Face Veil
78
VEILED THOUGHTS....
I know how they look at a Burqa clad woman: As if she’s not human, but a creature of some kind. The unknown kind. So many assumptions come with a veil: lack of education, thought even, limited freedom, and above all, the unpleasant reek of a primitive barbaric culture. From head to toe, covered in black cloth, do I blame anyone for thinking so? Hardly! After all, breathing through a slit, with only a thick net for eyes, to be taken for human is more than I can hope for.
I was only 10, barely learning to live, when my mother initiated me into this dark prison of a life. For that is what it’s been to me ever since. She told me it was an unquestioned part of our religion, meant for a woman’s ‘protection’, that very soon, I would get used to it, just like she did, and her mother before her. I never did. True, it was the ‘fate’ of every Muslim woman in the arab world, but within, most of them rebelled against it. In silent muffled protests.
Imagine a suffocating hot tent wrapped around you at all times of the day, limiting your movement and sight, an art just to move around without stumbling over every step you take!
If you're lucky, the men in your family might allow you to wear one without the eyes covered, but that's the kind of luck you rarely have in our culture.
Inside that faceless robe, you are like any other woman, except you’ve been robbed off your basic identity…like a gaping black hole inside which your whole freedom has caved in. Almost, like chaining one to death in life. Embalmed in black.
And it’s a perforated picture of the world you see from behind that meshed veil, handed down generations, in layers of funereal black. A man’s world….and you the one on the outside, looking in. Except, it seems the other way round, doesn't it? Still, what's more hateful is the way your fathers and husbands swell with pride as they walk ahead of you, like trailing a well-tamed dog on leash.…..
.....Or a horse, with blinkers. Broken in with the silent whips of ogling eyes and sleazy catcalls, were you to step out of your house without the burqa.
And what hope would you have, if you broke free one day and demanded the choice to renounce it's practice?
- Excommunication from your culture and family...your children taken away from you. Or being beaten and locked away…. or flogged in public for bringing shame upon your family and openly refuting Islamic law!
I wish I could say we were brave enough to do that, grit our teeth and face whatever punishment came our way, but most of us are cowards inside, with an even weaker spirit lying somewhere stifled within. And we’ve never known another life…nor seen one without the bars that cage us.
Yet, not all the oppressive layers in the world can completely take away hope from one’s heart. And like the stubborn plant that springs to life even in the most barren of places, it too burns with an inner light of it’s own in that cheerless darkness that surrounds one.
The hope for simple joys. Like one day….just one day...to be able to cast off that veil…..and let the soft breeze play with your hair….to look up at the sky and see it as a whole, and feel the sun’s rays touch your skin….to laugh and feel the sound carry on the wind…unnoticed, guiltless…and in that moment, be free....!
RELATED ARTICLES ON VEIL:
- BBC NEWS | Middle East | Why Muslim women wear the veil
The BBC's Martin Asser looks at the debate over what Muslims consider acceptable to wear. - Hijab: Question and Answer
- Muslim women uncover myths about the hijab - CNN.com
Rowaida Abdelaziz doesn't want your pity. - Muslim women say veil is more about expression than oppression
- arranged marriage and love
Not all marriages are made in heaven. Some are made by ordinary mortals on this very worldly earth.carefully arranged with precision and detail by men playing god. There is nothing heavenly about...
 | Amazon Price: $1.49 List Price: $13.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $4.23 List Price: $14.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $8.16 List Price: $22.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $15.19 List Price: $18.95 |
CommentsLoading...
I second Rochelle. If only the world powers were more sensitive to what's happening.
I like the last paragraph. Don't give up hope.
And my heart goes out to you...
Thank you Rochelle and Pacal....just trying to give voice to those who have no hope of ever being heard. Maybe, somewhere, it will make a difference...
cheers!
Woww that was really powerful, I really respect who you are, my thoughts are with you !
And it is my privilege reading you plus you will always remain on my profile as more hubbers need to read your talent !
now you're making me blush...please no...I mean, it's very generous of you, but l feel very embarrassed having so much attention drawn to me like this...I know, I sound nuts, since we do write to be read and it's wonderful to have people appreciate your work...but still...i hope u feel the warmth with which I thank you - much love..
No need to blush, you are a talented writer who deserves to be noticed, have a good weekend !
