Source: Illume Mag
Beginning on April 11, France began enforcing the controversial burqa ban, fining and arresting women who fail to comply and continue to wear the burqa or the niqab – the full face veil. The country is now the first European Union nation to enforce the ban, and the law as well as the corresponding debate have ignited supporters and critics on either side. Below, Nabiha Meher Sheikh, a freelance writer based in Lahore, explains why she supports the ban:
I support the burqa ban. There, I said it. As someone from a Muslim family that banned any sex segregation or dress code four generations ago, this ban is a positive development. Allow me to use my own family’s example to explain why.
My grandmother belonged to an ancient Muslim family, known as the Mian family of Bhagbanpura, who claim they arrived here in the 8th century. They were also known as the Mad Mians due to their eccentricity and the fact that the birth of a baby girl was at times celebrated with more gusto than a boy. The family has been called “matriarchal” because of the overwhelming amount of strong women who cannot be told what to do. It is shocking for those who have never seen a family where women are not secondary to the men, where even inheritance is divided equally and not according to patriarchal norms.
According to sources, the Mians settled in Lahore over a thousand years ago and until today, are all buried in an ancient graveyard behind the Shalimar gardens in Bhagbanpura. I’ve always admired them because they have never been afraid to evolve and adapt. Moreover, unlike relatively recent converts, the Mians never felt the need to “prove” how Muslim they were. They were, and still are, safe and secure in their identity.
However, this wasn’t always the case. The Mians, like most Punjabi families, were once deeply patriarchal. The women were kept in the home, married off very young and were expected to be breeding machines for the clan. They were silent, hidden away, and voiceless. In contrast, the Mian women today aren’t faced with the same pressures of marriage and children. We are educated, empowered, and highly independent. The men in the family do not believe they have the right to control us or tell us what to do.
All this changed because of one simple broken tradition: banning the veil. In my opinion, the veil is a symbol of patriarchy, of male dominance and is based on the principle that women’s God given bodies are not meant to be seen for they will lead to chaos. The presence of women in the public sphere threatens patriarchal symbols and patriarchal norms. The easiest way to oppress us is to lock us away or make us invisible under burqas if we dare invade that space.
Begum Iffat Ara, Nabihas Dadi (paternal grandmother)
My grandmother had as many rights as the men in her family. In the 1940s, she married a man she chose, one who treated her as his equal and not his subordinate. She was also more educated than the vast majority of women in India at the time. She was fierce, strong and independent, riding horses in breeches, sword in hand. She had the freedom to do things that arguably many in burqa do not. They do not get to feel the wind in their hair. They are faceless objects of patriarchy’s triumph over women.
The burqa, in my opinion, is indoctrination and not a choice. Someone who is brainwashed to believe that it is a choice will always maintain that it is. I say this because it’s not an Islamic requirement. As a Muslim feminist, I believe that in order to get ahead, we have to constantly reinterpret for ourselves. The re-emergence of the burqa should be condemned in the loudest possible terms. We should not let anyone take us back to where we become objects to be concealed instead of active citizens. While I know my views may be controversial, I believe that encouraging the burqa drags us back into the past.
France is a secular democracy. The people have spoken, Islamophobic or not, and their message is loud and clear. It is not the “we don’t like your kind” message propagated by those with a persecution complex, but a plea to assimilate and become part of French culture instead of living in isolated bubbles. The world is tired of our persecution complex and I don’t blame them. I have to go through demeaning visa processes in order to prove my innocence thanks to these privileged Muslims, citizens of the first world, who can travel where they please.
Am I saying that Islamophobia doesn’t exist? Of course not. But I can also guarantee that in France, if you act like someone who is receptive to their culture, you will be treated quite well by the vast majority of the population. But if you choose to walk around in a tent, which even to me represents oppression, then you will in effect further perpetuate Islamophobia.
What is the burqa but a symbol of indoctrination? Islamic history is full of strong women who defied the patriarchal norms, but sadly, all this information has been suppressed & hidden from history. By examining Muslims herstory over history, we can clearly see that veiling isn’t an essential practise; it is a choice.
So what is my problem with choice then? I realize it is anti-feminist to judge a woman based on her dress. However, I echo commentator Yasmin Alibhai-Brown when she said, “Why should society be tolerant of a mark that women are evil temptresses or packages whose sexuality has to be controlled?… There is self-segregation going on and this garment is a symbol of that.” I know I will be judged as “illiberal” but the woman who dons a burqa also looks down on the woman who is “immorally” dressed. She judges me for living in “male” clothes. She thinks, and sometimes says, that I’m destined for hell. Pray tell me why I should respect such a woman? Pray tell me why I should be tolerant of the intolerant?
The contribution is the sole opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the opinion of CHUP. If you would like to contribute a piece to CHUP, please email Kalsoom at changinguppakistan[at]gmail[dot]com. Pieces should be no longer than 800 words please. For past contributions, click here.
To quote your own words “veiling isn’t an essential practise; it is a choice.”
What happens to that choice when a woman of her own free will wants to adopt that choice ? And where do the tall claims of “freedom of expression and speech” evaporate ? …In thin air ?
Don’t you see the contradiction in what you wrote?
Given the vast majority of Muslims don’t do such backward practices, banning it is letting the normal Muslims be freer and more part of France. Why would I feel “isolated” and “resentful” about the ban? I don’t want modern people associating Islam with these backward tribal practices. If some want to practice burqa-wearing, let them go back to the pind and do it there. I am liberated by burqa-ban. Ataturk was freaking correct! These backward types need to be dealt with with a firm hand.
