Why do some people find Muslim clothing offensive?

Question

I'm a Muslim woman and I wear a head scarf on my head,
Yet I know that there are people who beleieve that I should not wear it in the west, and find it offensive. I don't understand this because it doesn't give them physical pain does it?

I am not offended when I see Jewish men or Aimish in their traditional costume...or when I see teenage cloths or punks, or women in mini skirts...(And most people are not aswell)

So why is my clothing more offensive?

Answer 1

In the West, there is the concept of freedom of religion. However, some people interpret that to mean that it should imply freedom FROM religion (except their own).

The practice of wearing hijab is a well-established one in Islam, and it actually has its roots in the Judeo-Christian tradition of modesty. Its been the secularization of Western civilisation that has created intolerance of certain religious traits.

It's not just Muslims that have this problem. Southern Baptists have been criticised for adopting the doctrine of wives being subordinate to their husbands, even though it has Biblical foundation. Roman Catholics get criticised for its anti-abortion, anti-contraseptives stance, even though that comes from Papal proclamation. And those are the two largest groups in the United States.

The problem that Muslims have been facing has been a result of the tragedies over the last decade bringing a new awareness of Islam, one that unfortunately includes some rather incorrect information that has been fueled by a small subsection of Muslims. The Qur'an discusses modesty, and that is interpreted by many Muslims as requiring the wearing of hijab. In some Muslim nations, that has been taken to the point of legal requirements, which is an anathema to freedom of religion, despite many people who wish to impose their own religious agendas on the nation.

My advice is to become accustomed to the reality that you cannot please everyone. Do as you feel what Islam and the Qur'an teaches, and that will ultimately be your saving grace. I wish you well.

Answer 2

People that feel offensive 2wards you is just pure ignorance n lack of education.

BTW, as i was reading some of answers, some1 mentioned dat wearing the headscarf(hijab) is part of the culture which is wrong, wearing the headscarf(hijab) is part of the religion(Islam) It is a must for every female that reached their puberty.

Lots of people who feels offensive is bcoz they think dat u r oppressed and dat your father, brothers, your husband,etc. are forcing you to wear the headscarf.Alot of people assumed that when they see a Muslim woman. I am a convert and all my family are Christians.I had experienced lots of criticism about my headscarf n my long clothing. I had many people approached me sympathizing me bcoz they think I am being forced by the dominant males in family to be all covered up.I told them that all my family are Christians and that none of my family wear the headscarf and that I am the only one in my family that is a Muslim...Then they would say 'OHHH u got marry wid a Muslim and told dem I'm not married yet'. Then they would walked away more confused that ever hahhahahha!!!

My advice to you is not mind people bcoz you could never change them.Be strong and think positive.

Allah help us all!!!

Answer 3

I don't find it offensive at all. It is your right to wear a head scarf.

I think part of the problem is the fear of a certain small section of militant Islam which apparently wants to impose strict laws on women about what they should wear. I know that the majority of moderate muslims do not do this, but equal rights and liberal freedoms are important. (Including your right to choose to wear a head scarf)

Answer 4

I completely agree with you! I'm a christian, and respect other cultures and their traditions (im not saying that other cultures dont by the by). I don't see why people should find your clothing offensive! It is part of your culture and is technically a part of you. If someone finds it offensive then tell them to turn away! lol. I suppose with all the terrorist traumas that have been happening they are putting a prototype on all muslims wich is stupid! The KKK claim that they are christian but do you think all christians are like them?! Why no.

Answer 5

Tolerance is a laudable, but two way, acceptance of other peoples right to dress as they please.

Unfortunately, it is not a reciprocal gesture.

In Britain ALL women may dress as they please.

Any woman of any faith visiting an Arab country has, in general, to 'cover up'.

Surely this is intolerance.

Civil Law and Human Rights should be above and beyond any Religious Law which can vary from one faith to another.

The imposition of Religious Laws upon all and sundry is a recipe for conflict.

In any society there will always be a minority who find something offensive in another culture but, it should be remembered they are a minority and should be ignored.

Answer 6

People were not that concerned previously.It is unfortunately after 9/11 ,that some people start finding fault in anything that is connected with Islam.I am sure this is temporary and with passage of time it would go.Do not worry,bear it for the religion.

Answer 7

Hard-line Iranian extremists, the Taliban in Afghanistan, Al Queda terror cells, Imams preaching hatred and destruction of the west in British mosques. USA 9-11, madrid, London 7/7, the Bali night clubs, Richard Reid the shoe bomber, USS Cole, US embassies in Africa. These are the things that first come to mind when I see the Muslim clothing.
I'm not afraid, I don't get offended, I don't react to someone wearing it but these are the first thing that come to mind. I think, if Al Queda gets their way we will all be dressing that way - against our will.
For the girl that converted to islam, you sound unstable anyway. You were jsut trying to rebel against your family. You would have been just as happy going goth or punk or being a tatoo freak.
For those that say it's narrowminded or bigotted. No, you are the ones. At least I speak the truth. It's not narrowminded it's human nature.
Do your research. There's a big difference between racism and prejudice.

Answer 8

Fear factor and ignorance. With all the rage against Muslims these days people view any one wearing such clothes as a terrorist.

Answer 9

I don't think they find it offensive,it's human nature to stare at anything unusual.Maybe you are a little sensitive in view of the current world events

Answer 10

The reason is simple. Our society emphasizes wearing clothing to show off the body. They cannot fathom a culture who wishes to dress modestly.

Answer 11

I don't find it offencive, you are free to express yourself any way you want, and if it's a religious thing, well so what... I do look and think it must be uncomfortable and hot, but you can tell me if that's true..