DEAR WOMEN, KNOW YOUR WORTH

“Allah does not look at your figures, nor at your attire but He looks at your hearts [and deeds].” [Muslim]

It's ironic how some people talk of Islam as though women have been given no rights at all and that being brought up to live with modesty, associate only with the men that matter in our lives (our mahrams), wearing the Hijab/Niqab and getting married and caring for children is like living a caged up life. What's more ironic is that the same people who portray this false image of Muslim women are the ones who are, more often than not, leading a purposeless life.

Allah has created us for a purpose- which is to worship Him- and we simply can't forget about our purpose of existence and live life to the fullest, because as they say 'You life only once'. I'm not saying that you shouldn't live life to the fullest. Of course we should because this life is a gift from Allah to us, but we must never forget our main purpose which is to worship Him. If we wake up each day with no purpose to drive us, it's natural that we'll be like the walking dead and getting through a day will turn out to be a chore. Living with no restrictions and believing that this is freedom is absolutely foolish. Why? Because everything has its limits and so does freedom. When you exceed that limit, you can never make sense of your life.

What I'm trying to talk about here is that people, women in particular, don't realize their worth. We happen to blindly believe in whatever that we see on the media and movies and we tend to believe that that is life. Well you know what? It's not. It's all one huge lie and if we fall into that trap, then Shaitan has won won us over, Na'oozhubillah.

There is a reason why I say that what you see on the media are lies. How many times have we heard of celebrities suffering from depression and anxiety, which has even lead to suicide. Think of it- these celebrities apparently have everything they need: beauty, money, status, fame and of course, their freedom. Then why do they fall into depression? Everything that they have cannot keep them happy because they are straying away from the purpose of their creation. We have been created to obey and worship Allah and this is what our hearts yearn for. It's the Fitrah in which every single person is created with. So when we deprive ourselves of this, we get depressed and in extreme cases, even suicidal.

Pictures of celebrities and models are all over the web and on newspapers and even on the media, they are spoken of as mere entertainment and sexual objects. What's more, there is an entire community behind them that is dedicated solely to carefully scrutinizing and condemning the bodies of celebrities and models when they fail to get back in shape one month after giving birth or if they wear something which clearly doesn't meet the fashion standards of the current time or if their makeup isn't right or their skin has started sagging... I mean, you get the picture. A woman has no right over how she can behave and dress. Everything should be within the framework of fashion and when society dictates the way a woman must dress or be, then seriously, that is what is true oppression.

This kind of scrutiny is allowed and even welcomed by the media but how is that when it comes to a Muslim woman who chooses to cover herself with modesty and guard her chastity, it immediately opens up a plethora of opinions where they claim that Islam oppresses women.

In Islam, we women know our worth. 

We refuse to bow down to the fashion of this world. Our submission is not to fashion nor is it to the media. It is only to Allah and this is the kind of freedom that brings immeasurable peace to our hearts.

We refuse to live by the kind of freedom portrayed by the media where the more skin you show, the more freedom people tend to think we are. No matter what anyone says, freedom can only truly be felt through modesty and people are going to respect you only if you respect yourself and your body. 

We refuse to have pre-marital or extra-marital affairs where a woman if used up shamelessly by a man she hardly knows and then tossed over like some object that is not valued. We Muslim women uphold our chastity and modesty where we are respected for who we are. 

We refuse to feel precious by caking ourselves with layers of makeup and then falling hopelessly depressed when we look at ourselves in the mirror without any makeup. The beauty standards of Islam teaches us to be happy in our own skin and we don't have to put up a fake makeup-ed face to feel confident and good.

Our freedom lies in obeying Allah, being modest and comfortable with who we are and we refuse to be subservient to fashion or men. We know our worth. 

NIQABIS- OPPRESSED OR IN SERENITY?

Why are those who choose to veil looked down upon but those naked, praised?

So who are these women covered from head to toe, are they oppressed and burdened as depicted in the morning paper or are they women who embody serenity? Are they enslaved under a patriarchal system or at peace- as free as they can be.

There are three main types of Islamic dress relating to women when in public:

• Headscarf (Known as Hijab): This is the most common type where the woman is fully covered with only the hands and face visible. 
• Niqab: This is normally a dull coloured gown that covers the whole body except the eyes. 
• Burqa: This is like the Niqab but the eyes are covered too or sometimes thick netting is used in the eye area- just enough to see. 

They are worn in the presence of men who are classed as Non-Mahrams- You can read more on them here.