Muslims have no more “right” to wear burqa in public than Jain holy-men have to go naked in the Jardin de Luxembourg.
Remember, rights are not absolute. They are trumped by other important values at times.
Yeah…a choice…but not a 100% free-will choice. They have been brainwashed into thinking that they MUST wear the burqa.
And I agree, these women who wear the burqa, they do judge the women who don’t, and very harshly at that might I add.
If they were more educated, and were “allowed” to interpret Islam themselves, maybe they would realize that there is no need to wear the burqa in a country such as France or the US…anywhere that is not an Islamic State basically.
By wearing such gear in mosaic societies, the women actually draw more attention to themselves and thus defeat the initial “purpose” of wearing the burqa in the first place!
Only 0.003% of France’s population (2,000 women) wear the burqa.
All this ban has achieved is further resentment & isolation within the growing Muslim population in France.
Bhai aap chhaa gayee haiN. CHHAA! GAYEE! HAIN!!!
Thank you jee. Big compliment!
Cringe-worthy generalization: “The Mians, like most Punjabi families, were once deeply patriarchal. The women were kept in the home, married off very young and were expected to be breeding machines for the clan. They were silent, hidden away, and voiceless.”
Maybe that was true for the Mians, Blar!
On your other comment, I actually come out against the Burqa Ban because I see it as a human rights issue – I don’t think the government has the right to dictate what someone can or cannot wear and I think the ramifications of the ban has polarized the issue further. That being said, I was really interested in Nabiha’s perspective and her well-articulated stance because it was on the other side of the spectrum. I think she made some really great points!
That’s great for the Mians, but please don’t use MOST and only apply it to Punjabis.
Sorry, but I thought it was an offensive generalization.
It’s true though that the vast majority of families are still patriarchal. It may sound like a sweeping statement, but it’s based on fact.
I would like to be informed of the many non-patriarchal ancient Punjabi families please. Were there any? Or even one or two?
Punjabi culture is deeply patriarchal. It’s getting better, but the level of sexism is still very high.
As opposed to what? Liberal matriarchal families in Khyber Pakhtunwa. Sindh, and Balochistan?
Enslavement is not a choice. That’s my perspective. I’ve explained why I’m against it & acknowledge this might lead to more radicalisation.
In order to empower the Muslim woman, the author feels it is reasonable to dictate her choice of clothing rather than give her the freedom to choose? How does that make sense?
I don’t wear any form of veil, but just as I believe I should be able to walk around in clothes that reveal my body, I should also be able to (if I so choose) walk around in clothes that cover me from head to toe. It is hypocritical to suggest otherwise.
Durre-
Thanks for your comment – I’d invite you or anyone else who stand on the other side of the issue to contribute a piece as well
Give fair platform to everyone, I say.
Truely irrational feminist
Are u saying feminists are irrational?
HAHAHAHAHA. This is just hilarious.
Could you please elaborate how many times you pray in order for us to know if you are the RIGHT muslim to follow?
Just for future reference, I won’t tolerate comments that aren’t conducive to genuine dialogue on this post. How on earth does elaborating how much you pray qualify someone as a “right” or “wrong” Muslim?
“The burqa, in my opinion, is indoctrination and not a choice. Someone who is brainwashed to believe that it is a choice will always maintain that it is. I say this because it’s not an Islamic requirement. As a Muslim feminist, I believe that in order to get ahead, we have to constantly reinterpret for ourselves. The re-emergence of the burqa should be condemned in the loudest possible terms. We should not let anyone take us back to where we become objects to be concealed instead of active citizens. While I know my views may be controversial, I believe that encouraging the burqa drags us back into the past.”
This generalization is problematic on several levels simply because it is not true. I know a lot of women who have either been forced to wear it or worn it by choice. The ones who were forced to wear it were faced with the challenge of how to break out of it without losing the respect of their families and friends (and some were successful and some were not). Surprisingly though, those that CHOOSE to wear it also had to face the challenge because their families and friends thought on similar lines to you, that women who wear burqas are brainwashed, behind the times, and backward. I think the smart ones are those people in society that let women dress THE WAY THEY WANT. Wearing or not wearing a burqa SHOULD NOT be an indication of your intelligence or the level of your “modernity”—the sooner we start stop seeing the burqa as a social construct and just see it as a cloth, the better off we all will be.
As for it being an Islamic requirement: the burqa is not stated as the thing to do but the Quran is explicit about the fact that women should cover themselves and dress modestly, only revealing hands, feets, and the face—hence the burqa can very logically be seen as an Islamic requirement. I have my own issues with this but I can just clarifying a point.
By advocating for a ban, how exactly are you reinterpreting yourself?
You can still be an active citizen when wearing a burqa. By making it a barrier to political activism, you are essentially ignoring the potential of the woman within.
That said, you are free to support the ban but I would find your article more convincing if you had used more logic to prove your point instead of broad generalizations that just encourage and reinforce stereotypes.
How is burqa NOT backward? What has a burqa-clad woman ever contributed to science, society, or humanity? It is ridiculous that you want to relativize this to some mere “choice” like whether to wear blue or gray socks.
Actually two of the best mathematics and physics teachers I had in college in Karachi wore burqas. They were educated (both had a masters in education from Karachi University, and the physics one had actually worked as a scientist before turning to teaching full-time), smart, intelligent, and clearly balancing a career and families (I know they were both married but not sure if they had kids).
