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Muslim modesty: Head coverings a symbol of faith or oppression?
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Jeb | 3:05 a.m. Aug. 22, 2009
The Muslim headscarves are a beautiful testament of faith, female modesty, and
humility before God -- just as the Latter-day Saint Temple Garments are for
followers of the True Church.
Let Your Hair Down! | 6:10 a.m. Aug. 22, 2009
It is nothing but a symbol of a greater oppression for muslim women. It is no
secret that Muslim females are treated as second class citizens by the muslim
faith. There is a resounding silence when the issue being raised is female
genital mutilation, honor killings, forced marriages, the unequal application of
hadd punishments on women, or the denial of education to girls and women. All
of these wrongs are perpetrated on women in the name of Islam. While it is true
that many of these violations occur across cultural and religious boundaries,
the only action often taken by conservative Muslims is a condemnation of the
action because it is "cultural" and not Islamic. Meanwhile, women
continue to be murdered and little girls continue to be mutilated.
Comments continue below
Bart | 6:52 a.m. Aug. 22, 2009
I am sorry, but-------not being a Mormon or of the Islamic faith, I cannot for
one minute think that the birka or other coverings has anything at all to do
with modesty. If that were true, why don't the men wear similar trappings?
Or, aren't they ever tempted to stray? Yeah, right! And, I don't
care what Muslim tradition tells you about women being free, yada yada yada, one
has only to look at Muslim societies worldwide and see that this is an absolute
falsehood. When you can't even drive a vehicle in many
places...........free? I don't think so. I think that is leftover from a
time when men had complete control over women, and by darn, they are not about
to give that sexist dominance up. Wake up ladies!
Jeff | 7:57 a.m. Aug. 22, 2009
Why do only girls and woman need to cover their heads. The hair and neck of boys
and men are practically identical. I'll never understand the strangle-hold
the Muslim religion has on billions of people. It controls their lives. It is
lesson for all the other billions on earth to value and fight for their freedom
of thought and expression.
??Faith or Tradition?? | 8:25 a.m. Aug. 22, 2009
Personally I think it is silly to have to wear the head coverings ALL the time.
In the Olympics there was a young gal that ran track and field whom wore the
head covering. It was cool that she was that dedicated to her faith, but I
believe the only reason they wear them is to stand out in the crowd, to draw
attention and to be different by following traditions. Why should woman have to
cover every inch of their bodies? There is a difference between being modest and
wearing to much clothing. I have read part of the Koran, which I find odd and
strang. It talks about what a man should do to his wife if she does not obey.
Beat her over the back with a stick.... What is that all about? Maybe the reason
they wear the coverings is to hide the bruises and wounds they suffer from their
husbands. Is this really faith or tradition?....
Caroline | 9:10 a.m. Aug. 22, 2009
No doubt there are Muslim women who deliberately choose for their way to dress
and are happy with it. But in the vast majority of cases it is being forced on
them by male tyranny, by fathers and brothers, and is the most visible sign of
their subjection. I've lived for years in Europe. Principals and teachers
in schools there know what these girls often endure. To defend their
"tradition" out of respect is a way to continue their exploitation.
Tekakaromatagi | 9:12 a.m. Aug. 22, 2009
If they want to do it, that's fine. Why does a woman wear a low cut dress,
stilletto heels and a miniskirt. To stand out.
If they dress the same way in their country where everyone does the same, then they aren't doing it to stand out.
The hair of a man is the same, but why is it OK for a man to show his chest on the beach, but not a woman. Our culture has assigned a meaning to a woman's chest that is not assigned to a man. There is no logical reason other than it is our culture. The same applies to them.
The only thing that I object to is that they should not cover their face when they drive and their photo id should show their face and they should provide a photo id just like everyone else. Sometimes the face needs to be shown.
It is cultural diversity. I don't believe in the Quran, but I'll respect and support that they want to do that.