I completely agree with everyone here thus far. You are a talented writer with a skill of words. I felt what you described in great vividness. Thank you for sharing this.
My pleasure truly! There's nothing like writing from your heart and knowing it's sincerity has been felt and understood. Thank you Wesley for all your appreciation...looking forward to reading your hubs too...!
I really enjoyed that piece. It's the first time I've heard a woman's voice from beyond the veil. Keep speaking loud and true.
You have given a powerful voice to others who may be thinking the same thing but are too afraid to voice that opinion. You are also a wonderful writer. No one can chain the spirit within you! Keep writing and perhaps someday your wishes will come true. Wishing you the best of life ahead!
thank you for reading... and for your words of encouragement - warmly felt and much appreciated!
very powerful and moving
it's the lives of these women that inspire the words EE....thanks for appreciating!
I've often thought how miserable it would be to be a Muslim women. Though I respect others' beliefs, I don't believe oppression of women in any religion or culture could be a good thing or what our Creator intended.
Powerful piece of writing; I'm glad you have since gotten free of that life (I assume you have, I hope you have) because with freedom your precious gift of words has taken wing.
Thank you for sharing that gift with us all.
Paradise, you sound like a writer's dream...really, thank you for these wonderful words! I agree with everything you say.....Yes, orhodox Islam (like all religions in their extreme interpretation) is frightening...but if only people would focus less on religious fervor and more on universal 'good'...this world would be a much more peacful place to live in...cheers!
"A rose in all its beauty needs no adornment, but if the garden gate needs a coat of paint, give it one!"
I suppose the burqa has its advantages too. Takes guts for you to write hubs like that, well done!
Bob
Simply awesome. The last para really touched me. I do have quite a few muslim female friends and coming from a liberal family, I have yet to see them in veil, but those are minority. Cheers to an awesome hub.
That was a great inside look at a life that many of us will never be a part of. I personally don't look down at women that wear burqas. I've been exposed to people of all walks of life, and I try to treat them the same way they treat me. I've been in many situations that I've had to work with women from male dominated cultures, and I usaully try to make them understand that they don't have to just silently sit there and only speak when spoken to. I believe in equal rights for everyone and special treatment for no one.
Again, a tip of the hat to you on a job well done.
thank you blood for your wonderful words (as always!)..I personally find the burqa the most suffocating tradition ever, but of course everyone has a right to it if it's their personal choice. Yes..I agree and respect all your views...if only more men all over the world thought likewise!
That's a great piece of writing! Here in Hubs you are free from the veil, free to wander naked amongst us all. We're all naked here. There's no reason to be guarded, to hide, to pretend, except maybe to be separated from the lives we actually must live. For what's it worth, no God, no religion would do to their people what is done to the women of the Muslim world. I think the Burqa is more about controlling temptation in the men, who for some reason aren't able to control their own urges.
:) :) I think my text countenance sums it up :) :)
Thank you Blues and zad for reading....and appreciating! Yes, we need more men to think like you! a woman's body is beautiful...why hide it as if it's something shameful? anyway, cheers guy for stopping!
myownworld, there are many of us who wear an invisible veil. Any "religion" with such extreme beliefs makes slaves of us.
This was courageous of you to write. May we all step out from behind our veils and show this type of courage.
As always, well written. :)
so true Duchess...religious dogma is a kind of veil in itself...one that can cloak your mind and narrow your vision almost as much as the burqa itself. it took courage yes, to speak against it (a religious taboo in our culture), but it's a liberating feeling....and I am lucky to be able to make that choice! thank you for your words - as always!
Well, as a muslim myself, I must admit i am ashamed at my brothers. Some times things go to far. the point of the scarf and loose clothes are to eliminate sexual desires. However the viel goes too far. A woman should never have to hide her face. She should never have to hide their thoughts. She should never have to hide Her self. Women are Gods gift to the world, and often in the Muslim world their roles are down played to much. "Teach a woman something and it is as if you taught the whole world," The prophet Muhammad(may peace be upon him).
Myownworld,
This was well written and very insightful. Thank you for being brave enough to educate us and embrace your freedom~
As a believer in God I know and realize He even gives you the right to choose!!!
Thank you for sharing.
