Re: 'Remove full veils' urges Straw
Greetings Hana_Aku
Couple quick responses, sorry if I do not address all the points you raise.
First, it is not the worshipping which may (debatably) constitute an unfair special privilege. It is arbuably the wearing of a bodily ornament which COULD represent a risk to public safety. The conditionality of said risk being irrelevant to the issue. Risks which are low in probability are nonetheless used as a basis for many sovereigns to impose restrictions on the behavior of their citizens. We all have to daily engage in myriad hassles, and impositions on our freedom and liberty for the simple reason that society proscribes us to do so because not doing so would in many specific instances constitute a POTENTIAL risk to social welfare, e.g., obeying the speed limit.
How does a veil pose a threat or risk to public safety? Do you know how ridiculous that sounds??? :giggling: Obeying the speed limit is a law and it is a proven danger to citizens/society when not obeyed. So, because vehicles have the ability to travel at 240kmh and we KNOW that can result in the death or serious injury to many, all vehicles should be banned? I want you to list the dangers of me wearing a veil has on society. I, for one, would love to see how my choice to cover is putting the life of others at risk.
Certainly you may be able to drive 180kph safely most of the time. But based on the simple probability that an accident is more likely to occur with increased vehicular speed, and that it will be more destructive, most soverieigns take it on themselves to impose on all of us by restricting us from driving in excess of certain speeds, no matter how skilled a driver you are, nor no matter how time pressured you are, nor your philosophies about auto racing.
As I've already said, we KNOW speed kills, we KNOW excessive speeding is a danger or threat to others. This is a proven fact. You can't compare the wearing of a veil in act of worship to an automobile traveling in accessive speed. My wearing of a veil doesn't make me travel down the sidewalk doing 180kmh, endangering the lives of passersby. My veil doesn't turn into a high powered piece of steel ready to slam into unsuspecting victims causing countless injuries or to hurl itself at small shrubs, trees, lamp posts, etc., causing them to be damaged.
But I would want to see empirical sociological proof that there was an objective level of increased societal risk or negative impact from the scanty dress, and would refuse to accept any religious decrees, or sacred texts as such proof unless they could be related to scientifically-verifiable empirical evidence about the contemporary setting.
There is ample proof that women who dress prevocatively are at a greater risk of being attacked, raped, murdered, harrassed, etc., than women who dress conservatively. And, no, I am not blaming women for that, but there are consequences and risks when we opt to portray ourselves in a manner that can give the wrong message. As a woman I know very well how often some women will dress in a string bikini, or use the equivalent of a wide belt for a mini skirt and hankerchief for a shirt, all for the purpose of attracting attention from males, and then when they are treated with disrespect and scream harrassment, they want everyone to feel sympathy. Sorry I don't. They put themselves at risk by how they choose to represent themselves. Then they wonder why they often attract attention very different than what they wanted. Yes, there is a danger and a risk by not covering properly. But, this is their right, their freedom. People like Straw want to take away MY freedom and oppress me because I choose not to be disrespected and because I choose to follow what is ordained by God.
If you want to follow man-made laws and ignore the laws of God, that is entirely up to you and anyone else that wants that....just don't try to force your ideas on others that find those morals and values unacceptable. If you don't like the veil, then don't look at it, don't talk to me, walk on the other side of the street. It makes no difference to me. I don't wear the veil to please you or anyone else. I wear it to please God. If there are people having issues speaking with others that dress differently than themselves, that's their problem....get therapy and get over it, or stay home. Don't attempt to socialize. However, if you want to learn about others, learn hands on why people dress a particular way, then ask them instead of making ridiculous comments with no basis in fact. Learn to be tolerant or live in your shell of ignorance....the choice is up to the individual.
I appreciate the separation of Church and State, as do most citizens in the non-Islamic world.
Islam is not only a religion it is an entire way of life. It has provided laws for all aspects of society, including religion, politics, social issues, etc., etc., etc. Islam is an entire way of life providing guidance in ALL areas, not just worship.
No one is asking a non muslim to give up their rights so that we may have ours. No one is asking a non muslim to put their life in danger so we are able to wear a veil or practice our faith. Either educate yourself as to why it's worn and accept it or reject it or just leave the sisters alone and mind your business and spend your time being concerned about yourself instead of the fashions worn by others.
(When I say "you", I'm using it in general terms, not to you in particular, so please don't be offended.)
Peace,
Hana
