[Dean's World] Ali Eteraz: Jack Straw and the Muslim Veil (Niqab)

[notify at powerblogs.com]

Posted by Ali Eteraz:
Jack Straw and the Muslim Veil (Niqab)
http://www.deanesmay.com/posts/1160575290.shtml


   Jack Straw, who opposed the publication of the Danish Cartoons,
   criticized the niqab (veil over the face) that some Muslim women in
   England have been wearing.

   Just a momentary tutorial: niqab is the word for the face veil which
   covers the nose and mouth and exposes only the eyes. It can also be
   called the burqa. Hijab is the term for the head-scarf where the face
   is visible. It is not a burqa. There is some evidence in the Quran
   that hijab might be required (although I and an increasing minority
   disagree). There is no textual basis in the Quran for the requirement
   of niqab.

   I've lived in London and visited the environs. That was in 2002. I
   recall saying to someone as we took a bus ride, "these are the most
   niqabis I have ever seen in the Western Hemisphere."

   Then, I moved to Philly, and soon changed my mind. In Philly, unlike
   London where it is primarily immigrants who are wearing the niqab, it
   is black women who have adopted it. At some point in 2003 I said to
   someone else "I think there's more niqabis in Philly than even
   England!"

   In the U.S. we don't think that a number of black Muslim women wearing
   the niqab is that big of a deal. In England, a number of immigrant
   Muslim women wearing the niqab is a big deal. There are probably a
   couple of reasons for this: in Philly, no one really cares what's
   going on in the lives of black women. Largely, because black
   communities are hidden and irrelevant to most people. In England,
   because of the 7/7 attacks and the foiled terror plot, everyone is up
   in the Muslim communities' business, and therefore, the niqab gets
   commentated on.

   Jack Straw should not be arguing that the niqab should be eliminated.
   He should instead be promoting those parts of the Muslim community
   which don't consider niqab a requirement (that would be the majority,
   btw). I believe in free exercise and for that reason would not ban the
   niqab. But I would not sit on my laurels and accept it either.

   Thabet, a British Muslim blog, [1]has more on the niqab and Straw. He
   explores how statements like Straw's increase the hostility Muslims
   feel. I would have liked if his article highlighted the Muslim
   leadership crisis in England. I would have especially liked to see
   someone go after Tariq Ramadan. What is the use of having a Chair at
   Cambridge if you are essentially worthless when it comes to bridging
   the Straws and the Muslim communities?

   Thabet also deals with [2]Muslim ghettoes and [3]Muslims as political
   footballs.

References

   1. http://underprogress.blogs.com/weblog/2006/10/jack_straw_give.html
   2. http://underprogress.blogs.com/weblog/2006/10/muslim_ghettoes.html
   3. http://underprogress.blogs.com/weblog/2006/10/muslims_as_poli.html