Blessings!
thank you DeBorrah for your kind and warm words. yes, the best thing in life is the freedom to choose, and I hope this the one right in life, no one is denied. take care and all my love...
With warmth and understanding I applaud your writing, well said.
thanking you quirkypearl for stopping by and appreciating!
Myownworld, You are able to touch the hearts of your readers, you have a gift to speak on behalf of others, in time perhaps doors will open for you to help your people see the need for change, reading this made me imagine myself entombed in a hot garment without the right to take it off, how we take for granted our daily freedoms!
what a lovely comment DeborahL! reading your hubs, I can say the same about you....! thank you for feeling with me...hope lives through it.
Wonderful hub!
thanks for reading habee! :)
Very insightful and informative
again i am moved. what must it be like to never be allowed to make a choice. to say yes or no. to say stop,to breathe.
to live under such control where fear becomes your choice. where freedom is only a thought of the young soon to be replaced by a longing for and end. i cannot imagine. may women unite all over the world in support of our sisters who suffer realizing we all our one.
Christine, you really leave such wonderful comments! thank you for reading and appreciating yet again....am so touched by your words!
Are you from Afghanistan?
As usual, a great and facinating insight into the world of women who have to carry the burden of something they think of as reprehensible. And yet millions of women all over the world wear it, and some obviously don't object to it, or do they? Are they just afraid to? There's a huge gulf between the haves and the don't-want-to-haves!
There are many kinds of "veils" that exist out there, all concealing something that someone doesn't want to be shown or revealed. Lots of Muslims in the UK just wouldn't want to live like that. (Some still do.) Many come here to get away from all the restrictions and curtailments of their freedoms. Freedom is an amazing thing. Once you get even the merest taste of it, you just never forget what it's like and will do anything to get it back. Oh to think of all the things we take for granted...
A truly great hub! You make people think, that's your strength!
Sean, no, I'm half pakistani, half indian, but I have spent all my life traveling places, so am not sure where I actually belong!
Cheeky girl...you always leave the most wonderful comments ever! yes, I agree with you....there's nothing like freedom in this life...and I'd break through a thousand veils to breathe and live it! thank you
I have read this twice now and I have to tell you it gets me everytime. A whole other world out there and I have no clue. Many blessings!
thank you Lady for reading and your appreciation. Yes, I know....it's so liberating to live in countries where there is no 'dress' code enforced on you...and though I've never personally worn the veil, I've lived with women who've been forced into it. Anyway, cheers for stopping by!
you have a very unique style of writing! Topics you choose - how can you even think of topics like these? :) Look forward to more hubs from you.
Thank you Bundleboy! that's one of the nicest things someone's said about my writing! :)
While modesty is important for many reasons, the burka is not about modesty. Only a woman with a Muslim background, though, can speak the full truth about such a life. Keep writing and speak for those women who cannot speak for themselves!
Oh yes, I wanted to tell you that when I look at a burka clad woman it is always with surprise and I find myself staring too long, but it is ALWAYS with compassion, for I understand a little bit about the woman's entire life--I am thinking beyond the suffering of wearing a burka. I think many people are like me, not of a mind to deride the woman in any way. I have even thought of going to the women and talking to them, but am afraid I would "get them in trouble" with fathers or husbands.
RT thank you for your great comment...it's meant a lot of to me! And I know and respect you for your compassion....I feel the same way now when I look at someone in a burka....just one thought more than anything else: what all they're missing onto in life! But unfortunately, what you and I think cannot change this tradition...it's too strict and fundamental to many muslims....and hence we can only stare back and wonder. Anyway, thank you for understanding!
myownworld - Thank you for sharing this. Your words are powerful and the way you describe it was as if i had to put one on. It is amazing what little things we take for granted.. . I thought about that when you wrote "and let the soft breeze play with your hair….to look up at the sky and see it as a whole, and feel the sun’s rays touch your skin" I just cant imagine not having the choice of what to wear let alone not be able to feel the breeze in my hair.
