What do you think of Islamic women veiling?

Question

Details to be added after some answers.

In what would form part of a 'New Testament', St.Paul obligated the then common practice of the veil for all women: 'And every woman who prays or prophesies with her hair uncovered dishonors her hair - it is just as though her hair were shaved. If a woman does not cover her hair, she should have her hair cut off or shaved off, she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image of glory of God; but woman is glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.[1] For this reason and because of the angels, woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head. (I Corinthians 11:4-10)

Answer 1

The Hijab is not a sign of oppression for women. It also does not symbolize weakness. The Hijab represents our faith. It represents our strength. We don't conform to what society wants us to do. Imagine the number of stares Muslim women get and they still wear it. Muslim women are aware of the negative connotation surrounding the Hijab but they understand the meaning behind it and still wear it. It takes a strong women to do that. Also, the Hijab puts Muslim women on a pedastal. The Quran tells Men to lower their gaze. It allows Men to focus on our faith, our personality, and who we are rather than our beauty or lack thereof. It prevents us from sexual desires with people we do not know. It is like women are precius gems that should not be touched. I am a Muslim woman and I thank Allah that I am.

Answer 2

Well, not fair... Islamic men can enjoy our beautiful women, but we cannot enjoy theirs.

If women prefer the vail, then let them wear one, but certainly, we should not encourage religious fundamentalists to dictate women wearing veil. Also, veils are not desired in many situation - working in office, playing sports etc. On the other hand, veils assume that the woman is going to be inactive, and stay home, and only come outside occasionally. That should certainly not be tolerated.

Summary - if they want to wear one, thats OK, but no law or force should be allowed in the land, to make it mandatory

Answer 3

i agree with the statement above but I also have something to add, I think that all women should have a choice, while keeping your heritage and your culture a part of your life is a great thing I see nothing wrong with it there, but if you don't also welcome changes then we all would still be living in the dark ages... without risks our society wouldn't have the medicine we have today... you have to open up your mind, while embracing your culture you should also welcome change because without change the world would not advance, but also keep in mind that not all changes are for the better... The world is always changing therefore I see no reason for Islam to also change, but if you dont keep your culture and your heritage then future generations will loose a part of who they are... Therefore i cannot say yes or no, but what i can say is that everyone should have the choice :)

Answer 4

I think the idea stems from something good, but I, personally, believe it's extreme.

Read again what St. Paul said. He said she should cover her HAIR when PRAYING to God. Which is what my religion observes. As a Traditional Catholic I wear a veil in Church always.
And St. Paul didn't say they should cover their faces.

Answer 5

First to Lemi- Veiled women get raped also.
Now. I think they should have the choice. If they feel it is a good thing for them then they will do it. To force someone to wear a veil just doesn't seem right.
Love & Light
Sharon
One Planet = One People

Answer 6

I personally believe it's a matter of choice. A Muslim woman gets to choose whether or not she wants to veil. Eventhough some may argue that it is a must "wajib" and support that with the verse "ayah" in which Allah (SWT) orders Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to tell the women in his family & "banat al mu'menin" to cover (veil included).

Answer 7

Insecure men love it.

Insecure woman love it to.

Isnt it true that the most religious woman in Islam are always the most henious vile things? Thats no coincidence.

Islam is a religion devised by and attractive to insecure people. It controls the objects of their insecurity...the secure people.

Answer 8

I think it is wrong to be forced on them. I think they should have the choice to wear a veil. I have seen Islamic women that wear veils here in the US, where they are not legally required to, and I am fine with that.

Answer 9

I admit my ignorance up front about Islam and about veiling. That said, I want very much to visit Muslim countries, talk to people, make friends, and ask questions. I want to travel as an open-minded, curious, non-jugmental American and as a teacher, and I want to be able to go back to America and to my students and say, I was there, and I talked to people. Hopefully one summer I can do this.

Part of veiling honestly strike me as a protection racket. If you don't do this, then x, y or z will happen to you. So people comply, thinking it's not that bad. But the ultimate question is, who will protect us from the protectors? But like all rackets, more and more restrictions and conditions are imposed, to the point of fascism.

I don't agree, being an educated, career-oriented, forward-thinking, progressive, liberal and feminist Western woman, that women need protecting from anything. We should not need protection from men; men should self-regulate their own behavior. It is ultimately the responsibility of the individual to live his or her own life, make his or her own mistakes and own up to and learn from those mistakes, as well as from one's successes.

And I don't believe for a minute that women's hair causes men to act out or attack or rape or molest. The behavior of the individual is up to that individual. I smiled to myself one time when I was walking in a mall and saw a Muslim husband and wife. She was veiled, and he was acting perfectly appropriately in public -- out among all those unveiled, open-haired Western women. So ultimately this comes off looking like a repressive, religious power trip from my Western perspective and sensibilities.

Having said all this, again, I admit my ignorance but I also want to learn more about Islam and veiling. If and when I travel to a Muslim country, I would immediately wear a headscarf not only to fit in but to signal that although I am an American and of a different background and religion, I know that I am in another country with different mores and cultural expectations, and that putting on a headscarf would be my way of showing respect as a traveler.

I hope this helps. We need a lot more talk among Christians, Jews and Muslims. This is a good start!

Cheers, K (teacher and traveler)

P. S. I see that you added your details. Please remember that St. Paul wrote a lot of HIS OWN beliefs; what he wrote was not gospel. Paul wrote that he thought women should be silent in the church, and from the time of Paul's writings, historians and writers have wondered if Paul didn't have women issues. Remember also that what was appropriate and acceptable 2,000 years ago when the Christian church was just getting started might not be appropriate and acceptable today, 2,000 years later and many thousands of miles away. Today we have women pastors and preachers, Sunday school teachers and, although I don't know from experience, I imagine that women have significant roles to play in Jewish worship as well.

You cannot commit the historical fallacy by imposing the morality and behavioral standards, understanding and enlightenment of today on historical figures. British Victorian writer John Ruskin of the 19th century called this "the economy of the angels" and said that as humanity progressed, so would our knowledge and wisdom, and that we should not look back and judge. Basically, we grow and learn not only as individuals but as cultures too.
Again I hope this helps. Thank you for your question. Shalom, God Bless, Insha'allah. :)

Answer 10

I think it's unnecessary and repressive. It shows a lack of respect for women, their intelligence and beauty. It means that Islamic men want to have power and control over them. That Islamic men ultimately fear their women and do not trust them