Another family friend of mine runs a charitable school in Korangi in Karachi where she teaches fifth graders for free every day. She also manages a hospital in the same area with her husband. She is one of the most well-read woman I know! And I know her well enough to know she is another intelligent and educated woman who I consider a role model, despite the fact that she wears a burqa.
A colleague of my father’s wears a burqa–and she is an anatomist at Kuwait University. She got married when she was 20, has 4 kids, AND a Ph.D. in Anatomy. Does she wear a burqa? Nope…she wears a NIQAB!
Please don’t misunderstand what I am saying. I am NOT saying that burqas should be a requirement. What I AM saying is that a woman should be free to wear whatever she wants! So what if it is a burqa?
Of course, I realize that burqas are used to suppress women–no doubt about that! All I am trying to stress is that banning the burqa is not a feasible solution to stop such practices. In fact, I think it eggs uneducated men on–those men who are stupid and feel that a woman can and should be suppressed.
And just fyi so you don’t think I’m some burqa-clad fundamentalist: I do not wear a burqa–never have and never will. No one in my family does either, and has not for at least five generations, if not more.
Sahar,
Interesting that you end by noting your family hasn’t worn burqa for 5 generations. Do you not think they are the better for it? I would say congratulations to you! Why deprive backwards people of the same opportunities to advance in life? It is not only France where the burqa should be banned, but Pakistan too. Look at how much more advanced and more civilized Turkey is than we are. They have universities that are not laughed at in the rest of the world. They have good engineers and high-tech damns. We have floods and illiteracy and misery.
Ataturk is who to emulate. We “liberals” have been playing the “tolerance” game for far too long; our “tolerance” is not reciprocated, instead it is exploited by the mullahs and their uneducated followers. We need to exercise our whip-hand to accelerate modernity. No apologies. No compromise. Start by rounding up, trying and executing these thugs who attack Shia, Ahmadis and other minorities. These thugs have no place here. Send them to hell. Modernity can beat backwards people–look at history.
Out of my long response, the only thing of value you found was that my family does not wear burqas?! Come one! Also, if someone did decide to, I would support them.
And: “We need to exercise our whip-hand to accelerate modernity. No apologies. No compromise. Start by rounding up, trying and executing these thugs who attack Shia, Ahmadis and other minorities. These thugs have no place here. Send them to hell. Modernity can beat backwards people–look at history.”
How exactly are YOU being tolerant?
[...] at CHUP! Changing Up Pakistan highlights Nabiha Meher Sheikh, a freelance writer based in Lahore, who explains why she supports the burqa [...]
I advocated against the ban on the same counts as you Kalsoom in my weekly column for sify.com here http://goo.gl/7Ak9X
But Nabiha’s perspective on the issue is an interesting one and and u say, very well articulated.
Raheel
I am like in 110% support of Burqa Ban – since it symbolizes a FACT of suppression of humanity on soooo many levels, does not make for a human right issue at all. To equate Burqa as a matter of choice is akin to equating Slavery too as a human rights issue. After all, if someone is willing to allow self to be enslaved… see where I am going with this?
Also, I use naked Amazonian tribe too as an example. Considering, that in the nude it totally norm for these peeps, do you think these peeps be allowed to run around in the nude in Paris? Lahore? Medina? Rome? (In San Francisco MAYBE!) or, do you think that peeps visiting the Amazonian tribe willing to take off clothes? (anyhoo I digress)
Burqa is an abomination – for millions of women it is anything but choice… what about them?
Cheers Nabiha – you have my support!
This article is only based on author’s personal opinion without any facts or figures or proof. If she hates the burqa, then she is more than welcome to not wear it but to force her personal opinion on others is pretty similar to the so-called patriarchal men who force women to wear veils that she is vehemently opposing.
And if i were to agree with her opinions, then why should we limit this argument to muslim women only. Why not extend this argument to nuns? Then we should say that the nuns are brainwashed too. That they are concealed from the society too. They can’t feel the wind in their hair either. Nuns should give up their garbs to be more receptive to the French culture. And encouraging the nuns to cover themselves up takes us back to the stoneage.
Again I reiterate, a personal opinion, nothing else.
This story has less to burkha episode, but is meant to show a the story of integrating into societies different from ours. i have a friend of mine and his wife, both nurses, from India, working for the Australian, health department. Posted at a small beach side community, away from Melbourne, they lived their lives without any racial slur, amongst a typical Anglo Australian community, both husband and wife used to visit old people at home and take care of them, even though they were not expected to do so, thereby earning the love and respect of their adopted homeland. Two years back a unique episode happened. A couple of Punjabi boys, students by name, but with the only idea of securing an Australian citizenship started dropping on the beach, ogling girls etc. the girls complained to the boys, who challenged them to a fight in the local pub. Hurt the Punjabi boys, were cared for by my friend, who advised them, about their behavior and reform it to be in Australia. The answer he got was “Randi jaysi pahni he to kya devi samjhun” ie if she is clad as slut, do you want me to consider her a devi! Islam teaches us submission to more permanent ideals, than material desires, that wither away. The best burkha that is, lies behind your eyes. The choice is to accept withering desires or stand behind permanent truths. Fundamentalist Muslims of today are idolizing ..the social conditions that existed in 7th century AD, when little girls used to be buried in sand! It is said here in India that when a boy is educated he finds a job, but when a girl is educated, a whole family stands educated. If i have come across as a sanctimonious Hindu, the fault is only personal. Good luck to you, God bless.