Big thumbs up. . you really write beautifully.
wave girl, your words overwhelm me....thank you so much for them! Truly appreciated...! just smiling here...:)
I've never really thought about women who have to wear burqa's before but now I really feel for them. It's so sad that they are forced to wear these things and even sadder that the men feel they must walk infront of the women, and that someone would actually 'flog' their daughter or wife if they were to refuse to wear one, it's just awful :( brilliant piece though Myownworld you're a truly great writer keep it up :)
Thanks Sophs....your comments always leave me smiling... And yes, may we never know the constriction of a dress code enforced on us against our will! Cheers always for stopping by! x
WOW i am moved by this hub.I can see now in the eyes of a muslim woman.Thanks for this hub myownworld You have open a light in my brain to another culture
thanks for reading 20gsxr05! Of course, not all muslim women feel this way (some actually love the veil too) but this is from the perspective of those who don't. cheers for stopping by!
I always wondered how it felt for these covered women that seemed to have no identity. I wondered if they were abused or demoralized and forced to cover in shame. I could never make contact with a veiled woman to smile because all I have seen look down not ahead. I wondered if they had any rights and did they want to break free or just accepted this was there life.
Your writing especially on this hub is brilliant. It moved me in many ways. I felt like I was you and understood the pain.
I hate this. I want them to burn their veils, let their hair down and as you say feel the breeze, spread their arms and take a huge breath as their hair blows in the wind.
I'm rambling and just trying to say thank you for such an enlightening , true and emotionally driven write
Bravo
Kimberly
Thank you
What a lovely comment lyr.....! My heart just fills with warmth each time I read anything by you....yes, I know...alot of women who cover defend it vehemently too, but many do it just because they have to...and because they were never given the right to choose. Take care my friend...you are very dear to me... x
I really don't know how to express to you how talented you are. You NEED to get busy writing a book, your style is so unique, MOW. 'k? Anyway, this was a fascinating journey for me. I've often wondered what it would be like living under that veil. I've felt sorry for them on hot and humid days. I have wondered how they see and just as you said, wondered if they might like to have their hair blow around in the breeze. Thanks for this inside look under a Burqa. Cheers. Laura
Thank you wordscribe for your kind words....coming from a talented writer like yourself, one I truly admire, they mean a lot. I dream of writing a book - have ever since I was a kid...so maybe, one day...soon. thanks and take care...:)
Thank you for letting us know what it is really like to live your life shrouded in a burqa. It must seem especially cruel to young teenage girls in western countries, who see their friends in jeans and trainers running around, or in tshirts and shorts on a hot day. Maybe there should be one week a year when men are made to wear them - then they might have more appreciation that burqas take away your identity and freedom of expression.
Exactly my thoughts CMHypno! Though I'm afraid, it's not just men, but orthodox religious interpretation that is behind perpetuating this hard tradition. (In many muslim countries, it's part of the law to wear it); Anyway, thank you for the great comment and for becoming a fan...much appreciated! :)
WOW, your writing always gives me such a rush of emotions! It's almost as though I become the individual that you are writing about(I know that's what a good writer does). :)
Thanks for sharing your insight, I've watch as many muslim women are now choosing to shed the burqua; while others continue to passionately defend it. However, as long as there is hope, and 10 year old girls with that rebellious spirit that demands "I want more" there will continue to be change in traditions. Great job, MOW!
Money, your comment just made me smile...yes, all I hope is that every woman has the choice to wear it...those who want to and those who don't.
I myself broke free, not the from the burqa as such, but the islamic dress, and I feel so much more comfortable in western clothes living in the west. Of course, when I travel to a muslim country, I feel more at ease in the muslim dress, and I can imagine how some women living there are simply 'pressurised' into wearing it, so as not to stand out. Sigh... too many factors at play, I know. Anyway, thank you for reading, and do take care! x
A very powerful hub.
Thank you Susan for all your appreciation...and for taking the time to read and comment! Will be coming over to yours soon...do take care my friend...keep smiling! x
Very honest and revealing. You give many women the voice they can't speak with. Nice article.
Thank you Ross for the appreciation... and for following.. :)
Very interesting, enlightening, well-written and thought-provoking. :)
I feel that the veil is a barrier between those who wear it and those who do not and the ladies I have heard discussing the veil ~ including one with whom I am quite friendly ~ seem to really want to wear it because they feel that it is the right thing to do.