Tekakaromatagi
If they dress the same way in their country where everyone does the same, then they aren't doing it to stand out.
The hair of a man is the same, but why is it OK for a man to show his chest on the beach, but not a woman. Our culture has assigned a meaning to a woman's chest that is not assigned to a man. There is no logical reason other than it is our culture. The same applies to them.
The only thing that I object to is that they should not cover their face when they drive and their photo id should show their face and they should provide a photo id just like everyone else. Sometimes the face needs to be shown.
It is cultural diversity. I don't believe in the Quran, but I'll respect and support that they want to do that.
Tekakaromatagi
It's All About Free Will | 9:12 a.m. Aug. 22, 2009
Many religious traditions have aspects that guide what followers do. In the LDS
tradition what a person wears is also a strong part of day to day obedience. The
key in my mind is free will. There will always be a certain level of guilt from
family or other members of the religion to do certain things but there should
NEVER be actual force to do or wear anything within a culture. If a muslim woman
CHOOSES to cover herself then that is great - in the same way LDS or Jewish
women and men wear and do certain things within their cultures. But as a society
we must stand up against forced religious behaviors.
Religious freedom | 9:25 a.m. Aug. 22, 2009
I'm grateful that Muslim women in America who choose to wear the hijab are
generally allowed to do so. Those of us who are Mormon should have an
appreciation for the value of respecting religious practices that we do not
personally understand. Our constitutionally guaranteed rights to exercise our
religious beliefs are part of what makes America great. In France, where I was
a Mormon missionary, Muslim women are routinely discriminated against for no
better reason than that they're wearing a scarf on their head. I hope
Americans will not be so intolerant. This is an important practice to these
people and it need not prevent us from doing business or making friends with
them.
oppressed by who??? | 9:33 a.m. Aug. 22, 2009
"Society wants women to have shiny hair, to be thin and have nice
skin," she said. "You see teen girls bingeing and throwing up food,
suffering from self-esteem issues and I always wonder how that is not a form of
oppression."
Spot-on TRUE!
I think there is a ONE HUGE difference between the oppression of Islamic women and the oppression of American women: one is done by men, the other by women.
In Islam, it seems, the oppression comes from the men. In the U.S., the oppression comes from other women.
My wife is somewhat overweight. This is not a problem for me; she looks attractive in her clothes, and has received compliments for her looks by other men. It is how the other WOMEN look at and treat her that is the issue. An entire thesis could be written on this point, but we are limited to only 200 words...
Bottom line: it is okay for women to oppress other women, so it's not an issue (in the news and such). In fact, NEITHER kind of oppression is okay -- we just hear about one while the other is ignored!
Spot-on TRUE!
I think there is a ONE HUGE difference between the oppression of Islamic women and the oppression of American women: one is done by men, the other by women.
In Islam, it seems, the oppression comes from the men. In the U.S., the oppression comes from other women.
My wife is somewhat overweight. This is not a problem for me; she looks attractive in her clothes, and has received compliments for her looks by other men. It is how the other WOMEN look at and treat her that is the issue. An entire thesis could be written on this point, but we are limited to only 200 words...
Bottom line: it is okay for women to oppress other women, so it's not an issue (in the news and such). In fact, NEITHER kind of oppression is okay -- we just hear about one while the other is ignored!
Just popping in to say | 9:50 a.m. Aug. 22, 2009
Clearly it is easy to misunderstand a part of another culture to which we do not
relate. However in America one has the RIGHT to practice one's religion.
Please do not be harsh with another doing what is part of his or her religion.
Many religions of the world have dress that separates them "from the
world", Catholic priests, nuns, Jewish, Amish, LDS, Muslim just start the
list. Culture includes dress, Samoans, Tongans, Japanese, Hawiians come to mind.
Americans and most Europeans express identity through individual dress. Allow
religious dress to be expressions of individuals who honor it. Peace to all.
