Tuesday, October 21, 2014

SURVEY RESULTS: WHAT NON-MUSLIMS SAY ABOUT THE NIQAB

One reason that the Niqab is a hugely misunderstood concept in Islam is because we have not explained it to Non-Muslims correctly. So, we thought of starting a survey collecting the opinions of Non-Muslims regarding what they think of the Niqab and answering the misconceptions, so that hopefully, more people will come to realize that we wear the Niqab for God, not for man, we wear it out of choice, not compulsion and that we find genuine peace and liberation in doing so. Trust me on this, because the moment I started wearing the Niqab, was the moment I found real peace.

So, the survey basically consisted of 3 questions.

1- Niqab is 

  • A sign of oppression for women
  • A sign of liberation and modesty
  • A choice of Muslim women that must be respected
  • Other

2- Why do you think so (previous question)
3- What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab.

We opted for a short survey because we obviously wouldn't be able to publish the responses of everyone who participated in it. However, we have compiled all the responses besides one rather insulting comment that is too disrespectful to post. Apologies for that!

We started the survey exactly a week ago, so not for the results of the survey... Well, it was better than we expected! :D (This is the poll results of the opinions of only Non-Muslims)




A very huge Thank You for everyone who participated in the survey. Thank you so much for your time and answers!

So now to the answers on the survey:
___________________________________________________________________

Niqab is:
A choice of Muslim women that must be respected

Why do you think so (previous question)
Because oppression to women are plastic surgeries, eating disorders and a sexualized body that degrades her and transforms her into an object. No one complains against the degrading way in which women appear in advertising but they do when they choose to cover themselves.

What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?
There are mechanical engineering women that wear niqab. Designers. Doctors. And is their own choice. To work as a professional is a good thing. Makes people focus on their minds and thoughts, and their body and their sexuality belongs to them and under their control. I was born in occident, my whole family is occidental and I feel a tremendous peace when I read muslims thoughts, the role of women, and some verses. It is strange what it is happening to me, but despite I´ve never been outside occident I feel a bond, a call...

- Clara, Interior designer
___________________________________________________________________

Niqab is a:
Sign of oppression for women

Why do you think so (previous question)

It's unfounded in Islam itself as it's banned in Hajj. Women must show their face in Hajj. So it's not about religion but about male domination.

What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?

Since it's not a religious obligation but a "preference" to some. It should be banned as it's a security risk. Any wanted criminals could wear niqabs and move around freely


-Zico

Our Response: Hajj is the only instance where a woman does not need to wear the Niqab. Besides that, it is very much part of Islam because it was the dress code of the best women- the Ummahatul Mu'mineen also known as the Mother of the Believers. As for the issue of posing a security risk, criminals could move around freely with a medical mask or a helmet too. Doesn't mean that it should be banned. And, for identification purposes for security reasons, it is permissible for a Niqabi to reveal her face.

___________________________________________________________________

Niqab is a:
Sign of oppression for women

Why do you think so (previous question)
It is an outdated religious view that needs updating to modern society views. I don't recall Adam and Eve (eve wearing the niqaab) it objectifies you to your husband and has no place in non Muslim countries where it is deemed rude to not show your face or look into the eyes of people your talking too. Furthermore, in these current times it is scary for non believers to be around and as it is a personal choice for Muslim women, I think they should consider the rest of society in non Muslim countries.

What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?
I think they are completely the woman's choice but as mentioned above, I believe it's a dangerous tradition that makes many feel separated from the muslim community and it doesn't necessarily affect the Muslim faith to not wear it seen as it is by choice.

- Anonymous

Our Response: Observing religious freedom should be permitted because it is a person's choice and part of who they are. Asking them to give up their religious duties is like asking them to give up who they are. As for the matter of it objectifying you to your husband, Muslim women prefer to reveal their beauty only to the men that matter in their life, and like you said, it's completely a woman's choice, and she deserves the liberty and freedom to do what she wants, regardless of whether people like it or not. Our freedom of choice cannot be compromised just because a select few oppose it.
__________________________________________________________________

Niqab is a:
Sign of oppression for women

Why do you think so (previous question)
Because it is depraving for women in western society who have fought for their right during the course of history to see other women subjugated for the sake of a dogma whether it is forced upon them or not

What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?
It shouldn't make a difference in rights whether a woman is wearing the Niqab or not, a woman should have the same rights in any case. However in Muslim majority countries it is an ongoing fight for women rights ( Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, etc...) and whether the country is an Islamic state or not should not matter for non-muslims and the law should not be applied to them ( except for the state laws ).