Trish, you are so right in your observation; also you will not find a lot of women speak up openly against the veil, because well, it's sort of like critizing their religion itself. All I hope is that one should have that 'choice' to make: whether to wear it or not - and not to be discrimminated against for making it. Thank you for all your comments and for being any writer's dream reader! :)
I am just too amazed by your courage on writing on topics that many may consider controversial and shy away!! Carry on the good work .. Kudos!!
lol.. dream, do you know I could easily have a 'fatwa' passed against me and brutally punished for this hub was it ever to reach a hardcore muslim audience! But I have no fear.... ;) Thank you so much for the encouragement... !
u raised a very serious issue..i liked ur way of writing..
We at hub pages are in total support :)
:) thanks pisean... I plan to read your hubs soon!
dream, you're a dream follower! will stop by at yours too ;)
Hey Whats this pisean!! I am a libran libra for all purpose!!
On a serious note, a passionate and serious hubber like you should be supported, come what may!!
Sorry.. I missed out on seeing the comment of fellow hubber pisean... and your reaction to that!! Sorry again!!
lol...dream! never mind... thank you for your encouragement!
myownworld, I hate to be so redundant, but your writing is just beautiful. It is emotionally charged, but without the anger that normally goes hand in hand with rebellion. You are meant to write. You are really so beautiful inside. That is what we see when we read your writing. I will keep waiting for the time when you write a book.
Gramon, you must have mental telepathy or atleast some kind of a supernatural power to understand and reach out to me at my lowest, darkest moments here. These last few days have been so disillusioning for me at HP, and I often think of giving up... and then your comments come and lift me up and suddenly I feel like writing again....
...sorry, I break down easily... but thank you with ALL my heart for your kind and wonderful words.... they mean more to me than you can ever know.. :)
myownworld, the world is packed with people who do good and people who do bad. It isn't so much that there are good and bad people. It is more that what seems good from one person's perspective is terrible from other people's perspectives. Many righteous actions and beliefs are the cause of the suffering of millions. This is the way the world works. Some people in Kansas are very happy because they can afford a product they really wanted, while many children were making that product in forced labor. Some men come to their home in a mediterranian town. They find a clean house, and a warm dinner ready for them by women enslaved by their own beliefs. This is the world that is unnoticed by most of us as we live our lives in whatever situation we are used to live them. It takes a person like you to open our eyes to that side that was unnoticed until we read your work. Don't let any disillisionment bring your pen down. I think your writing will grow to a level that will influence the world. But for that, you must write, write, and write!
gramon....I have been carrying your words in my heart ever since I read them. Each and every word. You have the most beautiful way of saying things that always comfort and make me smile from my heart. Thank you for them. :)
If only we had a magic wand with which one could give joy and happiness to every one in this world, esp. children. But these words are alas all we have! So, each time I begin to write, I pray that they should inspire a life somewhere. Anyway, you're a truly wonderful person and I'm so glad I met you here. Next time you come to london, promise you will let me know? If you bring your family along, I'd love to meet them too. Sending all my love and wishes x
This is another great hub. My cousin was muslim (he's no longer with us) But he did educate me on the culture and the belief system. And like any other belief system it has it's flaws. The so called "punishments" for disobedience are extreme. And I do not agree with that. I respect the muslim religion because if you exaimine it fully there are some really positive aspects of it. I see these women as strong and powerful. Its takes character to walk around in these garments all day in the heat with their heads held high. They are my sisters in The Creator so I cannot mock or condemn. Rated this one up most definately ~hugs~
Ah...BR, great to see you here! Well, I was born and raised muslim, and I've completely broken away from it's orthodox side, as I find it most obsolete and intolerant in it's interpretation. Let people who want to follow it, do so and I don't condemn them, it's their right, but if anyone 'forces' others do so, then I hope they have the right to resist it. I'm lucky I had the choice: alot of muslim women never have it; or even if they do, they dare not rise against it, as it challenges Islam itself. Do you know, I could myself be given death penalty for some of the hubs I've written, were they ever to reach an orthodox muslim shariah court?
