Ok, the Niqab is Out...

By a Margin of 56.7% in favor, and 43.3% against, the participants at the Doha Debates have booted the Niqab out. Those in favor were 'Lord' Ahmed of Rotherham and Reem Maghribi, founder of Al Sharq, the English language British-Arab culture and lifestyle magazine.

What a relief! Phew... Now, all the niqabis can take their niqab off, because the mandate has been delivered.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? Give me a BIG break folks! Doha debates idiots: do you really believe that the niqab or any other Islamic ensemble or Islamic issue is up for debates between people who don't have any real Islamic knowledge? Do you really think that Muslim women just wear the niqab, because they like it so much just to undergo the daily looks and stares? Do you really think if it was only cultural, we wouldn't be smart to figure that out?? Remember too, Doha-debate geniuses: The difference of opinion among the people of Sunnah is limited to two: (1) It is obligatory or (2) it is optional but mustahab (recommended). The third opinion that it is only cultural is the pro-regressive, Western brown-nosing, "we are different from everyone else" opinion, which has absolutely no backing in Islamic jurisprudence.

While I am a bit disappointed that "Lord" Ahmed wants the niqab out, it is almost hilarous that Ms. Maghribi is on the same side. I mean what do you expect from this pro-regressive woman, who does not even wear the hijab! Check her 'young and energetic' team... does it even look like that she cares about Muslim issues, let alone have any right to discuss the niqab?? I mean are you going to let George Bush or Dick Cheney vote too? In fact, give Condi a special place on the table, I wonder which way she will vote, hmm.... What right does Maghribi or for that matter ANYONE have to vote what is right for Muslim women or not? Since it is an insult to real Muslims to have someone like Maghribi be part of a discussion that involves practicing Muslims as opposed to her obvious position, I don't think it is particularly beneficial to even bother about her. She should focus on her magazine and continue 'modernizing' Arabs so that they can fully leave Islam and adopt the Western mold that she has adopted.

On the other hand, Lord Ahmed's inclusion on the wrong side was a bit surprising, he wants it out because it is a barrier to integrating Muslims, a religious symbol of separation, hmm... And the point is?? Muslims don't want to assimilate Mr. Ahmed. We want to maintain our Muslim identities, but who told you that it meant that we cannot contribute to the society we live in. In a multi-cultural, diverse, dynamic society, many groups and many races, each with their lifestyles can contribute without losing their identities.

“I don’t want it (Niqab) to be banned by law but I am calling for a sensible debate on the issue,” Ahmed said, referring to the ban imposed by France and some other European countries on wearing face veil in offices, schools etc. He noted that 57 per cent of the British public feel that Muslims are not integrated to the British society and 67 per cent of them supported Jack Straw who triggered a debate on the issue by calling Muslim women to keep away from wearing the face veil.

Ok, so Mr. Ahmed, WHY stop at the niqab? If 67% of the British society starts supporting the call to remove the hijab (the head scarf), should we consider that open-game as well? Where would you draw the line? Why is that Muslim women have been wearing the scarves and the niqabs forever and only now has it become an issue??

Mr. Ahmed, your nose is already too bloody with the brown-nosing... just stop it bro, it is getting embarrassing.

On the flip side of these nonsensical debates comes a beautiful article by Sr. Sahar Ullah, a student at the prestigious University of Chicago, on her reflections about the niqab during her undergrad years. Check it out for yourself and give her major props.