- Armand, Post Producer

Our Response: Each and every woman is an individual who has different opinions and rights. It is true that women have fought for their rights, and Islam does not deprive us of any rights. In fact, being a woman of Islam and being blessed to observe modesty, is a right in itself, because it is what a woman chooses to do. Niqab is not an act of subjugation and neither is it forced upon us. We wear it because we refuse to be subjugated by men and fashion. And we cannot really see how wearing an extra piece of material immediately classes us as 'subjugated' or means that we have been deprived of rights. Ask any Niqabi whether this bit of cloth has hindered her in any way, and the answer will definitely be 'No'. All women deserve to enjoy the same rights, and wearing the Niqab doesn't make any difference in that, just like you have mentioned. In any case, there is no compulsion in Islam. If a woman decides to wear the Niqab she is completely free to do so and if she doesn't want to, no one can force it upon her.
___________________________________________________________________

Niqab is:
A choice of Muslim women that must be respected

Why do you think so (previous question)
The Qu'ran, I think, states that woman should dress modestly but are not forced to wear it.

What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?
In Islamic countries they have rights however in the west they are deemed fundamental and therefore outcast.

- Will Catterall, Doctor

Our Response: Exactly. The Quran stresses that a woman should dress modesty and it is a command, but as the Quran says, "There is no compulsion in religion". The truth and falsehood are clearly distinguished for us in the Quran, but beyond that, there is no compulsion. As for Niqabis being deemed as fundamental and outcast in the west, isn't it unfair to label a woman as such simply for choosing to observe a higher level of modesty?

___________________________________________________________________

Niqab is a:
Emphasising your piety against 'decadence' of Western dress codes.

Why do you think so (previous question)
We've heard of Muslim men being unable to control their sexual urges. And we think that dressing modestly is a form of apology to those men.

What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?
I think it should be worn at intervals, perhaps during fasting. But with some concern for non-Muslim women, especially young & vulnerable.

- Anonymous 

Our Response: Wearing the Hijab and Niqab because men cannot control their sexual urges is a huge, huge misconception. First up, we do NOT wear the Niqab because men have forced it upon us or because it's an apology for men who can't control their desires. The assumption that Muslim men can't control their sexual desires is actually baseless. If possible, could be please give us a statistical report or the like which says that Muslim men are unable to control their sexual urges. On the contrary, here's what we found: 
We wear the Niqab because it a form of worship to Allah and it's a sign of our submission to God. Not man. And also, because we choose to show our beauty only to those men that matter in our lives and not to any random man. 
___________________________________________________________________

Niqab is a
Sign of oppression for women


Why do you think so (previous question)
Because I think of myself, that I wouldn´t like to hide my face in sign of shame

What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?
I believe that some women like to wear the Niqab, but I think some don't and if they could would take it off


- Linda Gonçalves, student

Our Response: We don't wear the Niqab to hide our face in shame. We wear it out of modesty, because in Islam, modesty is a part of faith. Doesn't exposing your body show that you have no shame? Modesty isn't something shameful. In fact, it's nudity that ought to be.
___________________________________________________________________

Niqab is a
A choice of Muslim women that must be respected

Why do you think so (previous question)

I think this because it is morally and legally correct to respect a Muslim woman's choice to wear the niqab if she chooses. 

What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?

As already stated above ... It is morally and legally correct to respect a Muslim woman's choice to wear the niqab if she chooses. Women in Canada have the rights and freedoms of every Canadian and actual resident in Canada over their own bodies, to religious expression, and so on. This of course includes her choice of attire for religious reasons. Where necessary for verification of identity, such as citizenship ceremonies, driver's licences, passports, etc., a Muslim women's human and Charter rights include being accommodated to reveal her face only to another woman in a private area for this purpose, and wear the niqab during the ceremony in public. Furthermore, this is perfectly acceptable, causes no one any hardship, and easily falls within "Canadian values" (no matter what Jason Kenney thought/thinks). It continues to be an educational process to help Canadians understand that wearing a hijab/niqab/burka does not automatically equal oppression. No doubt in some cases that may perhaps be true; however, it is a false conclusion in a vast majority of cases (at least here in Canada in my experience).

