Source & Credit: The Washington Post
By Nusrat Qadir | May 21, 2010
"Are you hot in that?" a woman called out to me in the CVS parking lot.
Immediately recognizing that she was referring to my outer garment and head scarf, I approached her and began a pleasant conversation to answer her many questions about my Islamic attire. We ended our chat laughing over how I will never have to worry about a bad hair day or what clothes to wear.
While I walked in the store, I thought to myself how wonderful it is to have such free and open conversations, especially the kind that bring us closer in understanding one another. We discussed the idea that all people should be able to freely choose what they find most comfortable, as diversity only adds to a society's culture.
As a member of the moderate Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I appreciate the freedom to wear what I feel is appropriate, both according to my faith and my fashion sense. Having long since appreciated the freedoms of religion and worship readily available in Western countries, I feel saddened and disappointed over the sudden sweep of intolerance towards the burqa in Europe. The efforts in France, Belgium and Italy to ban the dress chosen by a limited number of Muslim women reeks of intolerance and human right injustices.
Women are now being subjected to fines, denial of health services and education and possible imprisonment if they choose to wear the burqa in public. Sadly, this infringement on a woman's right to practice her faith as she views it is just the type of intolerance displayed in Muslim countries where extremists force women to wear the burqa. Ultimately, the choice should always be given to the woman as to what she wishes to wear. The Quran clearly states there is no compulsion in religion, but we see extremists from both sides compelling women to adhere to a dress code.
Living in a society that embraces different cultures and religions, it is unnerving for me to witness Europe descend toward the practice of denying basic human rights simply based on unfounded fears. France boasts their measure protects women's rights when in actuality it is doing quite the opposite by not allowing women to freely express themselves. Hiding behind the pretense of liberalism, these countries are impeding Muslim women from practicing their faith as they see fit. Such countries claim they attempt to integrate Muslim women into their society, but the ban on the Islamic dress will further alienate them. This treads the path toward bigotry and intolerance and possibly even the extremism we are so desperately trying to avoid.
The Quran simply guides both women and men to dress modestly. Individual cultures created the traditional garments Muslim women choose to wear. Ultimately, it is up to each woman to make her choice of attire while maintaining her faith and tradition to the extent she desires. For many women, clothing is their identity. To strip this away from her is to strip her of her identity. No government should have the right to steal a person's identity, let alone their basic human rights.
My dialogue in a parking lot should be an example to those who do not understand a woman's right to choose. If you simply ask her why she chooses to wear the Islamic attire, maybe your fears will be replaced with understanding.
Nusrat Qadir is an American born Muslim working as a neonatal intensive care unit registered nurse, and is a spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA.
Read original post here: My choice, my right
Seriously a great writeup - My respect for how women brave the heat in those head scarf and burqas - I almost want to rip my shirt open to get away from the heat and you women have the commitment!!!
ReplyDeleteSalute - thank you for sharing that moment from the parking lot - I hope people around the world learn a lesson or two about tolerance