Gary | 10:19 a.m. Aug. 22, 2009
All I can say is, thanks for dressing modestly. It shows respect for your body
and your beliefs.
shawillli | 10:20 a.m. Aug. 22, 2009
I would suggest that the Savior said it best when he counseled his followers to
set themselves apart by their actions, not by their style of dress. I would
suggest that our actions will always speak louder than our words or our style of
dress. The counsel to love our neighbors is still in force and to serve with
love and to accept differences in our world, but to always make sure that if we
call ourselves followers of Christ that people will know we are by the daily
life we lead. The world has a style of wearing a cross around their neck and
that is their way of letting people know they believe and are followers of
Christ. I respect their right to wear the cross, but again to follow Christ will
always be more than the wearing of a cross, it will be in the way we live our
lives. A muslim woman may make a statement in her dress but that is as far as it
goes, a true belief will always stand out in a crowd by their actions,not just
by their dress.
John Pack Lambert | 10:34 a.m. Aug. 22, 2009
I am with the 1:02 commentator.
I think this is a very good article. The notion that women are "forced" to wear the hijab, and that it restricts their freedom is over-much. People who choose to follow rules do so of their own free will and choice, not because they are forced to.
Whether the hijab is a worthwhile thing, I am not sure. However, if a women choses to wear it, she should not be discriminated against for doing so. These women are not oppressed, the only oppressors are the French government who will not allow them to practice their religion.
I think this is a very good article. The notion that women are "forced" to wear the hijab, and that it restricts their freedom is over-much. People who choose to follow rules do so of their own free will and choice, not because they are forced to.
Whether the hijab is a worthwhile thing, I am not sure. However, if a women choses to wear it, she should not be discriminated against for doing so. These women are not oppressed, the only oppressors are the French government who will not allow them to practice their religion.
when they can get away with it | 10:37 a.m. Aug. 22, 2009
men will suppress women ... women have been, and often still are, treated as
mere property ... when i was in saudi arabia for a blessedly short time, i was
often told that women were "dirty" and "disgusting" ... men
do this because they are afraid of the power of women ... that is why it is so
sad when women themselves buy into the oppressions of religion and society..
agreed | 10:52 a.m. Aug. 22, 2009
Maryam made a great point about how American women are oppressed. There is
discrimination right and left based on not fitting the "attractive"
ideal in this country. Thing is, the worst pressure for going under the knife,
improper nutrition, excess exercise and spending vast sums on
"miracles" comes from a girl's/woman's peers. In our
individual failure to measure up and our own efforts to fit the ideal we start
critiquing and criticising others who don't seem to be putting forth enough
effort.
It's sickening.
It's sickening.
Face only, not hair | 1:03 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009
If a student was sent home from school for wearing a t-shirt with a Bible
reference, there would be a public outcry over freedom of speech and
expression.
How is this any different?
I do agree that there are times when one's face needs to be visible, for the safety of being able to identify people, should a crime or other infraction of the law occur.
But the covering of the hair doesn't affect anyone else at all.
How is this any different?
I do agree that there are times when one's face needs to be visible, for the safety of being able to identify people, should a crime or other infraction of the law occur.
But the covering of the hair doesn't affect anyone else at all.
AB | 1:17 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009
Stop justifying bad behavior by pointing to other bad behavior.
If women are oppressed in Western cultures by fads/styles/looks/etc. -- it is wrong. That doesn't make the oppression of women in Islamic cultures any less wrong. You won't even address the issues of female circumcision, forced marriages, honor killings, et. al.
Why so silent? I thought you 'cared' so much about these women, their welfare, their rights.
Or do you care most about *appearing* tolerant, non-judgmental, enlightened.
(To say every woman wearing the covering is doing it of their own volition is the height of sanctimonious conceit. How in the world do you know. Most of us are at least willing to admit some have free will and some do not.)