Comparing a Nun’s dress to Burqa is misplaced and incorrect… Nun’s outfit is more like Hijab… please try again.
I don’t think so…I think they are similar!
Huh? once covers the face and other does not… how does this OBVIOUS and HUGE difference makes it similar?
I think it’s important to remind everyone too that the hijab is not banned, just the niqab or burqa – does that change things at all?
Ovais–I think you’re referring to the niqab that covers the face. A burqa does not. And a hijab is just a head scarf.
Nuns choose to seclude themselves from society, give up marriage, and live pious lives. They do not wear a burqa, and more than anything else, they have been part of French society far longer than burqa wearers.
The nun’s clothing resembles a hijab & not a burqa.
First you say
>>>The burqa, in my opinion, is indoctrination and not a choice.
Then you say
>>>By examining Muslims herstory over history, we can clearly see that veiling isn’t an essential practise; it is a choice.
Please make your mind up as to whether it is a choice or not. Furthermore, why is it that if a woman is semi-nude, it is due to choice, and if she s covered, she is forced.
Why is it that the “latest” in women’s fashion is always changing? Why is it that women wear high heels even when it hurts (don’t tell me short women do it, you know better).
Are you aware of the brainwashing that women have received, from TV, movies, and magazines, for women to be dressing semi-nude, so that fashion and diet industries can make millions.
Furthermore, why is it freedom when a woman dresses semi-nude for every Tom, Dick, and Harry to ogle at?
This comment is a gem. Too precious to reply to.
[...] In Support of the Burqa Ban – Nabiha Meher Sheikh [...]
if “enslavement is not a choice”, as the author has argued, should the french government ban bikinis and g strings too?
i agree that the burqa is stupid, and personally i hate it. still, someone may choose to wear it, without being brainwashed. ultimately, it’s about choice and freedom of expression. if that’s your thing, and it’s not hurting anyone, then it’s wrong to make it illegal.
since we are such liberal Enlightenment buffs, shouldn’t we pay some heed to the great Voltaire, who said “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it”?
@Javed: Burqa clad women have contributed to bringing up good sons and daughters. How is that not contributing to society and humanity? Children are lucky who get their mother’s love, as compared to those who go to work after dumping their children with maids and servants
I don’t know why you would think that a child raised by a mother who can’t interact with the world outside of her household in a way other than that of a Martian would be a good influence on the child, but to each his own. Especially if the kid is expecting a career in space research, where he or she will encounter alien civilizations.
No, on second thought, I’ve had enough of to each his own. Ban the burqa already. “We” have the $$, but are currently lacking the will. Our opponents have the will, but not the $$. Once we get a backbone, we will crush them. The ordinary Pakistani will go with us once we show we have the will to win. Talibs, etc. are small in number, actually.
Oh Ataturk, we will honor your example. We will ban the burqa, and the hijab at the schools!
@Javed
Probably you won’t feel ‘isolated’ or ‘resentful’ about the ban, but a woman who is sensitive about her attire DEFINITELY will by such a marginalizing slap.
What right the state has got to dictate a dress code for the citizens and impose ban on something perceived as modest by some individuals and brings no harm to society at large ?
To bring about a positive change, you need to change the perceptions and attitude rather than imposing bans and unfair actions.
Delirium,
From what are you deriving the conclusion that burqa “brings no harm to society at large”? That is precisely what I deny. Facial expression, etc. is a big part of “society”–that is, interactions between people outside the home. Do you think there would be no harm to society if all face-to-face meetings were banned and people could only interact over the internet? Teamwork, trust, humor are all important facets of the modern world/modern economy. Burqa has no place in modernity, because it inhibits (purposely–to protect female chastity) all of these.
Do you want an advanced Pakistan that gets along with other countries, or not? Let’s put our cards on the table. If no, I put you in the enemy camp. If yes, then the burqa has to go, just as though even though my distant ancestor was an Imam in Indonesia, I can’t show up to a meeting at my bank wearing just a penis-sheath like they do in Papua New Guinea! Maybe if we had kept abreast of science we could have more influence over international dress norms. But you know who set us back on that front? Yep, the pro-burqa crowd! Yep, Britishers taking over was a sign of decline not the cause.
“Do you want an advanced Pakistan that gets along with other countries, or not? Let’s put our cards on the table. If no, I put you in the enemy camp…………….”
Sounds too much like Bush and his pre-iraq rhetoric.
Javed if you think a ban could be enforced in this country without any real trouble at all (Talibs are small in number), I assure you more than half the country would be standing against such a ban, even if their women dont wear the burqa, they would still be standing against it. The reason if not obvious to you, would never be understood by you.
I would suggest the path to modernity lies towards education. The burqa or its persistence in our society might be a result of the lack of modernity stemming in turn from the lack of education, but it is NOT the cause of the lack of modernity.
I’m with you partway–the burqa may be more symptom of backwardness than cause of backwardness. But, symbols matter, and we need to seize the symbolic high-ground of modernity.
You’re probably right that many Pakistanis oppose a ban on the burqa. But, they must be dealt with with a firm hand. This is not an issue for referenda or democratic politics. It is the right fight to pick, b/c it nicely separates those who must be taught a lesson from the modernists. I have had enough of accommodation. The other side has, through bombing and assassination and fighting the army, crossed a red line. It is time to crush them, unapologetically and with malice.
