Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

The veil controversy

This refers to the article "Even other Muslims turn and look at me" (Oct. 25) by Zaiba Malik and other discussions on the niqab. Whatever Zaiba says about wearing the niqab is only her opinion. One should not come to drastic conclusions (feeling of being `buried in black snow') on the basis of a day's experience. There might have been some who admired her for her modesty but did not express their admiration. Why does she not talk to those who wear the niqab? Wearing the veil is a matter of faith. People who have no knowledge of religion should not interpret it for fame.

Rubina Baseerath,
Hyderabad

* * *

It is indeed unfortunate to see the linen of internal dissent in a community being washed publicly. The burqa is the Koranic interpretation of modesty, piety, respect, and recognition that Muslim women should seek in society. Today we see even bar girls coming to court wearing a burqa. It is liberally misused in films. Do Muslims ever question all this? Does it not hurt the sentiments of the religious minded people? Even among Rajput Hindus, the purdah system exists for valid cultural reasons. But does anyone ever question it?

The media are too busy setting their agenda to be responsible or accountable with of course exceptions such as the Corrections and Clarifications column of The Hindu . Perceptions, images, and opinions determine views and shape thoughts and policy. Where is the voice of the middle class mainstream Muslims? What difference does it make to be educated, professional or mainstream when you are not heard or recognised? It is pathetic that Muslims are sectioned and their opinions hijacked.

Amnah Khalid Rashid,
Aligarh, U.P.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Republicans on the ropes
Muted exuberance
Coming to terms with India's missing Muslims
An unfolding tragedy in Sri Lanka
Text messaging challenge to tyranny of spelling
Corrections and clarifications
IX Schedule
On fatwas
The veil controversy
Unfortunate

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu