Honest?
I don’t think I am capable of answering honestly to you. I am not that good at English. I’ll probably be at the end of the day really frustrated about the amount and quality of my writing, and how many things I had to skip because of my lingual difficulties. And normally I don’t think I’d say something like what you suggested in your question, at least not so bluntly. But here it goes; burqa is a symbol of oppression. Now it is only about backing it up.
There are couple quotes from Koran that I’d like to bring up.
I’d recommend reading this first;
USC-MSA Compendium of Muslim Texts
And here is the source;
USC-MSA Compendium of Muslim Texts
Chapter 24, verses 30-31
(Look for 024.030-024.031)
Chapter 33, verse 59
(Look for 033.059)
These references and a one tradition in which the Prophet Muhammad is quoted saying; “...If the woman reaches the age of puberty, no part of her body should be seen but this – and he pointed his hands and face” are traditionally considered as the main reasons and explanations for the need and requirement of the female Muslim dress.
What I find strange is that the veil became more popular during the second Islamic century, but the veil was more of a status symbol showing how a certain family had the means to let the women stay most of their time at home and assume the protective veil. One could say that throughout the Islamic history part of the urban classes have been veiled and lived secluded lives. However, the majority of Muslims, rural and nomadic, did not wear the veil and were even allowed to go in towns unveiled. It was about this time when people started to interpret “draw their veils over their bosoms” as a requirement to cover ones hair, neck and ears.
In truth, it wasn’t until the tenth century when wearing a veil became more obligatory and other laws were set on women decreasing their liberties when compared to the earlier centuries, putting them at greater disadvantage towards men. As example; during the Mamluk’s rule in Egypt the strictness of veiling increased and the women’s rights to participate in the live outside their homes decreased. Merchants were encouraged not to trade with women, who didn’t wear appropriate clothing.
In Muslim culture and religion, there are also dress codes for men. These are not as concealing and Muslim men are only required to cover their bodies from their navels to their knees, however, most Muslim men would feel rather uncomfortable wearing shorts or showing their bare chests in public. The clothing is also required to be loose just as it is with women, so it will not reveal the figure. Based on news broadcast, the male dress doesn’t seem as obligatory. Another bomb exploded in Baghdad, news are reported by various broadcasters and around the world it is shown how Muslim men wear tight t-shirts and trousers. Of course there are still those who wear the traditional clothes, type Mecca in google image search.
When lack of human rights are reported in western media, especially when it is about the Muslim women’s disadvantaged position compared to the men’s, all faults and errors are reported and as normally pictures of those in weaker position re shown. So there is now a connection made with veil and human rights violations explaining why it is at times shun. Yet, the veil can be a human rights violation by itself too, if it is forced to wear based on government legislation or by if not wearing one, one would risk personal health.
Sometimes it is left down to Muslim women themselves to decide what kind of veil they want to wear, if they want to wear one – and that is how it should be for every single Muslim from Morocco to Indonesia. I would also prefer burqa being forgotten for good, because it limits you too much in the everyday day life. People talked before about driver’s licences, they got point, but they also forgot the fact that wearing a burqa limits the area of sight.
I guess I could now state that as far as Koran and female Muslim clothing are concerned, I’d say it is enough to cover your bosom and neck. That it is what reads in the book.
CM wrote:Coot and Silur - forcing someone to wear a burqa is just as bad forcing them to take it off. The key issue is force. Saudi Arabia is a hell hole for women's rights and should be punished for it. But the problem is that Europe should never be in competition with Saudi Arabia for who violates more human rights.
Yes, it is well put. But I wouldn’t say that the key issue is force. I’d leer towards how wearing one or not wearing one will affect your life. If approach it like that instead of considering it as a matter of force. I think something can be done. And hopefully someday people can wear hijab, al-amira or shayla just for their own religion and by their own choosing.