- Valerie Nicholls, Policy Researcher/Writer

___________________________________________________________________

Niqab is a
Choice for Muslim women


Why do you think so (previous question)
If they want to wear a niqab then they should, if they don't want to then they don't have to. Shouldn't be forced. Should be up to the individual.


What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?
Hmmm I don't know. I think those wearing a niqab have the same rights as those that don't wear it. In the country I stay in, I haven't noticed any discrimination of those wearing the niqab.

- Anonymous
_________________________________________________________________

Niqab is a
A choice of Muslim women that must be respected

Why do you think so (previous question)

People have the right to wear what they like and the government doesn't get the right to police anyone especially women's clothing.


What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?

I am 100% for it.


- Jocelyn, Student
__________________________________________________________________

Niqab is a
A choice of Muslim women that must be respected

Why do you think so (previous question)

Just as women are allowed to walk around wearing few clothes, I don't see why having women covering up should be looked down upon either. Double standards.


What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?Women have many rights, and they have the right to cover up if they want to. No force involved they are able to do so as they wish, women have that choice.

- Anonymous
___________________________________________________________________

Niqab is a
Is a garment to conceal the beauty of a person

Why do you think so (previous question)
Because why else would somebody be covered from head to toe. If a woman was as dedicated to Islam as she makes out, these garments wouldn't be needed. Or is it because the men have no control over themselves?

Q3: What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?
I don't think people should cover their face in public. Whether it's a niqab or a balaclava covering your face is intimidating.

-KB, Office worker

Our Response: One of the reasons we wear the Niqab is to conceal our beauty and because women in Islam are precious and held in high esteem, we prefer to reveal out beauty only for those men that matter on our life and not for any random man. 
___________________________________________________________________

Niqab is a
A choice of Muslim women that must be respected

Why do you think so (previous question)
Clearly, modesty is not offensive.

- Anonymous


________________________________________________________________


Niqab is a
A sign of liberation and modesty

Why do you think so (previous question)
Living in a world where women are judged based on their looks, I believe niqab liberates women and says to people you know what I can bring more to the table than just my beauty.

What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?
I think the rights of women to wear the niqab should be respected and everyone should have the right and freedom to practice their religion and choose to wear whatever they want as long as it's not causing any harm.

- Naimo, Student

____________________________________________________________________

Niqab is a
A choice of Muslim women that must be respected

Why do you think so (previous question)
Because Freedom is important!

What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?
All humans should have equal rights, so one wearing or not wearing the Niqab does not matter!

- Balwinder, Chef

__________________________________________________________________

Niqab is a
Veil to the unseen. Prevention of the influence to men 

Why do you think so (previous question)

I know so. Given the styles for varying ages. It's the unseen that project lust to the human flesh

What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?

Self loyalty. Did women name the rights

- Glenn Mearns 
Our Response: Unfortunately, this comment was unclear to us so we are unable to respond.
__________________________________________________________________

Niqab is a
A sign of liberation and modesty 

Why do you think so (previous question)

Looking back at the situation of women back then during the Roman empire

What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?

There's no difference in rights, look at the women of Turkey

- Anonymous
__________________________________________________________________

We also received some responses from Muslims. Originally, this survey was targeted towards non-Muslims, and the poll results mentioned at the start of the survey are the opinions of only non-Muslims, so it's all totally fair. The responses from Muslims are great too, so here they are:


Niqab is:
A choice of Muslim women that must be respected

Why do you think so (previous question)
Because it's not obligatory therefore the person wearing it, has chose to.

