The real issue: Choice between modesty and nudity

America! Religious freedom is a gift that we must honor, preserve and protect. Our claim as a great nation is not through discrimination, prejudice and intolerance, but through exemplifying the qualities of freedom, justice and equality

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Article
Source & Credit: ahmadiyyamuslimcommunityusa.blogspot.com
By Alhaj Dhul-Waqar Yaqub

Historically, African Americans have looked at the country of France with respect and admiration. When African American solders were sent to France in 1917, during WW I, they were treated with respect and consideration. The French citizens demonstrated open-mindedness toward African Americans soldiers. The recognition and respect, without marginality, demonstrated by France was in direct contrast to America's Jim-Crowism and segregation leveled at its Black citizens.

However, after 93 years France has shifted its political and social policies of democracy and equality toward 'secularism' at a cost of religious freedom. In America, where 24-30% of its Muslim population are African Americans, the respect for France has shifted to regret and condemnation at the recommendations of a French Parliamentary Report, which called for a partial ban on Muslim women wearing veils. The recommendations, if adopted, would deny Muslim women the right to cover their faces in public arenas such as hospitals, schools, government buildings and while using public transportation.

The real issue, from a Muslim's perspective, is framed around the choice between 'modesty' and 'nudity'. The non-Muslim political face may suggest that the real issue is the choice between 'religion' and 'secularism'. Secularism may be viewed as the endeavor to maintain the separation between 'church' and 'state'.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community believes that a person's choice of dress is a personal matter. Islam teaches modesty for both men and women but underlying all Islamic injunctions is the Qur'anic principle that 'There is no compulsion in religion'. Thus if a woman, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, chooses not to cover her head then that is her right but on the other hand if a woman, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, chooses to cover her head or face then that too is her right and ought never to be interfered with. This belief was echoed by President Barack Obama in a speech in Cairo last June 09. He said:

"...it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit - for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim women should wear. We can't disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretense of liberalism."

America! Religious freedom is a gift that we must honor, preserve and protect. Our claim as a great nation is not through discrimination, prejudice and intolerance, but through exemplifying the qualities of freedom, justice and equality.

Allah, bless America! 

Read the original blog here: The real issue: Choice between modesty and nudity

Alhaj Dhul-Waqar Yaqub grew up surrounded by loving family members in Michigan where he learned to fish, shoot and hunt. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era and traveled extensively during the eighteen month military duty in Europe. He accepted Islam at 23 years of age and joined the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. With the performing of the rites of Al-Hajj to Mecca and Medina in 1973-74 he again begins traveling in countries where Islam and Muslims were a significant part of the population. He lived in Kumasi, Ghana for a period of time.  He believes his importance is to be unimportant.