Less than 0.2% of Muslim women wear the face veil. The most common reason is to devote their efforts towards attaining the nearness to God. There are Islamic traditions where some women completely veiled themselves from social life; It is not simply covering up, it is a practise that entails embodiment of complete servitude. This means as an individual you adhere to Gods manner 110%- a life full of complete honesty, integrity, fairness, kindness, forbearance, humility, compassion, selflessness and forgiveness. However this is not the intention of some, for them it’s emulating the wives of the Prophet ﷺ (out of love) or veiling their beauty from strange men.

Top ten replies of a survey asked to 100 Muslims and 100 non-Muslims

Undoubtedly the Niqab has an Islamic basis, Islamic texts make it clear that the ‘hijab’ is compulsory for Muslim women to observe. However scholars have differed as to whether the Niqab is compulsory or an optional act of virtue.

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters, as well as all believing women, that they should draw over themselves some of their outer garments [when in public]: this will be more conducive to their being recognised as decent women and not molested, And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” 

Quran 33:59

To understand this difference further please see my additional post: What is the Niqaab?


Now, we are at a period of time where the Niqab is portrayed as something barbaric, oppressive and suppressive of female empowerment. Media campaigns have been launched, brainwashing the average Joe, and now many countries have banned the wearing of this garment, while others have considered banning or limiting its use.

Looking closer at the issue, why is it that we alienate those who choose to veil themselves and applaud those who wear the bare minimum. If having freedom of choice is female empowerment, surely the Niqabis should be respected too. As much as you may argue that men enforce the Niqab, it’s also men who use women for sexual objectification. Its a simple fact. Societies at large applauded Kim Kardashian for her recent bare nude pictures – but really, is this what we’ve come down too?

J.D. Unwin, a behaviourist of Cambridge University, studied 80 primitive tribes and 16 civilized nations in regarding sex and culture. He concluded ‘that the cultural behaviour of any human society depends first on the inherent nature of the human organism, and secondly, on the state of energy into which, as a result of its sexual regulations, the society has arrived.’ From his findings, low level culture was found in tribes insisting on sex without marriage and high level civilisation was found in tribes insisting on pre-marital chastity. Therefore limitation of sexual opportunity is key in reduced rates of rape, harassment, oppression and abuse of women.

This does not necessarily mean every woman should veil but looking at society around us, its difficult to deny the truth. And it certainly does not mean the veil will prevent all cases of rape and molestation but the idea of modesty- not only protects you but society too. G. A Parwez proposes that, ‘in both primitive and modern societies, it can be evaluated that observing modesty plays a key role in the development of a purer richer culture’.

A question of choice 

Furthermore, regardless of the many connotations the niqaab holds, should it mean that a woman’s freedom of choice should be taken away? Modern societies are based on the emphasis of democracy and human rights, from which, every person has the right to freely practise their religion. As the Niqab has a religious facet, it goes against this core human right.

“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion… either alone or in community with others and in public or private..” Article 9 ECHR

Therefore whilst claiming to protect Muslim women- a ban would make life intolerable for those who wear the Niqaab, by forcing them to choose between defying their beliefs and leave the house or not leaving the house at all.


It should be noted that even amongst Muslims there is disagreement on the veil but differences in opinion are respected. Its unanimous that the Niqaab does have a place in Islam, the Prophet’s ﷺ wives wore a Niqaab. As they are the Mothers of the Believers, they are also role models for Muslim women, so some Muslim women wish to emulate them in every respect. Let’s look at some common questions and issues raised:

Common Questions

It is oppressive – Muslim women who choose to wear the Niqaab do so out of their own free will, believing it is an act of worship and a form of liberation from the objectification of women in modern society. In fact, preventing Muslim women from practising their religion is what is truly oppressive. When it comes down to being oppressed, the problem is not the Niqaab but the man, it is him who is possessive.

It is backwards – The Niqaab is not part of a short-lived fashion trend. It is a religious garment and act of worship which is not subject to time and therefore, does not become outdated. In fact, the Niqaab is gaining much popularity in modern societies, especially amongst Western convert women.

It is intimidating – While the Niqaab may appear intimidating to some people, it is not worn with the intention of being threatening or frightening. People are often intimidated by what they have no knowledge of, and the Niqaab is a piece of clothing which should not warrant fearful reaction. Underneath the Niqaab is a person simply trying to practise their religion. It is interesting to note that other forms of dress and appearance are no longer considered intimidating, as they have become accepted by the wider community. Tattoos, extremely short dresses, revealing clothes, body piercing and outlandish hairstyles are all examples of this phenomena.

