After the ban of hijab in public schools, the road of Islamophobia goes through the ban on burqa. The next station can be any topic like a ban on Ramadan fasting in public schools for health security reasons, but once again health will not be the true reason.
"Why do Muslim women cover their heads?" This question is one which is asked by Muslim and non-Muslim alike. For many women it is the truest test of being a Muslim. The answer to the question is very simple - Muslim women observe hijab and niqab (covering the head and the body) because Allah has told them to do so.
"O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around them (when they go out or are among men). That is better in order that they may be known (to be Muslims) and not annoyed..."
Other secondary reasons include the requirement for modesty in both men and women. Both will then be evaluated for intelligence and skills instead of looks and sexuality. "We want to stop men from treating us like sex objects, as they have always done.We want them to ignore our appearance and to be attentive to our personalities and mind. We want them to take us seriously and treat us as equals and not just chase us around for our bodies and physical looks."
A Muslim woman who covers herself is making a statement about her identity. Anyone who sees her will know that she is a Muslim and has a good moral character. Muslim women who cover are filled with dignity and self esteem; they are pleased to be identified as a Muslim woman. As a chaste, modest, pure woman, she does not want her sexuality to enter into interactions with men in the smallest degree. A woman who covers herself is concealing her sexuality but allowing her femininity to be brought out.
The idea behind this is to support Muslimahs everywhere who want to be able to practice our religion freely. With the controversy over banning niqab/hijab in countries like Canada and France this issue is very important. We even have other Muslims who are fighting for the ban of niqab!!! What will it be next? Hijab, so that we can assimilate even further into other societies? Or maybe over garments, because they are too extreme?
Were not saying that you have to wear niqab for one day to show your support. If you don't wear niqab alhamdulilah, if you do wear niqab alhamdulilah. The point is, we should be able to practice our religion how ever we see fit. We encourage you to get involved in this issue. Do your research and see what you can do to help your fellow Muslimahs.
Asalaamu alaikum
Nadira
