What is the message of the burqa?

Question

in response to another of my questions (about the hijab) an answerer told me: "By wearing a hijab, a woman takes the emphasis away from her body and puts it on her mind."

this made me wonder if there is a difference between what muslim women who wear the burqa think they are saying, and what most of us in the west actually hear.

i try to avoid talking to women wearing hijab or burqa. i find both inappropriate and carnal dress (as if the important thing about a woman was her sex). in fact a burqa creeps me out in precisely the same way as latex, see-thru clothing, or bondage gear (worn in public i mean). such dress sexualises a woman; i prefer my women to be people.

i am certainly not alone in this perception: there is a large class of burqa-pornography to be found in sharia countries. but i wonder how common my perception is.

if you choose to answer this question: does a burqa make you respect a woman more or less? (it might help if you mentioned your faith).

butterflyonion: yes, i think a nun outfit can often be used as a sexual fetish.
are you trying to tell me you never heard of such an idea?

sugar: the notion that islam is a religion which values women more highly than others is - to say the least - interesting.
and rather than accuse me of inventing the concept of burqa-porn why not google the term?

Answer 1

I'm creeped out by them too. Especially if their face is covered. You become a non-person.
The other argument is about sexual assault and protecting her honor. Rape is not about sex it is about dominance, degradation and violence. Physical attractiveness has nothing to do with it.

I don't know about the burqa porn

Answer 2

I cannot really say what the message is behind the burqa, but I can tell you the origins of such coverings. Now in most Islamic countries its sandy and hot, and the need to wear protection is necessary, so that is were the head covering come from. Men wear similar coverings, but they do not cover the face.

Answer 3

i think you're delving into "more mystery = more interest"
thought process...but it really doesn't matter what you think as long as the woman feels protected in her faith and from leering eyes?

besides are you saying that women who wear oversized clothing or even nun's for that matter are seen as sexual?

but getting back to your question, I can respect a woman for wearing a burqa in the west because that takes courage and commitment to be so different and faithful. Esp after 9/11 because of all the attention it warrants. But really, I respect anyone who respects themselves and their beliefs, as well as respecting others and their beliefs. Anyone who can't do that doesn't deserve it as they are obviously not dishing it out either.

Answer 4

By wearing a burqa a woman takes the emphasis off her existence and passes it on to the man, no? The message is oppression. How can I respect someone that is hiding behind a curtain.

Answer 5

The message of the burka SHOULD BE that of modesty. It is telling the male public, "please let me be, don't bother me, I am not physically coming on to you(men). I don't want no trouble from you(men).

My question is;
how many men have been physically approached, touched, stared at from top to bottom, commented to by women walking down the street? What are the percentage of this taking place in contrast to woman walking down the streets?
I have been, all of the above and when asking my brothers, sons, they will answer none of the above and they are handsome guys at that.

Women out in public should not care to be looking sexy. This just proves the point of women are for sex. I think women should re-evaluate this, by being more modest in dress. We see and hear how they all want to look more sexy by wearing the right clothes and by having all those operations for bossoms and lips.

Women in Burkas look sexy for their husbands only. They don't for strangers in the street. What's wrong with that?

Besides rapists, men are attracted physically to women and are more likely to approach a woman. Even though a rape occurs after this approach takes place, he may not be called a rapist. So what do you call that? It's still rape.

What are the percentage of female rapists? In comparison to male rapists? Yes, the majority of rapists are men.

So, men how would you like to be wearing the burkas?

The burka porn you mentioned are made by westerners.
Their is prostitution everywhere you go. Doesn't make it ok.

Answer 6

Listen bro,tell you what..hmm.. what do u do wid precoius stones,gold, stacks of cash? lock it up in safes or banks or leave them lying around where every body can see it,its sure to be stolen.

A woman is the jewel of society .think about it bro.

you dont sell her cheap.
Why do u think rape,sexual harassment,aids are so common.

Woman have sold themselves in the name of womens liberation.


The hijab is a mark of piety brother. A simple veil to preserve her dignity.
So lift the veil from your heart and see the veil of purity.

They say, "Oh, poor girl, you're so beautiful you know
It's a shame that you cover up your beauty so."
She just smiles and graciously responds reassuringly,
"This beauty that I have is just one simple part of me.
This body that I have, no stranger has the right to see.
These long clothes, this shawl I wear, ensure my modesty.
Faith is more essential than fashion, wouldn't you agree?"
This hijab,
This mark of piety,
Is an act of faith, a symbol,
For all the world to see.
A simple cloth, to protect her dignity.
So lift the veil from your heart to see the heart of purity.
They tell her, "Girl, don't you know this is the West and you are free?
You don't need to be oppressed, ashamed of your femininity."
She just shakes her head and she speaks so assuredly,
"See the bill-boards and the magazines that line the check-out isles,
with their phony painted faces and their air-brushed smiles?
Well their sheer clothes and low cut gowns they are really not for me.
You call it freedom, I call it anarchy."
This hijab,
This mark of piety,
Is an act of faith, a symbol,
For all the world to see.
A simple cloth, to protect her dignity.
So lift the veil from your heart to see the heart of purity.
Lift the veil from your heart and seek the heart of purity.


I dont know what you mean by the burqa-pornography.That sure is a coined term.

Any doubts ,sure contact me.
by the way I am a muslim.

Answer 7

I think the burqa is insulting to other people.
It is saying unless I cover my whole body you will attack me and rape me because I am so ravishingly beautiful.