What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?
Should have equal rights to people not wearing the niqab



-Noor, Student


___________________________________________________________________


Niqab is a
A choice of Muslim women that must be respected

Why do you think so (previous question)
It has been obligated for us women to cover ourselves I don't understand how a female could want to stop another from striving to please the Creator. Why do I see so many mothers saying we should ban it in England? It's like they prefer their daughters to be showing skin and going to clubs having boyfriends etc. I am not judging I just don't see that as a respectable way of life. In the niqab, however, sisters can protect their chastity and guard their selves from the evil distractions we are exposed to in this life and especially now. It is totally the opposite of being oppressed - to cover yourself for your Creator :)

What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?
They should have their rights always upheld and respected and their rights should be made clear to them so they can stand up for themselves in a court of law if needed. I think some people get surprised when they realize a woman in Niqab is so honourable, with niqab you have a barrier between self and dunya (this world) but even some who say they love God still say we should ban niqab in UK because "it could be anyone". Don't claim to love God if you can't love your own sisters (without having to see their faces) for His sake. If people do not understand why a woman would choose to cover herself in this life then seriously they need to broaden their perspective on this.

- Anonymous

__________________________________________________________________

Niqab is a
A sign of liberation and modesty

Why do you think so (previous question)
Women don't need to be gawked at by strangers

What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?
It is their choice. Why would somebody have a problem not seeing a face of somebody just because they are muslim. They must think Islam is the tight religion but they're just scared.

- Abdirahman Mohamad, Student

__________________________________________________________________

Niqab is a
A sign of liberation and modesty

Why do you think so (previous question)
It gives them a choice to liberate themselves from the clutches of modern civilization, in which women are being and oppressed and has no dignity whatsoever. More over they don't even comprehend this. Their bodies are treated as objects for pleasure and amusement, abused sexually, have to have multiple sex partners to choose a husband. I wonder if it's their liberty or they are being deceived into free prostitution by the male part of the society. Much more.

What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?
Believe me, they are in control of their lives, they know their rights better than anyone else. You have to have a sincere look in the lives of these sisters, they practice more rights than your so called liberated women. They enjoy more rights, believe me.

- Syed Muhammad Ali Raza Mashhadi

__________________________________________________________________

Niqab is a
A choice of Muslim women that must be respected

Why do you think so (previous question)
Because Allah said there is no compulsion in religion so if a believing woman puts the niqab on I believe it's her understanding of the deen

What do you think about the rights of women wearing the Niqab?
It should not be tampered with

- Aisha Yusuff, Student


__________________________________________________________________

Because some answers were anonymous, we are not totally sure if they are Muslim or not. Nevertheless, we've tried to be as accurate as we can with the poll results. This is the results of the entire survey, with the opinions of both Muslims and non-Muslims:



If anyone would still like to give their opinions, feel free to do so by leaving a comment below and if you would like to ask any questions about the Niqab, Hijab or just about anything about Islam, email us on niqablovers@gmail.com and we'll be glad to answer you.


Once again, thank you so much for everyone who participated in the survey. We really appreciate it! And everyone who says that the Niqab is a choice that must be respected, so much respect for you all! Thank you!



Tuesday, October 14, 2014

MY NIQAB: MY NEW IDENTITY


'For some, it was just a Niqab. For me it was a reminder to skip the pleasures of this world, because Jannah is just far more tempting.'






GUEST POST BY SISTER TAWHIDA

I'm a 16 year old Asian Muslim girl, and my journey to wearing a Niqab was very spiritual, and forever memorable. :) I was living in America, and ever since just the age of 7, I always prayed 5 times a day and was good, but we all know how it's like these days.. Being the 'modern Muslim' is acceptable. I wore a Hijab with shirts and jeans from age 8 to age 11. And then seeing my sisters wearing the Abaya to school and all, I began wearing too, but only to school. I'd wear our traditional dress with no Hijab at all everywhere else. But then certain circumstances had us moving back to our home country, and that's when my journey started. 

In the beginning, I was just enjoying the new country, no Abaya to be seen, and a simple scarf placed on my head... lol not even wrapped. But anyway, this was going on for a year. After that I decided to wear full on Hijab, but sadly I would end up styling it, as it was a normal thing to do. The Abaya was on and off, as I went

to school and had to wear a uniform. But I would wear it wherever it would be 'suitable' like shopping. This went on for another 2 years. 

But then I got tired of all this... It would take hours dressing up. And take the rest of the day constantly fixing the hijab if it got 'out of place'. It was frustrating... I didn't want to care so much! And not to mention my prayers would get disturbed as I constantly thought of how many guys looked at me, or this and that. Then school began to be a real problem. Although I was shy and never had a slip-up of my morals, boys always bothered me, stalked me till my home even! It was really just disturbing. I eventually left school, and started home schooling instead. I was really depressed about staying home, as I would not be able to get out as often. But THIS is what changed my life, and I only know it now! I wanted to get closer to Allah, to get through my depressions, to just find peace. 


