10-27-2006

As you can probably tell, I am devoting today's blog to the raging debate over Muslim women wearing niqaab and kimaar. The debate started from comments made by a British politician, and a case with a British sister fighting to keep her position as a teaching assistant while continuing to wear kimaar and niqaab. Unfortunately, see lost her case (may Allah (SWT) reward her for her convictions in this life and next). Her story illustrates the need to establish and support quality Islamic education institutions in the west. It not only provides a strong foundation for future generations, they strengthen the local communities infrastructure by providing religious friendly employment.

Nevertheless, at this point you may begin to wonder what does that have to do with Muslims here ( I know many probably aren't wondering this, but this is for readers who are), but the answers is simple. No matter where we are in the world we are the Ummah of Rasoollah (PBUH). This means that we should not be concerned with nationality or tribalism (although many of us are still working through this). Also, because we have had instances here in the past where sisters wearing niqaab or kimaar has become an issue. What we do not want is to be placed in a situation where our ability to freely practice our religion has become eroded over time. First it will be no veils, then no hijabs, then what will be next? How will Muslim sisters be able to guard their modesty and not look like those who don't? Unfortunately, many non-Muslims appear to be intimidated by the mere appearance of someone who is modest. I believe that this is because it reminds them how much modesty is absent from their appearance. I could be wrong, but I don't think so. I think that it is funny how those amongst them that guard their modesty, like nuns, the Ahmish, or Jews who actually follow Judaism, don't decry the hijab and veil as tools of oppression or barriers to integrating into western society. I believe that at the end of the day, if you are a minority of any kind ( ethnic, religious, or cultural) you will never truly integrate into western society. Once more "They will not be pleased with you until you believe as they believe". Anything short of that only garners disrespect and ridicule in many cases. On the flip side of the issue, we could always use such discourse to educate non-Muslims about Islam.

On a personal note, I admire our Muslim sister who choose to cover. In today's world it makes them a lighting rod for the ignorant and misinformed in our society. It is easier for many Muslim men, especially those without Arabic names or beards, to appear as non-Muslim to non-Muslims. This is not the case for our mothers', wives, sisters, and daughters. They are the everyday face of Islam. Much respect due.