You’ve made a very good case for why women shouldn’t be forced to wear the burqa, but not a good case for why the government has a right to make that decision!
Fair enough. It was based purely on personal experience anyway. Thanks for the feedback. Interesting to know how it’s being seen.
If someone wants to live in a theocracy & dress the part, then they should move there. Many Gulf Arab states will welcome these women with open arms.
For those saying it’s a choice, well then they have the choice to leave someplace where they can’t practise what they believe. Saudi Arabia comes to mind. Oh, but wait: they won’t be able to reap the benefits of the West!
by the same logic, if somebody lives in pakistan and does not abide by the islamic faith, that is, if they are ‘secular’ or christian or hindu, should they be forced out of the country?
forcing somebody to LEAVE a country because of the way they dress is not really giving them a ‘choice’. just goes to show the hypocrisy of your argument and of racist european liberalism – “we are going to force you fascist sexist muslims to become as democratic and free as us. we are so feminist even though we have nothing but contempt for women.”
also, i would encourage you to pick up a book on the history of french and more broadly european colonialism before making any statements about muslims ‘reaping the benefits of the West’. countries in the third world, including muslim countries, occupy marginal positions in the global economy and had been politically occupied for centuries before decolonization in the 40s. after all this, can you really say that those ungrateful muslims are reaping the benefits of the muslim world, or is it the other way around?
also, doesn’t the fact that you are supporting a state as racist as france and a government as conservative as sarkozy’s itself give you pause?
*i meant can we say that muslims are reaping the benefits of the West
yes, by that logic, I think all secularists should save themselves now and get out. I plan on spending a whole year away- maybe only spend a week or two here because I know I’m unwelcome & not wanted. I refuse to become a Wahabi or illogical so I’m out.
Just because the ban is connected to Sarkozy, doesn’t mean I support him. That’s a fallacy. And just because he did it, doesn’t mean I should back off & pretend I have different feelings.
The world is not black & white. Even the most so called “evil” people do some good. And when they do something I agree with, I will not be a hypocrite just because I know people will oppose me for it.
I am no Zardari supporter but here’s one thing I will always thank him for: passing the sexual harassment bill. Regardless of how I feel about this as a person, I see this an incredible step forward and will not reject this bill just because it came from Zardari. To do so would make me a hypocrite.
Islamic history is full of educated and independent women leaders who rode horses, were expert in the art of swordsmanship and lead the nation at the time of crisis but at the same time didn’t find veil as a symbol of oppression or patriarchy for that matter.
One such example is of Bibi Zenab (AS) granddaughter of the Prophet (SAW). After the tragic battle of Karbala, it was Bibi Zenab who lead the caravan of Ahle Bait and its followers. Her courage against the tyrant Yazid and his army is a prime symbol of resistance. It was her leadership, teachings, sermons that majorly contributed to make Karbala a symbol of resistance against tyranny till this date.
The point that should be noted here is the importance of veil in the life of Bibi Zenab. Those who have read the history of Karbala are aware that after the Yazidi army assassinated the men in the battle, they captured the women, took away their veil and made them walk in the markets of Syria to insult them. Here the symbol of tyranny, oppression and humiliation was depriving the women of Holy Prophets family from “THEIR” right to cover “THEIR” faces and head.
Being a man I don’t have the right to decide what a woman should wear but forcing women not to follow a certain dress code is a practice that was executed previously by Taliban. France can impose any rule in their country they like, but a law that deprives a woman from her life style and freedom to choose; should not be valued at any level.
Sakina, the Prophet’s granddaughter, refused to cover herself or even wear a hijab. She is one of the ones removed from history also because she married multiple times. She wrote her own nikkah namas and none of her husbands could remarry while they were married. When one tried, she sued him in court.
However, everyone’s going to say the above is “lies” because it has been, like I said, removed from history, but we’re finding it in herstory.
If this has been removed from history than how is even herstory finding it? I’m genuinely interested in knowing so it would be great if you can pass on some sources!
I honestly haven’t read about it but you surely have. Would you mind providing the book reference.
But just for argument sake we assume this example authentic, even than its one example against multiple examples in the history of Islam where independent and educated women like Bibi Hajra (Prophets first wife and independent business woman), Bibi Fatima, Bibi Zenab, Hazrat Ayesha, Hazrat Maryam (Jesus Christ’s mother) etc. “preferred” taking veil.
My only question is: Why are you so against the idea of giving women the right to choose?
Thank you for this post, it is wonderful that positive awareness is on its way and beginning to change how people think.
Of course this law is just a step to discourage the use of the niqab in public, it is not in any way against the use of niqab in private places. Therefore, the “niqab issue” is not solved with this law.
I do not support the niqab, I believe it is a barrier, however, many females in western countries provide counter arguments : http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article6721729.ece
I think the niqab was NEVER a religious symbol, contrary to the headscarf which is worn in many Muslim countries and I especially admire the Malasian women for advancing with it. Unfortunately, the niqab has been ironically an identity symbol, eventhough it hides identity and individuality. However, it must not be forgotten that with this ban and the previous debates on headscarves in England and other western countries, the niqab has become a highly political issue, overly exploited by the French right wing government!
Maybe this harsh law was needed to jolt people, but it does not solve the niqab issue in Pakistan,nor provide an example for tackling the issue.
