Lately in many western countries, specifically the United Kingdom, there have been some calls by high level politicos to have Muslim women do without the hijab. The latest and strongest call to this action has been by the Rt. Hon. Jack Straw, a Labour Party leadership contender. Mr. Straw did not go as far as suggesting legislation, but instead made calls for a vague societal change to improve Muslim relations.The hijab in the western world has come to specifically refer to the headscarf warn by Muslim women, but according to the Qur'an it refers to modesty of dress and demeanor of all persons of Islamic belief. This modesty of dress and demeanor in very central to Islamic belief, as is the Kesh (long hair and turban) for Sikh men. Many other examples of dress and custom that relate to other faiths could be listed, but none seem to be as under attack as the hijab (headscarf).
As with all traditions and customs of faith, many faithful make their own personal choices as to how strictly they follows those traditions and customs. That is not to say persons are not pressured by their family and faith to conform, but in the western world it is mostly a choice. I think that Muslim women should be allowed the freedom to choose to wear the headscarf without additional pressures from the government or other political entities. In a free and democratic society there will always be a need for some reasonable restrictions of religious and personal freedoms, but going after women for wearing a headscarf is just not a battle we need to be fighting to protect our society.
Shalom/Saalam
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