Yes... friend.. each to his own, but nothing is more wonderful than the freedom to choose...! Take care, and much love to you x
The death penalty? omg.. wow! believe it or not depending on what you write or talk about in this country; could mean your death also. smh I wish you nothing but peace my sister and keep writing these riviting hubs I really enjoy reading them. Your perspective is both insightful and intelligent. ~hugs~
:) I know what you mean BR... human nature will be the same anywhere... and man will always find means of suppressing each other, just different ways. Still, we live in hope... Thank you for your kind and perceptive words... you're a wonderful person. x
Having several very special online muslim friends who've shared some of the religion's lovely views, I do respect it. But I have great empathy for any who are held back and denied god-given human rights because of whatever pressures are invoked. Myownworld, believe it or not, I found myself in a marriage so confining that I may as well have been veiled and threatened with severe punishment for even thinking of breaking free. I withstood it for 18 years because the threat was emphatic that if I didn't, I'd never see my children again. As a woman born into a fair-minded family with a personal goal to be a really good wife and mother, this was a terrible fate and one I should have been able to side-step. Some other factors influenced it but I was able eventually to face my personal responsibility for being there. No one sold me into it. No one forced me initially. I didn't choose to leave it, but that too was forced upon me for other reasons of his. And he did manage to estrange my children from me. I realize it's not the same as you've described as the fate of the average arab woman, but it does give a great deal of empathy for her bonds and hopeless position.
As others have said here, you're a fantastic writer with such great perception, it would be a shame for your light to be hidden. I understand your modesty and reticence to draw attention to yourself. I have felt that way myself about myself. But I would like to recommend you and this hub on a hub begun by one of my dear hub friends who first welcomed me here. He's requested people to share links to hubs we really value and I do really value yours. You may get some visits from unknown folks from it. Perhaps not swarms, but as the ones sharing on there find time to visit the several recommendations, I've little doubt that there will be some!
I, for one, am your new fan and am certainly rating this hub up and useful (wish it were called valuable instead) and beautiful. Thank you!!
Myownworld, you wrote "I know how they look at a Burqa clad woman: As if she’s not human, but a creature of some kind. The unknown kind." But, anyone who has read this will now know differently! It's so easy to judge what we do not understand. You write so beautifully and take the reader into the minds of the women who live under this law and open up the minds of those who do not.
Beautiful, beautiful writing! I look forward to reading more!
You are a powerful writer. Please don't ever stop. Nellieanna added a link to your hub and I'm so glad she did. Your words are gentle and do not condemn, yet as gramon1 said, they contain a power that can change the world.
Thank you!
Nellieanna, your words of appreciation move me....but your story even more so. No one knows why we make the choices we make in life - some are forced on us, others are of our own making... but only we ourselves know how hard or easy they've been. So, I understand, and can only imagine what you have gone through. May we all have the strength to break through the shackles - physical or emotional that choke our very existence! I send you much love... and can already feel what a special person you must be... thank you - straight from the heart. And for adding my link... that's very kind of you :)
@ M S, Thank you for your generous words... they've meant more than you can imagine. I'm truly humbled :)
@ Silver, Thank you so much for all these kind words.... am overwhelmed really.... and deeply moved. :)
WOW! That's like shows me how it's done!
Cecilia, your comment put a big smile on my face! thank you for reading and becoming a fan... :)
You continue to amaze me every time. You've got a way with words and your opinion matches mine exactly! My family is not that conservative and i, nor my mother, have to wear the veil, but I have always felt sorry for those who have to! When i was little, i once asked my mom about it and she said that there was no burqa concept in Muhammad(S.A.W.W) reign and this is just another effect of male dominance! Wearing decent clothes is enough, and that is all that's required!
Again, great work! Love your writings! =)
If someone wants to wear the veil, out of their own choice, then of course they should; it's only when it's forced onto you because of cultural, religious or societal pressures is when it becomes a burden. Thank you stallion for reading and sharing your thoughts... we need more women like you to stand up for freedom of personal choices, so stay strong! x
myownworld once again great hub =) You would be surprised though that im a practicing muslim who proudly wears her Hijab i.e. covers her hair. I don't like the veil over the face and was never taught that it was Islamic since it is forbidden to do so in the pilgrimage to Mecca. I totally agree with you that no one should be forced to dress or act in a certain way for nothing is more humiliating and painful as that. Anyhow, although i disagree with a few of ur and Salman's ideas, both of u happen to be at the top of my favourite authors so plz keep posting 4 i luv reading ur hubs =)
@ noorin, you sound like an amazing person, open minded enough to accept difference in opinions and yet not judge anyone for it. We need more muslims like you!