Thanks Kalsoom for putting this controversial issue of Burqa ban on the CHUP.
Observing a rise of radical Islam and right wingers in European societies, Christopher Caldwell, a journalist reporting on Muslims in Europe concluded : “It was not just that young Muslims were assimilating too slowly into European culture as the generations passed, it was that they were dis-assimilating.” What we are witnessing today is a shift from a Muslim to an Islamic identity. The religious self for individual Muslims is being shifted from the private to the public realm. That causes great discomfort with Europeans who has fought bravely to separate Church from the state.
Take this Burqa case : Societies having people with diverse religious backgrounds are bound together partly by informal chance relations between strangers – people being able to acknowledge each other in the street or being able pass the time of day. The anonymity of the burqa takes the uniqueness of face away from the woman.
That is the greatest objection to Burqa as it becomes a symbol of submission in the eyes of progressive religion (progressive on the basis of emergence of people who questioned authority of religion over an individual);
Women’s choice should be governed by their own will. In prevalent practice, it is mostly older men – learned or unlearned – who assume the right to determine how a woman should appear. And the right of choice comes through free and rational thinking. And those who speak about the choice of woman can count the number of woman wearing skirts in the same “free choice” family and ghetto environment.
You are too correct that : “The presence of women in the public sphere threatens patriarchal symbols and patriarchal norms. The easiest way to oppress us is to lock us away or make us invisible under burqas if we dare invade that space. ”
Only chaos it will create that is status quo of patriarchal rules !
Once the society starts covering women up, how the threshold for what is found sexually attractive changes, soon even a glimpse of an ankle becomes sexually provocative.
Kalsoom your article on mortenson was pretty harsh. however the guy never seemed like totally straight person. Heartbreaking isnt it!!
If the Burka is so essential for being a “good Muslim,” will someone explain to me why it is not allowed to be worn at Mecca during Haj.
Because during Hajj, people go there with the sole intent to worship Allah SWT, and at that time no one is going to look at women.
@Javed
Trust me, if you believe burqa or hijab is the single most critical determinant hampering Pakistan’s growth; it is NOT! If you ask me, there are issues of much larger scale and magnitude confronting Pakistan.
There are a number of women who are playing a positive role in the development of the nation and will continue to contribute through their veils without making their facial expressions public or maintaining eye ball to eye ball contact.
I do not consider the women camouflaging in veils the enemy of Pakistan just as I do not consider those, who are stretching backwards beyond limits to justify an act of supression by a foreign govt. infringing upon the seizure of human rights just to uphold their liberal tag.
I am rapidly shifting from liberalism to fascism thanks to my beloved peoples’ intransigence. As I said, we need to follow Ataturk. It is the only way out of this swamp of backwardness.
And for the last time, the burqa is not a human right. You can’t interpret rights so extremely. Yes, I have a right to personal safety, but an enemy can justifiably kill me during a just war. Yes, we might have a right to choose our clothing, but extreme variants–burqa, nakedness, are not included in that right, just like free speech doesn’t mean I can yell “fire” in a theater.
It is time to pay back the girls of the Lal Masjid. We need a group who goes around and beats women who *do* wear the burqa. Fight fascism with fascism.
Hail Ataturk.
It is a nice effort as far as piece of writing is concerned but i feel sorry for her as far as her opinion is concerned . I felt that she needs some serious research on an Islamic Issue…
@ Ahsen And you need to get out more.
I will try it dear… experiments could even lead to disasters.
O my dear Muslim brother and sisters
Why you take tension of banning Burqa.
You people are lucky now to ban the
cross locket and scarf taken by the
Nuns in the churches of Muslim countries
like Pakistan.
Once we will ban their signs in our countries
then they will surely allow us to wear our
dress codes.
@ Mulla
Before u ban anything else could you please make Pakistan safe to live for muslims? It is not even possible to be a muslim in pakistan.
@ Mulla tolerance is one of the basic teachings of Islam so please don’t interpret your own version of Islam.
Unlike uninformed people commenting, I did my research and although I acknowledge it’s anecdotal, it is meant to be as it is a representative example. There is more to Islamic history and interpretation than the oft regurgitated male perspective only. Patriarchy has been read into our religious texts. Hudood anyone?
Kalsoom / Nabiha: You should just disable the option to comment if all of us are uninformed.
Ok ok. I dont think Nabiha’s comment was directed at you. This is obviously a very heightened and sensitive topic so let’s all take a DEEP breath. I think the discourse on this post has been really great so far actually.
So if I speak against the ban, and point out how it is actually against liberal norms to ban something in the first place, I am uninformed and brainwashed? Well, that’s news for me!
Sorry if my comments offended you Nabiha. I respect your opinion even though I don’t agree with it.
No that’s for all the ones saying I’ve written it without research. Had this been an academic piece, I would have incorporated it, but this was a personal reflection. They are separate genres. I guess I shouldn’t assume people would know that. It’s an erroneous assumption on my part.
That was just one final regurgitation of that point, which is this: you may not agree with my perspective, but that’s because it’s an alternative one which is controversial. To dismiss it and imply I’m being blindly ignorant just reflects on people’s linear thinking & world view. I’m not even going to bother with the next one.
One last thing: there is a lot more to Islam than the exclusive Wahabi perspective. My ancestors were deeply Muslim but rejected the veil based on religious interpretations. They didn’t just decide “oh look the Brits are here, put on a dress!”
