London Muslim is with Anila Baig in opposing a ban not Saira Khan who is being selective in her understanding of Islam.
While I dislike the Niqab, the libertarian in me respects any woman's choice to wear what they want and avoid the State establishing a fashion Police. I dislike a bikini because it is in my opinion far too revealing of women's private parts but I don't want to ban it.
Within the Muslim community there are sisters who are deeply devout and observing and feel that covering themselves is an act of modesty and a means of feeling closer to Allah (SWT). However, I don't deny that some do it for personal vanity reasons because of a bad hair day or alternatively to hide their acne. Whatever the reason surely the benefits of a free society is so long as they don't harm anyone people are perfectly entitled to wear what they want.
I don't like the niquaab - for me its the same as someone wearing a balaclava: I dont know who they are, I cant read their face...it makes me uncomfortable - they are completely anonymous - which means, that just because someone is wearing a niquaab - it doesnt mean its a Muslim woman under there does it? It could be anyone.
ReplyDeleteIts very very different to hijab.
In women's dressing rooms (for example) - how I know that sister helping me out is actually a sister and not some random man, from any country, with any belief.
Its a false symbol, and a dangerous type of attire to allow to operate freely. I'm not up for stopping anyone from it, but my personal view is that people should be identifiable (on CCTV, in changing rooms, late at night etc etc) and if a woman's eyes are black and blue from beats - they too should be visible for someone to notice.
Also, niquaab is wearing gloves - so that also means: no fingerprints allowed.
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