If women are oppressed in Western cultures by fads/styles/looks/etc. -- it is wrong. That doesn't make the oppression of women in Islamic cultures any less wrong. You won't even address the issues of female circumcision, forced marriages, honor killings, et. al.
Why so silent? I thought you 'cared' so much about these women, their welfare, their rights.
Or do you care most about *appearing* tolerant, non-judgmental, enlightened.
(To say every woman wearing the covering is doing it of their own volition is the height of sanctimonious conceit. How in the world do you know. Most of us are at least willing to admit some have free will and some do not.)
AB | 1:23 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009
...and while we're on the subject of comparing religious/cultural
suppressions --
ever seen the faces of Afghani girls who've had acid thrown in their face for daring to defy the Taliban clerics and attend school?
Oh, I'm sorry, am I offending your self-loathing liberal Western sensibilities.
ever seen the faces of Afghani girls who've had acid thrown in their face for daring to defy the Taliban clerics and attend school?
Oh, I'm sorry, am I offending your self-loathing liberal Western sensibilities.
Kristen | 1:46 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009
This is the reason that the Middle East and the Western world have such a
difficult time getting along.
Their religious practices are sacred to them, why does it matter to us? As Americans we tend to always think we are the only ones living the "right" way. Their society is a complete 180 to ours, but that doesn't mean it's wrong. Just different. If only we took the time once in a while to try to understand instead of just passing judgements.
The world would be such a better place!
Their religious practices are sacred to them, why does it matter to us? As Americans we tend to always think we are the only ones living the "right" way. Their society is a complete 180 to ours, but that doesn't mean it's wrong. Just different. If only we took the time once in a while to try to understand instead of just passing judgements.
The world would be such a better place!
As a woman | 1:59 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009
I would defend a Muslim woman wearing a head scarf by choice. I object to
burkhas. They are dehumanizing.
Religion uses women to control men. That's why there are often stricter dress and behavior codes for women. Religion controls women through their children.
If women would stop taking responsibility for men's behavior then religion would lose much of it's manipulative power.
Religion uses women to control men. That's why there are often stricter dress and behavior codes for women. Religion controls women through their children.
If women would stop taking responsibility for men's behavior then religion would lose much of it's manipulative power.
To: Kristen | 2:20 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009
It matters to us because Muslims extremists are killing people and blowing stuff
up all over the world in the name of Islam and to get Infidels to convert. It is
not just "different". I'm sorry, but the west DOES have a better
society and way of life. That truth may hurt. Look at the map. Which countries
are war torn, and have been for many years? Islamic ones. Whose people are
starving, the Middle East/Islamic countries or the west? The Middle East, even
with the oil that they have. Which abuses women and gives them no rights? The
middle east.
freedom | 2:25 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009
The thing is, it is not just a simple expression of religion to be covered,
because Islamic women are going to be coerced by their family to be even if they
are living here in America. They will be brainwashed into thinking it is immoral
and impure to not be. If they could have a choice to express their relgion, that
would be different.
When in Rome | 3:35 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009
It's attention-getting, that's for sure. It's just not done
here. When in Rome . . .
Anonymous | 3:58 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009
Why don't you publish an article about how Madison Ave., Hollywood, and
Hugh Hefner has contributed to women's clothing in the USA and abroad (no
intended pun).
Shannon | 4:03 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009
Freedom? Just try to liberate yourself as a Muslim girl, by refusing to wear the
required dress or go on a date with a boy. In most cases you will be treated as
a whore, locked up at home, beaten, and in some countries die in an "honor
killing".
Those who defend these islamic traditions "out of respect" for their culture have no idea what is going on in the world. Of course, it's easy to close our eyes and say "peace to all".
John Pack Lambert said: "These women are not oppressed, the only oppressors are the French government who will not allow them to practice their religion." Please study the issues. The approx. 6 million Muslims in France have all the freedom to build mosques and practice their religion. But the French government, after years of studying and debating the issue, has decided to protect in some limited cases the separation of Church and State the Republic has fought so dearly for. To prevent Islam to establish sharia law in some city areas. To prevent that France could become Saudi Arabia over time. The U.S. would do the same if threatened similarly.