@Javed: Are you serious? Burka clad women have no interaction with the outside world? Even if I am to assume that what you say is correct for a second …
Q1. Is a mother’s love according to the amount of interaction she has had with the outside world?
Q2. You say the burka is backward. Is backwardness or progress measured by the amount of clothes on a woman’s body? (according to your theory, the less the clothes, the more the progress).
@Kulsoom: If feminism is rational and about equality, why is it that men give up their seats for women? Why do men hold doors for women? Why ladies first? Equality is only applicable when it works for women’s advantage. Do correct me if I am wrong. Thanks.
They only interact with the outside world like a Martian interacts with a human. This stunts the development of children. Witness the great cultural, scientific and economic success of our children raised by burqa-wearers.
No, I’m not trying to get women to wear bikinis all the time! If you cannot understand the socially-stunting effects of the burqa, I have nothing more to say to you. The burqa is *designed* to stunt social interactions of its wearer (to protect their chastity, which will be ruined by interactions with non-family members).
You can welcome to witness the number of criminals raised by non-burka wearers.
Most of the males who have commented on this post have come across as closet mullahs if you ask me. They reek of misogyny, even as they self-righteously quote examples of historical women from our Islamic past. It’s about time spades were called spades, though I fail to see how brainwashed men and woman (and there are plenty of those) will ever be made to look at things differently.
It’s a futile debate, but a necessary one.
Wow. And how do they reek of misogyny? Not one male has said that burka is an Islamic requirement, let alone believe in forcing a woman to wear one.
Hmm….you’re right. I guess I just jump to conclusions!
It’s very nice of you to be so honest.
I do not know how often it happens, but it would be better for a woman to be free to go out from the home, but burqa-clad than to be forced to remain indoors because burqas cannot be worn.
But do look up in Google images, the pictures of nuns in France. Their faces are not covered; but for the rest, how it does not satisfy the most orthodox Islamic requirements for modesty in dress is beyond me. In that sense, the burqa ban ought to be a non-issue.
(e.g., Sarkozy meeting Catholic nuns:
http://www.islamophobia-watch.com/storage/Sarkozy%20with%20nuns.jpg )
That is completely illogical. You can’t just gloss over the difference between face being covered and uncovered.
Coming soon to the streets of Islamabad and ‘pindi.
Lashkar-e-Javed (LeJ). Women wearing burqas in public to be beaten with sticks. For despoiling our homeland with their backward ways. Payback for the Lal Masjid “chicks with sticks.” Watch for it, bros and sisters.
Hail Ataturk.
Are women who wear burkas not free to go outside?
I guess you need to rephrase your title – In Support of Burqa Ban “here”, should be added to give this absolutely misleading article/post some philosophical meaning [or whatever you thought on what it should portray].
Kindly do your research and put it up correctly in your passages so it contradicts less. It simply translates to frustration, in my humble opinion.
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (jalabib) close round them (when they go abroad)…” (33:59)
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms…”(24:31) ”
“… And when you ask of them (the wives of the Prophet) anything, ask it of them from behind a veil. . .” (33:53)
(1) pull cloak around you does not equal pull over your face!
(2) cover bosom does not equal cover face
(3) sounds like the *questioner* (male or female) should be behind a veil when speaking to the Prophet’s wives, not that the wives should have their faces covered. Plus, does not apply to today’s women, who are not the wives of the Prophet!
Thanks for helping confirm the burqa as a backwards tribal practice not sanctioned by Islam!
This comment adds little to the debate, however I am reminded of one phrase in an article on this topic – the writer typed ‘I will support their right to wear a burka when they also campaign for the right not to wear one for muslem women’ (or words to that effect). Yes in many ways a foolish comment – however it has one truth which is from a PR angle. If you really wanted to conduct an anti ban campaign you would do it from an organisation that did seriously speak on that issue to negate many of the suspicions and negative points that could be used against you (of course you would be accused of lying as most believe those that willingly wear the sack secretly think those that don’t are off to hell etc – yet another view you would have to counter).
I completely support the ban and look forward to other countries in the west following France’s example.
Dear Miss Nabiha Meher, You have well played with quite good words and reasons. But the fact is that you have totally mixed an Islamic instinct with the pathetic traditions of the regions. These are not the arguments which could even pull it off a bit.
You seems to be thinking that all women having veil are unwillingly wearing that; so untrue. In west women are more stronger than you having worn burqa. They do by their wish because they can see and listen the religion from heart. May Allah guide us all and strengthened us to see the way a momin does. Ameen
We should ban the dress code of Agha Khani and Bohri communities in Karachi for the same lame reasons put forward by a wannabe learned lady. No wonder Talibans are every where, even among so called liberals
LOL who is this is guy Javed. Go learn some arabic first before you can comment on Arabic verses. No wonder pakis are always the slaves to white people. tsk tsk…..just because you look brown or may be an immigrant doesn’t give you the right to talk about Islam. So this is what is called “burger families” in pakistan? tryin to hard to be “western”..someones on an Identity crisis.
I am no more the slave of white people than you (why do you use the kaffir’s computer, oh pure and non-Westernized one???), nor am I the slave of the typically racist, boorish and stupid Arabs (as in LOW IQ) you seemingly admire.
I have the right to talk about Islam b/c I am a Muslim.