Form of male domination – Wearing the Niqaab does not in any way suggest that women are inferior to men. Claiming that the Niqaab is a symbol of male domination goes against the fact that many women voluntarily wear the Niqaab, some even wear it against their husbands wishes.

Barlas 2003 said Female inferiority was not an ideology in Muslim societies, but Muslims had family laws that were based on male authority. The purpose was to lead the family in to a rich and respectable family. Islam does not disallow women to work or take charge, but emphasis on men was placed to show there is a duty.

Anti-social – There is nothing in the Niqaab that prevents a woman from interacting with other members of society, or from participating in the community. In fact, neither the Hijab nor the Niqaab are required when among women only. Every woman who wears a Niqaab is a unique individual, and it is unfair and inaccurate to make a sweeping judgement about all such women based on one item of clothing they have in common. Community values necessitate that people should not be judged by what they wear, nor discriminated against or mistreated, based on their choice of clothing or appearance.

It stops women from contributing to society – Wearing a Niqaab does not stop a woman from contributing to society or from pursuing higher education. Many women who wear the Niqaab are very highly educated, or lead very successful careers. From the very advent of Islam, Aisha, the wife of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), was and still is renowned as one of the greatest Islamic scholars to have ever lived. The fact that she wore the Niqaab did not, in any way, hinder her from becoming such a prominent scholar or from teaching the men and women of her society.

It is a security risk – Niqaab are no more of a security risk than a motorcycle helmet, big fashion sunglasses, or a big beanie, and can be removed when identification is required for security reasons. Of course, the request for removal should be done by another woman and not in the presence of men (where possible).

So to conclude, when you come across a woman in a Niqaab, always remember that she is an individual, she has her own interests and personality. The moment you paint her with the same brush as Fox News, all you do is distant yourself from interacting with another human. In the modern world we are all striving to be ourselves and live amongst each other, its important to understand that religious belief is not mere opinion, it is very dear to some people. So if a woman chooses to wear a veil as part of her religion, then honour and respect that. But if you suspect that a woman is wearing a veil out of oppression, then be there, and support her. It helps no one in pointing the finger. Many women who practise the Niqaab are in serenity, no one should have that taken away from them. To finish this post I have shared some snippets of thought from a few Niqaabis. Enjoy!

Some Snippets

The niqab is a religious symbol and wearing it is considered by many Muslim women as an act of worship. Certainly the niqab is a spiritual journey that not many will take or understand, but those women who choose to wear it, believe that it brings them closer to God, their Creator.


Personally, Muslim women wear the niqab to build a stronger and closer connection with the Almighty. It provides you with a sense of safety and protection. Not only that, it lets others know about your religion, and that is where the pride comes from. Alhamdulillah we are blessed to be Muslims and I love embracing that through wearing the Niqab. Also, due to the huge amount of fitna nowadays, I feel safeguarded and modest in my Niqab.


See me for me, not my beauty.


Because its her choice. :) Muslim or not, a woman has the right to choose what she wishes to let others see, and if she wishes to guard her modesty entirely by not allowing others to see her face then that is perfectly acceptable.


Because personally, I felt that the Hijab wasn’t enough. Its like covering the ring but flaunting off the diamond.


Being an active student of knowledge for the past few years, my ‘image’ became less important and the person inside became more prominent, something I really needed to focus on. I simply understood the beauty of modesty. In actions, in words and in physical covering. My beauty should be for my husband only, I refuse to be looked upon like I’m some prey, and even hijab wasn’t enough to keep perverted eyes away. Sacrifices were definitely worth this feeling, and I have never felt more at peace in my life.



You look at me and call me oppressed,
Simply because of the way I’m dressed,You know me not for what is inside,You judge the clothing I wear with pride,

My body is not for your eyes to hold,
You must speak to my mind, not my feminine mould,I’m an individual. I’m no man’s slave,It’s Allah’s pleasure that I only crave,

I have a voice so I will be heard,
For in my heart I carry His word,“O ye women, wrap close your cloak,So you won’t be bothered by ignorant folk”.

Man doesn’t tell me to dress this way,
It’s law from God that I obey,

Oppressed is something I’m truly not, For liberation is what I’ve got, It was given to me many years ago,With the right to prosper, the right to grow,

I can climb mountains or cross the seas, Expand my mind in all degrees,For God Himself gave us liberty,When He sent Islam, to you and me!

A re-post from http://www.sociable7.com/2015/03/11/oppressed-or-in-serenity/

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

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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

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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

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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!