You know, I received some pretty harsh emails over this hub from some people, accusing me of attacking islam and so on. What a lot of them fail to see is that a writer doesn't necessarily have to bring his or her personal beliefs into everything...and that it's all a matter of getting into the mind of your 'character' and not the other way round! In other words, I may not have anything against hijab in my real life, but I can very well imagine the feelings of a woman forced into it. Earlier, I couldn't understand Rushdie either, but now I realize that with words it's more about creativity and imagination....and not so much one's personal beliefs...which do influence, but not necessarily define them! :)
Couldn't agree more with you @myownworld. Its quite ironic, I have been luving Rushdie ever since his book -Satanic Versus-coz he knows how to write PERIOD. Ppl thought I would hate him since most muslims did but I guess some people forget that they should be critiquing writing the way they judge any other profession. Some ppl like hearing wot they want to hear and reading what they want to read, hence all the harsh emails. I wouldn't worry abot them =) Its like u said on ur profile, following the other road could bring jealousy. At least u know ur following the other road ;-) I can't imagine how boring and monotonous life would be, if we all agreed on one thing and how harsh life would be if we all had identical lifestyles with identical mindsets. Besides if they are coming from an Islamic standpoint then I ve never heard of a mandatory dress code or a force belief. Not even during the prophet's life P.B.U.H. But Im pretty sure that my holy book -the Quraan- has warned from following wrong traditions and corrupted cultures. But then again, ppl like to follow what they want to follow and they love to pick the pieces they like most out of their religion and then throwing the other part out the window. Sigh, but if muslims were to follow the prophet's sayings without adding their sayings into it, women across the east would be in a much better position. All the best in ur writings =)
Great insights noorin, and I couldn't agree more! You see, religion is something very personal, and it's true essence lies in silence and the privacy of our beings - at least, isn't that the case with all things that are truly close to our hearts? That it's so deep and precious to who we are... that it's something only between us and the object of our love (in this case, god). And if we are secure in our faiths, why feel so easily threatened by things around us anyway?
Art, literature, music, culture - all humanities are meant as creative outlets...food for soul... why bring religion into it? I feel that's one mistake muslims (in fact all hardline religionists) make, not seeing that it's OK to celebrate life...and to live and let live... to above all, be compassionate towards all human life, rather than condemn and judge everything, instead of respecting other's space and need to be different from us...
I think personally, the quality I most admire in people, irrespective of their personal beliefs - is kindness noorin...and I truly believe god must be the same... :)
Hey, would you read " Doc Snow's" "Global warming science and the wars" .. Its fabulous!!
Hello dream, hope you do well. Is that a book? Haven't heard the name, but will check it out soon. Nice seeing you :)
Hey MOW,hope you are doing good...read your hub and I thought of how right I was when I read your first article and concluded that you have the gift of expressing yourself so well through your words...keep writing always...take care..
@ Magic: Good to see you jamsheed... hope you do well. I'll soon read your new hub too, just need to find some time first. Take care friend and thank you for your words :)
very well explain and written.... claps
well one thing..u should be beware,as these fundamentalist(of those in modern world) will try to target u..as they will think u going against them.. actually u showeing truth nothing else..and yeah truth is not easily digestible to some people.... But you Keep it up & hats off to urs courage... u super women lol
@ Hi: Thank you for your appreciation. It's not easy walking this path...or questioning things without people criticizing you for doing so, but till I have this space to breathe and think... I'm free. Take care :)
I have never quite understood how it is that if you walk into a bank wearing a crash helmet you are expected to remove it for security reasons so you can be identified yet you can walk in wearing a Burka and it is somehow considered ok to hide your face. Religion has a strange effect on people and their attitudes of what is right and wrong.
People are entitled to do whatever they wish just so long as it does not interfere or affect other people but there is something insulting about saying, in not so many words, all you people out there are bad and I will hide away behind this veil.
Maybe I'll start walking around in a suit of armour and see how long it takes to get arrested..lol
lol @ Tim: Great comment there, and I know exactly what you mean! Here in london there was a story the other day in the news where apparently in a primary school, one of the teachers emerged wearing a 'burqa' in class - Apparently, the children shrieked with fright and yelled out, 'witch, witch!'