By now I wore Abaya and Hijab everywhere. But that just didn't cut it for me. I still got the same attention. I did not want to sin, because I knew my gaze would wander if I got such attention. Soon enough, Allah gave me a solution. My sister introduced to me the Niqab, the miracle, my peace. It was as if I was invisible, like I would get my work done with zero disturbances. Finallyy! 


To make such changes was Alhamdulillah very easy for me because I had 2 other sisters who went through the same phases as me. We were always together where ever we would go, and it was easy to be bold. People who knew us from before looked at us with respect, respect for our brave decision. I'm proud of myself and how much I have evolved! It all took time, but I finally got the peace I was looking for. Because no guy wants to bother the 'too good girl'. I mean, there was no fun in that right? Heck, I say that's just GREAT! This is a part of me now, my identity. Now that I feel firm in my faith, I'm ready to go back to America, In sha Allah, and be an inspiration to all my sisters in Islam! What better way is there to do Jihad, than to show the harsh disbelievers how much pride I have in my religion? 


This piece of cloth sisters, changed my life! It made my faith strong in so many levels, it's just unexplainable! It's my protection, my reminder to be aware of my actions, and I won't doubt that this very well acts as a reminder to the brothers as well SubhanAllah! 


Thanks for reading my story and please make Dua for me :) May Allah give us all courage and guide us unto the straight path.



Note: If you would like to share your Hijab or Niqab stories or experiences, send us an email on niqablovers@gmail.com and share your story to inspire Muslimahs all over!



Wednesday, October 8, 2014

... AND THIS IS WHY I TOTALLY DISAGREE WITH THIS IMAGE


This image has gone really viral over the past few months or so, and I should say, it's something I totally disagree with. Why? Because the image is not a message of benefit but one of humiliation. I know that some of you might think I say this only because I am a Niqabi and I've taken this way too personally. The fact is, I have. Being a Niqabi, it is natural to take a message like this personally because it does not only insult Niqabis, but the Niqab and the Hijab on the whole. And this is exactly why I simply cannot stand this.

Now to the message of the image. One of the many reasons I disagree with this is because it goes contrary to Islam. For the left side of the image of a non-Hijabi reading the Quran, I have just one question to ask: Hijab is a command in Islam. Surely, all of you agree with this. When the Quran orders that women wear the Hijab, how can we read the Quran while not following one of its orders? The next is that when you read the Quran, you should be in the state of Wudhu and how can your Wudhu be accepted if nail polish has been applied? Once again a contradiction in the message of this picture.

Now for the right side of the image of the Niqabi. It is haraam in Islam to smoke cigarettes and this is true for all Muslims, Niqabi or not.

And finally, for the caption. The 'Don't Judge Me' paranoia has hit the Muslim Ummah really hard and as much as some of you might hate it, I think this is just an excuse some people say to push away any advice ( and I particularly emphasize on *some*). It is true that a person's relationship with Allah is something only between that person and Allah, but our attitude and way of dressing denotes how close our relationship with Allah is. If we are true Muslimahs, we would wear the Hijab and we'll make no excuses for it. 

And please, if you have any respect for the Islamic dress code which is the Hijab and Niqab, please avoid sharing images like this online because not only are you giving non-Muslims, who may not be very supportive of our dress code, a very bad impression of Islam, but you are also pushing away non-Hijabi/Niqabi sisters from donning the Hijab/Niqabi because they may easily believe that the way we dress is not important so long as we are simply Muslims. Dawah should encourage other Muslims towards practicing Islam. Not push them away from it. As harsh as I may sound, this is true. And for those who would like to call me an extremist... Oh well, I've had enough of that! The truth needs to be said, whether we like it or not.



P.S:  Niqabis are humans and they are prone to making mistakes too. Please stop associating their mistakes with their attire.

P.P.S: Niqabis- take this as a wake-up call. When we wear the Niqab or Hijab, we represent Islam and people will scrutinize us very, very carefully, so make sure that your behaviour does not bring any shame to the honourable Hijab or Niqab in any way.