Those who defend these islamic traditions "out of respect" for their culture have no idea what is going on in the world. Of course, it's easy to close our eyes and say "peace to all".
John Pack Lambert said: "These women are not oppressed, the only oppressors are the French government who will not allow them to practice their religion." Please study the issues. The approx. 6 million Muslims in France have all the freedom to build mosques and practice their religion. But the French government, after years of studying and debating the issue, has decided to protect in some limited cases the separation of Church and State the Republic has fought so dearly for. To prevent Islam to establish sharia law in some city areas. To prevent that France could become Saudi Arabia over time. The U.S. would do the same if threatened similarly.
Wow | 5:25 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009
Maysa Kergaye, c'mon. We're not that stupid. Women aren't
considered equal under Islam. They can't even go outside the house without
a man in some countries, like Saudi Arabia. America, wake up! They are lying to
our faces.
Tessnim Ahmad | 5:26 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009
Islamically, men must also adhere to a modest dress code, so outlined in the
Quran and in As-Sunnah (=teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him).
Adherence to this code is perceptibly evident in countries like Saudi Arabia and
Pakistan in which bearded men are seen wearing long robes ("dishdash")
and hat-like head coverings ("kufi"). However, American Muslim men
may not choose to observe such dress because they might be viewed as the
oppressor, whereas women, the pitied oppressed. So is the story of the
un-bearded men in my life, anyway.
As a Muslim woman, I certainly acknowledge oppression against Muslim women, often behind the cover of Islam (what better justification than relgion?). Yet, we must not create an unjust double standard by looking to religion when Muslim women are oppressed and to faulty, spontaneous human behavior when, say, Christian women are oppressed.
Plainly, if Islam preached the subjugation of women it would not be one of most populous religions. The Quran is there for anyone who wishes to uncover the peace of Islam. Otherwise, "to you be your religion, and to me be mine." (Quran, 109:6)
As a Muslim woman, I certainly acknowledge oppression against Muslim women, often behind the cover of Islam (what better justification than relgion?). Yet, we must not create an unjust double standard by looking to religion when Muslim women are oppressed and to faulty, spontaneous human behavior when, say, Christian women are oppressed.
Plainly, if Islam preached the subjugation of women it would not be one of most populous religions. The Quran is there for anyone who wishes to uncover the peace of Islam. Otherwise, "to you be your religion, and to me be mine." (Quran, 109:6)
Let's be nice to each other | 6:44 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009
Some groups went astray from their own religion. Other groups followed. Sooner
or later we will all be out of orbit. Who is going to be help us. Moreover, if
you think matters can be recorded nowadays with savvy computers, and even more
so in the future, there is an Incomparable Deity who records good and bad deeds
with accuracy and honesty Who is much better than us. We are created and not
creators. Please be merciful to your own souls and do not marathon to hell.
Annoyed | 4:04 a.m. Sept. 3, 2009
Excuse me but some of these comments are completely stuffed up. Western society
= not good
who invaded Iraq. Look at the UN that in itself is seriously wrong.
it is culture not religion that affects the Middle Eastern nations. islam does not say women are dirty and disgusting, and besides do western men really treat women better?
who invaded Iraq. Look at the UN that in itself is seriously wrong.
it is culture not religion that affects the Middle Eastern nations. islam does not say women are dirty and disgusting, and besides do western men really treat women better?
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In the United States, we have explicit constitutional guarantees of religious freedom that generally allow us to live according to our personal interpretation of our religious beliefs. For Muslim women, this usually means that they are allowed to wear a hijab if they so desire. There have been cases where this right has been challenged, but almost always judges have ruled on the side of the Muslims.
I much prefer the American approach to the French one. Let these women exercise their constitutional right to practice their religion as they see fit.