Ibn Kathir, Qurtabi and At Tabrani )
Generally there are two opinions regarding covering the face. One view held by the Ulema is that the niqab (covering the face) is wajib (compulsory) and other Ulema hold the view it is Mustahab (recommended and the best thing to do but not compulsory)
i dont wanna make it as a sermon as some of you would point out that i have no right to propogate my ideas of islam and its personal matter. but i d still say islam does not belive in subjectivism. and i have quoted just the quran.
the truth is that hijab is not for anyone, its a identity of muslim women and the will of allah.
and that is it. if one doesnt practise it, as a muslim he must not redicule the concept. as in quran allah (swt) says.
``Was it Allah, and His Signs and His Messenger you were mocking? Make no excuse, you have disbelieved after you had
believed. If We pardon some of you, We will punish others among you because they were sinners`` (al-Tauba 65-66).
thank you
PS farungi Kush and Omar Phoenix: Allah karey Zore Qalam Aur Zyada.
allah says : ``
...and shun the word that is false.`` xxii:30
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