> I know I will be judged as “illiberal” but the woman who dons a burqa also looks down on the woman who is “immorally” dressed. She judges me for living in “male” clothes. She thinks, and sometimes says, that I’m destined for hell. Pray tell me why I should respect such a woman? Pray tell me why I should be tolerant of the intolerant?
@Nabiha: I’m sorry but I can’t figure out how you know what she thinks.
As far as what she says is concerned, maybe you had a bad experience with one woman who told you that are destined for hell (even though I doubt it). Based on this, how can you call all burka clad women intolerant. There are millions in the world. Are all of them intolerant? Another thing is, there are many women (and men) who do not wear the burka, but are free to call burka clad women as illiterate, backwards, and God knows what. I’m sure burka clad women are tolerant about that.
When I first heard about this burqa ban in France, as an American christian woman, I basically ignored it. I have very little knowledge of the Muslim faith and did not give the French law any thought, since I thought it did not affect me at all.
But one day, i was looking at an artist rendition of Mary, the mother of Jesus in Christian religion. Although I have seen this picture hundreds of times, for the first time I noticed that the woman depicted as Mary was wearing a veil. Some type of covering of what Muslim women today would call a hijab plus a full body dress. It covered her complete body with the exception of her face.
As I think about it, I do not ever remember seeing a picture of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, revealing her hair!
Now, knowing that in ancient times, Mary was a Jewish woman living in an Arab world. She was dressed according to the custom at that time. Or was she?
I began to wonder how much of her covering was a reflection of her Jewish piety and what was a reflection of the oppressive patriarchal society of her time.
In Catholic religion (as I am), some nuns wear a veil that cover their head, hair and full body, exposing only their face. This has nothing to do with patriarchs. It is worn as a reflection of their Christian piety.
In Islam, many women wear a variety of veils reflecting their Muslim piety.
Yes, the burqa looks and feels extreme. I think for any woman, it poses obvious difficulty eating in public, keeping cool in heat and using your face to express yourself to another person.
But does the French ban speak to removing this element of patriarchal oppression? Will the women wearing the burqa get that?
Or does the French ban impose difficulty on women who are expressing their religious piety, no matter how extreme?
Look at some Catholic nuns, even Buddhist monks who live completely invisible to the world. They live in cloistered communities away from television, internet, phone and their own family. Is that extreme?
I think the French ban is useless and will not go anywhere.
The real issue is WHY these women wear the burqa.
A good piece of writing yes, but patronizing and derogatory on many counts.
In reply to the article and the comments that favour the ban on niqab, let us decide one thing first and get it out of the way. Are we Muslim? Not just a simple, inherited profession that there is only One God worthy of worship and that Prophet Mohammad (saw) is His final Messenger, but a profession of our willingness to then obey the final message that God sent and His Messenger lived out for us. Whether our individual logic accepts it or not, whether the majority of the civilized world agrees with it or not. Decided? Let us continue.
Contrary to popular belief today, everything in Islam is not open to debates and adaptation. What is clearly mentioned in the original unchangeable sources of law, the Quran and sunnah, is not open for discussion. We cannot simply shun a certain law because it SEEMS impractical to US in this day and age. For God to have revealed an eternal guidance for mankind, not a letter of which has changed in over 14 centuries and will never change, would become ludicrous and redundant then. Yes certain things have been deliberately left to our own understanding and situation and just like other fields, we have scholars who have reached a consensus and explained the legalities to us, within the boundaries of Islam.
Read the complete reply on my blog:
http://thewritebrew.blogspot.com/2011/04/reply-to-article-supporting-burqa-ban.html
In reply to your article, a lovely sister wrote: http://thewritebrew.blogspot.com/2011/04/reply-to-article-supporting-burqa-ban.html
If you say all us women who cover have been brainwashed into believing we have to, I find it a very non-feminist statement as you are implying that women are truly brainless as supposed by some men, that they have no reasoning powers of their own, that they are mere unintellectual pawns in a game. This seems very patronizing to imply that all the brains and logical thinking was portioned out only to the feminists and modernists “who know better than to cover.” Yes it is a choice many intelligent, educated and sensible women make but a choice in obedience to a Will superior to our own and we are proud to submit our whims and fancies to Allah, instead of to what the men are demanding women wear and what the glossies say we should bare this summer. By calling it indoctrination, are you challenging Divine Will?
Pls read my complete reply to this article on my blog
http://thewritebrew.blogspot.com/
Its sad to see the amount of assumptions made by both males and females on behalf of “burqa and niqab” clad women when they really have no experience in this regard. I took up the niqab at the not so tender age of 24. None in my family had done so previously. I was not a rebel, not dissatisfied (mentally, emotionally or physically) and definitely not forced into the decision. I have a degree in software engineering and have worked as a programmer in a software house. My academic records have been very good. I have 2 sons and none of them reflect any qualities of being aliens. I write the above not as an ode to myself but only a glimpse into the lives of many women like me. Alhamdulillah, we are empowered and not mutilated or degraded through the veil. I pray you would take the time to actually get to know ‘real’ hijabi people versus the ‘mythical’ ones you have been introduced to.
PS. Brainwashed – BAH!
awesome reply to your article:
http://thewritebrew.blogspot.com/2011/04/reply-to-article-supporting-burqa-ban.html?spref=gb
I would like to reference your article in a paper that I’m writing, but I would like to know if this was published or edited at all. Can you please tell me?
Thanks.
I edited this piece (Kalsoom) for the purpose of CHUP, Priyanka. Hope that helps.
bhurkha is right of women.