As an occasional teacher of English to Muslim students but, now, resident in an English-speaking country (Equally, acknowledging the existence of our French-speaking cousins), I feel justified in making the following suggestion or request for, at least, two reasons. Firstly, our language must not be ignored because of its essential effect on accurate communication in our multi-ethnic society and, secondly, there needs to be opposition to some misinterpretation in translation by extreme individuals of other cultures.
There is an increasing backlash against the wearing of certain clothing for (so-called) religious reasons. From a language point of view, specifically, I shall focus upon shawls and scarves, known as a hijab in some foreign languages. And, that, is my first point; if the discussion was about the wearing of a scarf or shawl, either around the neck or over the head, would there be so much heated discussion? I doubt it. Therefore, let us start speaking English.
Of course, the real problem is hiding the face, but that is a completely separate matter from the point of view of identification and security ... and has nothing to do with religion.
Here, I should be pleased to quote from an authorized English language version (Wikipedia) of the Qu’ran. I am sure that it will cause some surprise.
“And say that the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, etc. ...”
“O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them. That will be better, so that they may be recognized and not harassed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.”
Sura 33 (Al-Ahzab), ayah 59, Qur'an
However, there are many different interpretations of what "modesty" requires. The Qu’ran admonishes Muslim women to dress modestly and cover their breasts and genitals. The Qu’ran explicitly states that "O wives of the Prophet, you are not like anyone among women" (Qu’ran 33: 32) and as such has separate rules specifically for the wives of the Prophet. However, many people often mistake it for rules for all Muslim women. The Qu’ran has no requirement that women cover their faces with a veil, or cover their bodies with the full-body burqua or chador. The Qur'an does not mandate or even mention the hijab (A scarf).
Comments are not only welcome but requested.
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