Not that I'm mocking anyone's right to do what they want to, but I'm just saying that even the instinctive first reaction of kids is one of fear.... and that there is no denying it really is a very intimidating piece of clothing. Anyway, thank you for reading and taking the time to comment :)
welll that's your take on it http://hubpages.com/hub/wearing-scarf-on-head-and-
How beautifully you write about a difficult subject. I never realised that girls as young as ten were expected to dress in this way. I find wearing a scarf across my face on a cold winter's day difficult, I do not know how I would have coped with this custom had I been born to it. Thank you for educating me about this and also for the way you write.
A very powerful and beautiful hub. A difficult subject that should be spoken about. Thanks for sharing.
you are courageous woman to write about veil.! personally i do not cover myself up to down to maintain my religion.. this does not mean i do not have faith in Allah..
this only happen in Muslim countries, the ladies in multi cultural countries live according to their environments....
I love this hub. It's powerful and honest; also, beautifully written.
Hey, myownworld. I like the way you write. Simple and comprehensive. YOu know, I enjoy practicing religion and I've chosen to wear a veil(the regular veil not niqab)because I wanted to do so and believed in it. But being forced to do something especially for the sake of religion is not acceptible because performing religion must come with joy and 'niyah'(intentions). Performing religious acts with irritation and without 'niyah' wouldn't be accepted by God in Islam. So I do pity the ones who are forced to put on burqas but it's their culture you know. And no cultures in this world are perfect. I personally don't have a liking for face-veil but I know some women like it and merrily put it on. But being forced especially to wear burqa and niqab is too much. It's not even mandatory in Islam. Anyway, whether veiled, face veiled or unveiled, we're human beings and face stress but by coping this stress with faith and righteous and well-mannered intentions, God will grant them rewards in life and even greater ones at end. Sorry for such a long post.:S This is a good place to discuss such things.
Great and well shared article which i also enjoyed.Thanks dearest for writing.
Anyway... the truth is, one day you will be covered from head to toe and lowered into your grave! Don’t let your Last day on earth be the First day you wear your Hijab
Anyways I will try to make it a bit more clearly to my sisters by throwing light on today’s scenario…
Today if you see, you will find most of the girls (while traveling on two wheelers) cover themselves very properly to protect themselves from the scorching heat of sun and pollution! Similarly, don’t you think you should even protect yourself from the evil gaze of men too??
Many of my sisters may still not be satisfied with the above explanations as they really think that it is not an appropriate reason to cover themselves, so for them let me ask you a very simply question.
Suppose you enter a shop to buy a candy. There you find two candies. One is fully wrapped and other is unwrapped on which lots of flies are buzzing around. Which of the two candies would you prefer to have? The wrapped or the unwrapped… You will surely opt for the wrapped candy. Isn’t it?
Now, my question to my sisters is whom will you blame for that unwrapped candy? The shopkeeper or the flies? Obviously the shopkeeper, as to why didn’t he properly covered the candy to avoid it from fly-attack, as we all know candies are the attraction for flies and if we leave them unwrapped they will surely be attacked! In the same way… my sisters, why do you want to blame the rapist (or eve-teaser) when you yourself goes out giving a tempting look for yourself?? Still according to Islam the rapist will get the capital-punishment! Because, even men has to observe hijab (i.e. lowering their gazes)
My sisters don’t be like a moon which everyone can see uncovered rather be like the sun which makes eyes bow down before they can see it. Keep your beauties exclusively for your husbands and don’t give anyone a chance to even look at you. Wearing hijaab does not mean that you are uneducated but you wear Hijaab because you are educated you have studied the scriptures and you are able to understand it and now you are simply obeying the commandment of your Creator.
I often wondered how the women felt behind the veil. It is part of religion, I know, but personal feelings still exist. It must be hot and limit one's view. How sad that women must walk behind the men. You write eloquently and with such descriptive terms. The pictures are so vivid. The experience is good when you understand another culture and religion. Thanks for sharing.
I agree with you 100% wasim karajagi! Very well said!
American Islam / Face Veil Ban
America against face vials we need to stop this from happening, it is not safe to were any type of mask in public places, I am not sorry, practice your religion in your homes and buildings of worship not in the streets this is a safety issue and every time we see this in a store we leave just in case they may be robbing the store or bank.
Rochelle Frank 2 years ago
A poetic and disquieting insight into feelings many of us have never had to endure. Such a hard tradition.